115-107
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
41-30|L10: 6-4
Denver
Nuggets
42-28|L10: 4-6
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Eastern Conference
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DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
Gordon will miss a second straight game on Wednesday as he deals with a second hamstring strain. The injury has limited Gordon to just 23 appearances, which has been one of his best statistical seasons as a pro. Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones should continue to start at the forward spots, while Bruce Brown should come off the bench to play important minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 1 month ago
While Murray continues to appear on the Nuggets’ injury reports, he is once again listed as probable. After struggling from three in Tuesday’s loss to the Pistons, look for the Nuggets’ guard to bounce back against the shorthanded Nets.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #17
about 1 month ago
Similarly to last season when Domantas Sabonis was injured which opened up playing time for Valančiūnas to thrive on the Kings, Nikola Jokic’s injury has done the same for Valančiūnas on the Nuggets. That could be coming to an end as soon as next week as Jokic will be re-evaluated for his return then. Valančiūnas continues to be a great waiver wire addition since Jokic went down and Tuesday’s 16-point, 16-rebound effort showed that once again.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 1 month ago
Murray struggled from behind the three-point line in this one, missing all six of his three-point attempts. The 28-year-old point guard had multiple chances to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Twice the Pistons fouled Murray while he attempted a three-pointer with the Nuggets trailing by three with less than 10 seconds, but both times he missed one of the first two free throws. Denver’s homestand continues Thursday against the Nets.
DEN • Center • #17
about 1 month ago
Valančiūnas missed Friday’s win over the Bucks and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies, which was postponed for bad weather. He was initially listed as probable Tuesday, so his availability isn’t surprising. Zeke Nnaji will return to the bench after playing 37 minutes when Valančiūnas was out against the Bucks. Both Valančiūnas and Nnaji will eventually be squeezed for minutes when Nikola Jokic (knee) returns.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
Watson was initially listed as probable to play, so his availability doesn’t come as a surprise. Spencer Jones started in his place in Denver’s last game, but he will likely head to the bench with Watson officially back in the lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 1 month ago
Murray missed Friday’s win over the Bucks and was questionable for Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies, which was postponed because of inclement weather. He was initially listed as probable Tuesday, so his availability isn’t much of a surprise. Julian Strawther had 20 points in the win against the Bucks, but will slide back to the bench with Murray back in the lineup.
DEN • Center • #15
about 1 month ago
Jokić has missed 14 straight games, but he’s nearing a return. According to Shams, “The Denver Nuggets will re-evaluate Nikola Jokić in about a week. He is making great progress; he’s in the ramp up phase of his return to play process.” Until Joker is cleared to return, the Nuggets will fill the void through a committee approach. The majority of big man minutes should be absorbed by Jonas Valančiūnas and Zeke Nnaji.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 1 month ago
Hachimura recorded one of his best games of January, scoring over 20 points for the first time since early November. The points came from efficient jump shooting and strong contributions from the three-point line. And although Hachimura didn’t make much noise in any other areas of the game, his scoring output on Monday should serve as another encouraging sign that the seventh-year forward has found his rhythm on offense again, having now totaled 40 points over the past two games. His production will be useful for the Lakers going forward, as they look to extend their winning streak to three games on Wednesday against the Cavaliers.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James played a solid game on Monday. He scored above his season average and was solid on the glass. His assist total was lower than usual, however, which brought down his fantasy production. While James has slowed down some in his 23rd NBA season, he’s still a reliable performer on a nightly basis, with the potential to contribute consistently across most statistical categories.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić followed a very strong performance against the Mavericks with another stellar one on Monday. He was outstanding in the win over Chicago, as he led Los Angeles in points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers. The Bulls had no answer for the superstar guard, who picked apart Chicago’s defense in various ways. The cherry on top for fantasy managers who roster Dončić was that he recorded only three turnovers. The Lakers have now put together back-to-back wins and Dončić has been a big reason why.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
With Watson unavailable for Friday’s win over the Bucks, Spencer Jones moved into the starting lineup. Since Denver won’t have Aaron Gordon on Tuesday, Jones may remain with the starters, pushing Zeke Nnaji to the bench if Jonas Valančiūnas plays.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #17
about 1 month ago
Valančiūnas did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks, which prompted Zeke Nnaji to move into the starting lineup. With Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out, Nnaji’s playing time may remain high, but he could be asked to come off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 1 month ago
Murray did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Grizzlies, which was postponed due to inclement weather. His likely return would push Julian Strawther to the bench after he scored 20 points against Milwaukee.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
Gordon strained his right hamstring during the second quarter of Friday’s win over the Bucks. This is the second time he’s injured his hamstring this season, so an extended absence may be in play. While DaRon Holmes II may pick up a few more minutes, Zeke Nnaji is the player fantasy managers should consider after he logged 37 productive minutes in Milwaukee.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Tuesday’s game will be the tenth that Braun has missed as the team looks to get his left ankle right. With Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) listed as probable, his return will likely push Julian Strawther to the bench. There’s no need to stream Strawther when he’s used in a reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 1 month ago
LaRavia will shed his questionable tag and play through his left quad contusion. He should remain in the starting lineup, with Rui Hachimura supporting him off the bench and picking up additional minutes if LaRavia is limited.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 1 month ago
LaRavia, who’s been a fixture in the starting lineup since the end of December, is dealing with a left quad contusion. If he’s unable to play against the Bulls, that opens the door for Rui Hachimura to start for the first time since going down with a strained calf last month.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
The good news for fantasy managers is that Ayton reached double digits in rebounds for the fourth time in his last seven appearances. That should take some of the sting out of the poor shooting. Over his previous two games, Ayton has shot 6-of-21 from the field, so it may be fair to question whether the left eye injury suffered in Denver on Tuesday is still an issue. As long as Ayton can provide increased production as a rebounder, the shooting should not be too much of a problem.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James filled the stat sheet, so there was some value to be had despite the limited scoring. Since the beginning of the month, he’s only had two games in which he’s failed to score at least 20 points. And over the past two weeks, James has offered top-20 value in eight-cat formats. The Lakers play four games in Week 15 with no back-to-backs, starting with Monday’s game against the Bulls in Chicago.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Playing in Dallas for the second time since being traded last January, Dončić helped lead the Lakers’ comeback. He finished two rebounds shy of a triple-double, and a charge taken on Naji Marshall with just under 42 seconds remaining sealed the game. Over the past two weeks, Dončić has been the top-ranked player in eight-cat formats. The Lakers continue their road trip in Chicago on Monday, the first of four games they’ll play in Week 15.
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks, with Zeke Nnaji starting in his place and playing 37 minutes. Given Denver’s lack of depth in the frontcourt, Nnaji would be worth streaming in deep leagues if he starts.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson did not play in Friday’s win over the Bucks, resulting in Spencer Jones returning to the starting lineup. With Aaron Gordon suffering a strained hamstring during Friday’s game, Jones will likely remain in the starting lineup even if Watson plays.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray was held out of Friday’s win over the Bucks, with Julian Strawther replacing him in the starting lineup. Despite a 1-of-6 night from three, the former first-round pick was productive in that role, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer. Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. will be worth a look in fantasy leagues if Murray remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Shooting Guard • #0
about 2 months ago
Sunday’s game will be the ninth that Braun has missed as he continues to work his way from a sprained left ankle initially suffered in mid-November. With Jamal Murray also out, the Nuggets started Julian Strawther in Friday’s win over the Bucks. Murray is listed as questionable for Sunday; if he can play, Strawther will head to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Power Forward • #22
about 2 months ago
With Nikola Jokic (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf) out, Nnaji made a spot start and provided the Nuggets with some solid production. In his 37 minutes, he attacked the glass hard to lead Denver in rebounds, and also led them in blocked shots. Additionally, the sixth-year pro scored in double figures to collect his first double-double of the season. He will likely remain the starter at center for as long as Jokic and Valanciunas are out.
DEN • Point Guard • #
about 2 months ago
Hardaway wasn’t the most efficient shooter on Friday, but his scoring was massive in helping the undermanned Nuggets secure a victory. More than half of the field goals he made came from beyond the arc, and he made a couple of big free throws late in this one to help give Denver some cushion. Hardaway has sustained his scoring production throughout the year and has performed really well in January. He’s been a nice addition to this Nuggets bench.
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
about 2 months ago
Strawther made his first start of the season for the injury-hit Nuggets and recorded arguably his best game of the season. In 27 minutes, the third-year guard led Denver in scoring, despite struggling from behind the three-point line. He’ll likely return to a reserve role once Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson return from injuries, and he’s not someone that fantasy basketball managers should consider adding to their roster. Still, his strong showing on Friday helped the Nuggets earn a win.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
about 2 months ago
The injury occurred in the second quarter when Gordon pushed the ball in transition. As he attacked, he pulled up suddenly, reached for his hamstring, and then surrendered possession of the ball to a teammate. He exited at the next deadball and was eventually ruled out in the third quarter. Gordon had already dealt with a hamstring injury this season, so a reaggregation may cause the Nuggets to take a cautious approach going forward.
Source: Bennett Durando
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
about 2 months ago
The Nuggets’ starting unit on Friday features many changes. With Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Christian Braun and Jamal Murray all out with injuries, several reserves have been elevated to the starting lineup. The unusual combination of players will look to overpower the Bucks, put together a second straight victory, and remain near the top of the Western Conference standings.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson is one of multiple starters for Denver that will miss this game. He has been on fire as of late, and they’ll have to turn to Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones to try and make up some of that production.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray will sit out on Friday due to lower-body injuries. His absence will come on the second game of a back-to-back, as the Nuggets look to put together back-to-back wins. The veteran point guard’s scoring and improved facilitating have been key for the Nuggets during Nikola Jokic’s extended absence (knee). Without Murray, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown could see increased opportunities.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas returned to the lineup on Thursday following a multi-week absence, so it isn’t surprising that he’ll miss the second leg of this back-to-back. Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes should take on larger roles with Valančiūnas out of the lineup, though only Nnaji has upside as a streamer.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Center • #17
about 2 months ago
Valančiūnas returned to the lineup on Thursday and posted a 16/9 line across 22 minutes. After multiple weeks on the shelf, it’s understandable that he’s questionable for the second leg of the Nuggets’ back-to-back set. If JV sits this one out, Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes II could handle additional playing time.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson has been electric as of late, culminating with a career-high 35 points in Thursday’s win over Washington. The severity of his injury is unknown, but it’s possible he’s getting a maintenance day on the second leg of Denver’s back-to-back set. If Watson is ultimately ruled out, Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones are all candidates for additional playing time.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray is dealing with right hamstring inflammation and left hip inflammation. With Christian Braun (ankle) out, Denver’s backcourt could be shorthanded if Murray is ultimately sidelined. Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown could be in line for additional playing time against Milwaukee.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 2 months ago
Since making his return from a strained calf on January 13, Hachimura’s playing time has increased steadily. Thursday’s game was the second straight in which he logged 28 minutes, and the Lakers’ forward was solid. The question now is whether Hachimura is locked into the reserve role or will he reclaim his place in the starting lineup. Jake LaRavia (7/5/1/3/4 with two three-pointers) was highly productive as a defender on Thursday, but he only played 22 minutes as the starter. That’s something to be mindful of as the Lakers move forward.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
While Thursday’s production may have been pedestrian by James’ lofty standards, his fantasy value is approaching the level many fantasy managers expected it to be before the season began. A top-30 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, LeBron’s season-long value is rapidly approaching his Yahoo! ADP (36). As long as he remains healthy, getting back to that level should not be too much of a challenge for the 41-year-old.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
While Dončić was more efficient than his counterpart, James Harden, it was the Clippers’ point guard who left Intuit Dome with the victory. However, fantasy managers don’t have to worry about team results, so this was a great night to roster Dončić. In addition to posting his 21st double-double of the season, the Lakers guard committed just one turnover, the third time this season he’s had that few in a game. The Lakers continue their road trip on Saturday in Dallas, which is their final game of Week 14.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
about 2 months ago
Murray has been fantastic all season, but he has been extra hot as of late. Over the last two weeks, he is shooting 55.6 percent from the floor and has shot at least 50 percent in five of his last six games. That was enough in this game to snap Denver’s two-game losing streak. It was also the first leg of a back-to-back, and he’ll look to stay hot in Milwaukee on Friday.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Watson has scored at least 20 points 15 times in his career. 13 of those have come this season. This was a new career high for scoring for Watson, and it was more than just a big scoring night. He also matched his career high for triples, which he previously set two weeks prior to this one. It was also a full stat line and an efficient shooting night. Watson’s breakout season has been impressive, and he should remain an elite option until Nikola Jokic returns, though he should certainly retain value after that.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
Reaves has been out since suffering a Grade 2 left calf strain during a Christmas Day loss to the Rockets. According to Redick, the Lakers guard has “looked like Austin” in the 3-on-3 sessions, and “stay ready” games (5-on-5) should be happening soon. Marcus Smart will continue to start with Reaves out, but he offered limited streaming value in that role.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
Ayton did not return for the second half of Tuesday’s win over the Nuggets after getting poked in his left eye, resulting in more minutes for Jaxson Hayes. With Ayton absent from the injury report for Thursday, the Lakers will be able to count on their usual rotation at the center position.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James got going in the third quarter of Tuesday’s game, shooting 4-of-6 from the field. However, while the final stat line was solid, there were a few issues. LeBron didn’t shoot well from the foul line, and he was responsible for six of the Lakers’ 12 turnovers. Over the past two weeks, he has provided first-round value in eight-cat formats and second-round value in nine-cat, continuing his ascent up the fantasy rankings.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić and the Lakers pulled off one of their best wins of the season, coming back from 14 down to beat the Nuggets in Denver. He finished with the 52nd 30-point triple-double of his NBA regular season career, moving into second place on the all-time list behind Oscar Robertson. Dončić was efficient, shooting over 50 percent from the field and committing just three turnovers, making this a great night to have him on a fantasy roster.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
Ayton was poked in his left eye during the latter stages of the second quarter and was not on the floor to begin the third. He’s since been ruled out for the rest of the night. Jaxson Hayes has handled most of the minutes at the center position in the second half, with Drew Timme serving as the backup.
Source: Jovan Buha
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets is the first of eight straight away games the Lakers will play. While Redick did not provide an exact date for Reaves’ return, he said that the guard is “progressing well” and should return during the road trip. Marcus Smart has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but he’s only worth streaming consideration in deeper leagues.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Next month’s All-Star Game will consist of three teams, two representing the United States and one representing the rest of the world. Dončić, who was the leading vote-getter in the Western Conference, Jokić, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama will be starters for the international team, with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo joining them. Curry will be a starter for one of the two United States teams, with Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown receiving the nod from the East.
Source: NBA
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
After playing 32 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, James logged 32 more on Sunday. It says a lot for the 41-year-old that he was able to play in all five of the Lakers’ Week 13 games, providing consistent fantasy value to managers who have him rostered. Over the past two weeks, James has offered top-5 per-game value in eight-cat formats according to Basketball Monster. The Lakers play three games in Week 14 without a back-to-back, which should get James a little more rest after a busy Week 13.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić was back in the Lakers’ lineup after missing Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. While efficiency was a concern, as evidenced by the poor field-goal percentage and four turnovers, that’s the norm when it comes to Dončić’s fantasy value. However, a relatively inefficient Dončić is better than not having him at all. The Lakers play three games in Week 14 with no back-to-backs, which should bode well for Luka’s availability.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
Held out of Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers with a knee injury, Ayton had one of his best games of the season on Sunday. He didn’t miss a shot from the field, with the only misfire coming at the foul line, and Ayton was active as a rebounder and defender. He’s recorded three double-doubles in his last four outings, grabbing at least 13 boards in each. An engaged Ayton makes the Lakers a better basketball team and satisfies fantasy managers, too. The Lakers hit the road for an eight-game trip, with three games during Week 14.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
The Lakers have Dončić and Ayton back in the fold after both missed Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. As a result of those returns, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber will be relegated to the bench. In Kleber’s case, he may fall out of the rotation entirely.
Source: Los Angeles Lakers
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić is good to go after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. His return pushes Gabe Vincent to the bench and will take some of the weight off of LeBron James’ shoulders.
Source: Law Murray
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
Counting Sunday, the Lakers will have played five games in seven days, and James has been available for all of them. How heavy a workload he’ll have to carry on Sunday depends on Luka Dončić, who’s a game-time decision after missing Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James played 32 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, a game in which the Lakers were without Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves, to name three of the absentees. If James can’t play, the Lakers will be in a challenging spot, especially if Dončić remains out.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, which prompted Gabe Vincent to move into the starting lineup. Vincent scored three points on 1-of-6 shooting against Portland, and there’s no need to consider streaming him if Dončić remains out.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
While Ayton has missed only one game due to injury, Hayes has missed the last three. With both available for Sunday’s game, Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme will likely fall out of the rotation entirely. Ayton should be rostered in standard leagues already, but there isn’t much to gain from rostering Hayes.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Power Forward • #
about 2 months ago
With Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes out due to injury, there were going to be opportunities for Timme to contribute. He didn’t start, as Maxi Kleber (11/5/1/1 with one three-pointer) received the nod, but that didn’t keep the third-year forward from having a career night. Timme recorded his first 20-point game as a pro, shooting 75 percent from the field. If Ayton and Hayes can’t play on Sunday against the Raptors, Timme will be worth considering in deep leagues.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Smart limped off the court during the fourth quarter, heading to the locker room briefly before returning to the bench. He had an excellent night before the lower-body injury, with the 25 points being a season-high. There was no announcement from the Lakers regarding Smart’s injury, which may bode well for his availability for Sunday’s game against the Raptors. And if Luka Dončić (groin) can’t play, Smart will be worth streaming.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
With no Luka Dončić in the lineup, the Lakers had to rely on James more than they would prefer to in Portland. While he kept turnovers in check, committing only four, the added responsibility made it more challenging for James to get going offensively. He still finished with a complete stat line, and the field-goal percentage was the only issue. The question now is whether LeBron will be available for Sunday’s game against the Raptors.