138-142
FINALMinnesota
Timberwolves
41-30|L10: 6-4
Denver
Nuggets
44-28|L10: 5-5
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Eastern Conference
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DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
With Valančiūnas saying in the aftermath of Wednesday’s win over the Raptors that he felt a “pop” in his right calf, he may be looking at an extended absence. Nikola Jokić (knee) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, while Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is not ready to return from his injury. That leaves DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji, with the former playing 22 minutes off the bench in Toronto while the latter was a DNP-CD.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther was also probable ahead of Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. However, after being made available, he received a DNP-CD. Even if Strawther is available for Friday’s game, fantasy managers should not rely on him.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray appeared to tweak his ankle on Monday and was moving gingerly, but then played 38 minutes on Wednesday. The Nuggets cannot afford to lose him since he’s the only healthy starter they still have. We’d expect him to play through the tenderness on Friday and then perhaps have his minutes limited on Sunday against the Nets if the Nuggets can build a lead in that game.
DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
While we don’t yet have a timeline for how long Valančiūnas might be out, an injury to him right now is obviously brutal, as he’s the only other center on the Nuggets’ roster, aside from Nikola Jokic, who is also out for the next month. It’s unclear how the Nuggets would manage their big man minutes with Aaron Gordon also sidelined. The only other healthy player over 6'9" on their entire roster is Zeke Nnaji, so he may be worth a stash in deeper fantasy formats.
Source: Michael Grange
DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
Despite his minutes declining, Valančiūnas started 82 games as recently as the 2023-24 season. Last season, he started 21 games, but notably started nine games for the Kings when Domantas Sabonis was injured. Predictably, Valančiūnas started for the injured Nikola Jokic against the Raptors Wednesday. The results were excellent. Valančiūnas had 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes. He’s rostered in just 29 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but absolutely needs to be picked up in more leagues while Jokic is out.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
While Murray will have plenty of opportunities to completely takeover the Nuggets offense with Nikola Jokic (knee) out for the next month, the 28-year-old point guard just had a different running mate Wednesday. It was Peyton Watson who stepped up with 24 points in Jokic’s absence. Murray still came through in the clutch with a layup with 13 seconds left to put the Nuggets up three. The Nuggets will be back in action Friday against the Cavaliers.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
2 months ago
With the Nuggets down four starters including Nikola Jokic and facing the Raptors on the road, a clunker of a game would’ve been understandable. Instead, Watson led the Nuggets to victory with 24 points seemingly out of nowhere. The 23-year-old guard is averaging just 10.7 points per game this year. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram even told reporters after the game he didn’t expect Watson to play as well as he did. Still, his scoring isn’t nearly consistent enough to be worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
DEN • Shooting Guard • #24
2 months ago
As expected, Valanciunas will replace Nikola Jokic in the starting lineup. The unexpected change is that Pickett will move into the starting unit in place of Tim Hardaway Jr. THJ should still play a large role off the bench, but Pickett has upside as a streamer as a starter.
Source: Blake Murphy
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther will be good to go after initially being listed as probable. He’ll be play his typical role off the bench, but he isn’t a player that is worth streaming in standard leagues.
Source: Denver Nuggets
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
2 months ago
It was an ugly game overall for Minnesota, but Randle joined Anthony Edwards (30 points) as the only starters to score in double figures. It wasn’t a spectacular outing for Randle, but he was one of the more productive Wolves in this game. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to carry over his assist production from their last game. He’ll look to help Minnesota get back on track in Miami on Saturday.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
2 months ago
Edwards was able to have a big night, but he didn’t get much help from his team in the homecoming game. Only two other players scored in double figures for Minnesota, and one of them was Johnny Juzang, who only played the final seven minutes of this game. Edwards has been consistently dominant this season, and the Wolves haven’t been on the wrong end of blowouts often this year. Edwards will look to carry this production over into a matchup with Miami on Saturday.
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther is battling an illness, but that isn’t expected to keep him out of the lineup. He’ll occupy his typical reserve role, which hasn’t resulted in much fantasy production this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
Jokić’s injury is devastating for fantasy managers, as the No. 1 player in fantasy hoops was on an incredible tear. The silver lining is that he avoided a more serious injury, but his absence will cause a monumental hole in Denver’s lineup. Jonas Valančiūnas should get the nod as starting center, but he won’t be able to replicate Joker’s elite playmaking abilities. Jamal Murray should pick up the slack as a facilitator and scorer, while guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown should be leaned on more as well. All three of Valančiūnas, THJ and Brown are worth picking up, though it’s still unclear what Denver will look like without its three-time MVP.
Source: Shams Charania
MIN • Center and Power Forward • #11
2 months ago
Reid was a force of nature in the second half, going off for 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. The 26-year-old big main drained a season-high six triples in this one while also chipping in seven boards and three assists in a stat sheet-stuffing effort. He’s capable of delivering outstanding fantasy value when he’s feeling it from downtown. He’s a must-start for the remainder of the week when the Timberwolves face the Hawks, Heat and Wizards.
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
2 months ago
Randle recorded the unconventional triple-double while Minnesota kicked off a four-game road trip by dishing out a season-high 14 helpers, reaching double-digit assists for the second straight contest. The 31-year-old’s transition to a facilitator role has driven down his scoring numbers lately but fantasy managers will certainly take the uptick in the assist department.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
2 months ago
Edwards took a metaphorical backseat in this one as Naz Reid caught fire off the bench, dropping a season-high 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 6-of-10 from downtown. The 24-year-old fantasy superstar was able to sit out most of the fourth quarter as Minnesota lead by as many as 41 points in this one.
DEN • Point Guard • #
2 months ago
Hardaway has scored at least 16 points in five straight games, moving into the starting lineup for the last four. With Nikola Jokić injuring his left knee, the Nuggets played the second half without four starters. While Hardaway can be a mixed bag offensively, he may be worth picking up in some 12-team leagues for at least the remainder of Week 11 due to the injuries.
DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
While the overall minutes tally for Valančiūnas was modest, he played 11 of those 16 minutes after halftime. The Nuggets were without Nikola Jokić, who suffered a left knee injury during the final seconds of the first half. If Denver has to play without its three-time MVP, Valančiūnas will likely move into the starting lineup. More should be learned about the severity of Jokić’s injury on Tuesday.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray has recorded a double-double in three of his last four games, and his role became much more critical during Monday’s defeat. If the Nuggets are forced to play without Nikola Jokić, who injured his left knee during the second quarter, Murray will become the focal point of the offense. Denver continues its road trip on Wednesday in Toronto; more should be learned about the severity of its star center’s injury on Tuesday.
DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
After hyperextending his left knee late in the second quarter of Monday’s game, Jokić has officially been ruled out. While it’s unlikely to be another update from the team before the center is further examined by team doctors, an extended absence would have a seismic impact on the Nuggets’ rotation and fantasy basketball. Jonas Valančiūnas entered the lineup to begin the third quarter, and he would be the replacement in the starting five if Jokić misses time. The three-time MVP finished with 21 points, five rebounds, eight assists and one three-pointer in 19 minutes.
Source: Sam Amick
DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
Jokić hyperextended his left knee when teammate Spencer Jones stepped on the center’s foot while playing defense late in the second quarter. The three-time MVP limped back to the locker room and has not returned to the bench. Jonas Valančiūnas has replaced Jokić in the lineup to begin the third quarter.
Source: Denver Nuggets
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
3 months ago
Coming off his sixth 40-point performance of the season, Edwards was one of the few bright spots in a relatively forgettable performance for Minnesota. The 24-year-old superstar is averaging a whopping 33.5 points over his last four games. The Timberwolves open a four-game week on Monday against the Bulls before facing the Hawks, Heat and Wizards on the road.
DEN • Center • #15
3 months ago
On the heels of a historic 56-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist triple-double earlier this week against the Timberwolves, Jokić finished the first half just three assists shy of a triple-double and accomplished the feat by the end of the third quarter. The 30-year-old generational talent reached the 30-point plateau for the 13th time with a floater in the final two minutes. He sank a pair of free throws in the final seconds to put Denver ahead momentarily in the back-and-forth affair. Jokić leads the NBA in rebounds (12.4) and assists (11.1) and ranks fifth in scoring (29.9) through 31 games. Unreal. The Nuggets are back in action on Monday when they open a four-game week on the road against the Heat.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
3 months ago
Murray shot the lights out in the first half, draining 7-of-13, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, to finish with a game-high 16 points. He hit a driving floater with 37 seconds left to put Denver back in front but wound up missing a fadeaway at the buzzer. The 28-year-old guard has been excellent of late, averaging 28.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 0.7 assists and 0.1 blocks across seven games over the past two weeks, delivering second-round fantasy value during that span.
DEN • Point Guard • #
3 months ago
Hardaway, who drew the starting assignment with Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle) and Cameron Johnson (knee) out of action, drained a go-ahead three-pointer with just over two minutes left in regulation to put the Nuggets back in front during a back-and-forth affair. The 33-year-old journeyman has scored at least 19 points in four consecutive games, offering some appeal for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.
MIN • Point Guard • #4
3 months ago
Dillingham is good to go after initially being questionable. However, so are Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley, so the second-year guard is unlikely to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
MIN • Shooting Guard • #00
3 months ago
An MRI revealed a left foot abductor hallucis strain for Shannon. He’ll miss at least the next two weeks, at which point he’ll be re-evaluated. Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark will continue to see more minutes with Shannon sidelined.
Source: Timberwolves PR
MIN • Point Guard • #10
3 months ago
Conley was on the injury report as questionable for rest reasons, but ultimately is available for Saturday’s game against the Nets. He’ll serve as the backup point guard with Anthony Edwards (shoulder) also available.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
3 months ago
Edwards suffered a shoulder injury during Thursday’s game against the Nuggets, though he played through the injury for the rest of the game. Ultimately, he’s available for Saturday’s game against the Nets as the injury wasn’t serious.
MIN • Point Guard • #4
3 months ago
Dillingham popped up on the injury report as questionable with an illness Saturday morning. He’ll have the afternoon to recover for Saturday night’s game against the Nets. Dillingham will only have a significant role if one of Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards, who are both also questionable, turn out to be unavailable.
Source: Timberwolves PR
MIN • Point Guard • #10
3 months ago
Despite Saturday’s game not being part of a back-to-back, Conley is on the injury report for rest reasons. Whether he plays may be influenced by Anthony Edwards (shoulder), who is also listed as questionable. If Edwards can’t play, Conley would be the replacement in the starting lineup if he’s available.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
3 months ago
Edwards tweaked his right shoulder during Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets but remained in the game. His availability may affect Mike Conley’s (rest), who is also questionable. If Edwards can play, don’t be surprised if Conley gets the night off. If he can’t, there’s a good chance that Conley will be the replacement in the starting lineup.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
MIN • Shooting Guard • #00
3 months ago
Shannon’s left foot strain sidelined him late in Thursday’s overtime loss to the Nuggets, and he’ll miss at least one complete game. More minutes will be available to Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark in Shannon’s absence.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
DEN • Center • #15
3 months ago
The stars shine bright on Christmas Day, so it shouldn’t be surprising that Jokić got off to a dominant start to this game. He finished the first quarter with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists, which led to him making history by the end of the night. He became the first player in NBA history to finish with at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game. 18 of his points came in the extra frame to secure the win on Christmas Day. Jokić has once again been the best player in fantasy basketball, but even he won’t be able to replicate this performance. This was otherworldly.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
3 months ago
Murray’s breakout season continued with another strong performance in this game. He had at least 30 points for the ninth time this season, with six of those coming over his last 10 games. This was also his second straight 30-point double-double, and he fell one three-pointer shy of matching his season high. Murray’s progress this season can be overshadowed by Nikola Jokic’s dominance, but he has provided first-round value this season and should be considered one of the premier options in fantasy basketball for the remainder of the season.
DEN • Point Guard • #
3 months ago
In Denver’s first game without Cameron Johnson (knee), THJ slid into the starting unit. He provided floor spacing and buckets, which is what he will continue to do as long as he is starting. Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) will likely return long before Johnson, which could impact THJ’s place in the lineup. However, he can be considered a decent streaming option in points leagues, though he has never been a consistent producer.
MIN • Center • #27
3 months ago
Though Gobert finished one point shy of a double-double, he was still able to have a productive fantasy night in what has been a strong season for him. Of course, Nikola Jokic’s monster night will take away from what Gobert did, but it was solid for fantasy managers before he fouled out in overtime. The former Defensive Player of the Year recorded double-digit rebounds for a seventh straight game and set a new season high for blocks.
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
3 months ago
Randle has cooled off after an excellent start to the year, but he’s certainly still capable of big scoring nights, as he proved in this game. This was his sixth 30-point game of the season, though it was his first since Nov. 19, and the other four came during Minnesota’s first eight games of the season. Randle had scored 25 points in the game before this, so he’ll look to carry this momentum into a matchup with the Nets on Saturday.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
3 months ago
Edwards started this game off hot and ended the first quarter with 14 points. He cooled off after that until the fourth quarter. He scored 13 points over the final seven minutes, including a contested three-pointer from the corner to tie the game and force overtime. He helped Minnesota score the first nine points of overtime, but the game shifted Denver’s way after that. Edwards scored 11 points in the extra frame prior to an ejection that came after he disagreed with a pivotal call. Edwards matched his season high for scoring in this game it what will go down as a disappointing loss for the Wolves.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #00
3 months ago
Shannon was ruled out a few minutes into the fourth quarter, so he likely wouldn’t have seen the floor for the remainder of the game regardless. If he misses time beyond the end of this game, Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark should take on a few extra minutes.
Source: Timberwolves PR
DEN • Point Guard • #
3 months ago
Thursday’s game is the first for Denver since losing Cameron Johnson to a right knee injury during Tuesday’s loss to the Mavericks. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by Hardaway, whose fantasy ceiling is raised with the move into the starting lineup.
Source: Denver Nuggets
MIN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
McDaniels’ return from an oblique injury prompts the lone change to the Timberwolves’ starting lineup. He’ll start, with Mike Conley being moved back to the bench.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
DEN • Center • #17
3 months ago
Valančiūnas was initially probable for Thursday’s game, so the status upgrade was expected. He’ll occupy his usual role as Nikola Jokić’s backup, a spot that offers limited fantasy value at best.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #
3 months ago
Hyland was a late addition to the Timberwolves’ injury report, but he’s officially available to play. While he has earned rotation minutes recently, leapfrogging Rob Dillingham, Hyland boasts a limited fantasy ceiling, especially with Jaden McDaniels active.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
MIN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
After a one-game absence, McDaniels has been cleared to return to action. His availability affects Mike Conley the most, as the veteran point guard is likely headed back to the bench.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
DEN • Center • #17
3 months ago
Valančiūnas was dealing with an illness ahead of Denver’s last two games but ultimately filled his usual role as Nikola Jokić’s backup. The probable tag suggests that the veteran center will be able to take on those responsibilities on Thursday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
McDaniels is on track to return to action after a one-game absence. If he’s cleared, Mike Conley would most likely return to the bench, which would be a hit to his already-low fantasy value.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
Johnson hyperextended his right knee during Tuesday’s loss to the Mavericks and was diagnosed with a bone bruise. With Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon still out, the Nuggets will be down three starters for the foreseeable future. Johnson’s absence opens the door for Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to step up. While the latter is mainly a three-point specialist, the former can be more useful to fantasy managers needing production across the board.
Source: Shams Charania
MIN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #
3 months ago
Hyland is a late addition to the Timberwolves’ injury report. How impactful his absence would be if he can’t play depends on Jaden McDaniels (oblique), who is also questionable. If McDaniels plays, the minutes available to Hyland would decrease.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
MIN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
McDaniels injured his oblique Sunday against the Bucks and subsequently missed Tuesday’s win over the Knicks. The 25-year-old small forward is questionable to return against the Nuggets on Thursday. With McDaniels out Tuesday, Naz Reid and Bones Hyland each played 25 minutes off the bench.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
Johnson’s injury will open up additional playing time for the likes of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Brown and THJ are both worth adding off the waiver wire, though Brown offers more across-the-board production compared to Hardaway Jr.'s skillset as a three-point specialist.
Source: Shams Charania
DEN • Point Guard • #
3 months ago
Hardaway has put together back-to-back strong games off the bench. He’s typically a streaky shooter, but after scoring 21 points on six triples on Monday, he matched his season high for points and three-pointers in this one. Cameron Johnson injured his knee in this game, which could open up a starting spot for THJ if Johnson ends up missing time. If it doesn’t, it will at least open up more minutes and shots for him. However, he doesn’t contribute much value in other categories, which limits his fantasy impact.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
3 months ago
Murray is enjoying the best season of his career, and that continued in this game. He set a new season high for assists, and he has hit at least three triples in five straight games. Murray is averaging career highs for points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers per game while also having the most efficient shooting season of his career. He certainly has a strong case to be named to his first All-Star Game this season.
DEN • Center • #15
3 months ago
Jokić didn’t get enough rebounds for a second straight double-double, but he was still able to supply his typical monster statistical impact. He had a chance to get to 15 assists by kicking the ball out to Peyton Watson in the corner in the closing seconds of the game, but his three-point attempt rimmed out. Still, it was another dominant performance from Jokić, and he’ll look to keep it going against the Timberwolves on Christmas Day.
MIN • Center • #27
3 months ago
Gobert continued his dominance on the glass, extending his streak of games with at least 12 rebounds to six. Add in the defensive stats and percentages, and this was an excellent night for the veteran center. Over the last two weeks, Gobert has been close to a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. Continuing on that path would go a long way toward ensuring that Gobert’s season-long fantasy value aligns with his Yahoo! ADP (68).
MIN • Power Forward and Center • #30
3 months ago
While this wasn’t the first time that Randle has played against the Knicks since being traded before the start of last season, this was the first game in which he took over. The Timberwolves forward was outstanding in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field. Randle didn’t attempt a three-pointer in the period, instead attacking the paint consistently. He’ll look to do more of the same against the Nuggets on Christmas Night.
MIN • Shooting Guard • #5
3 months ago
The shorthanded Knicks failed to come up with an answer defensively for Edwards, whose 38 points were the most he’s scored since returning from the foot injury that sidelined him for three games. The Timberwolves star has been a top-20 player in eight and nine-cat formats, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Minnesota visits Denver on Christmas Day, and that could be another big night for Edwards.
MIN • Point Guard • #10
3 months ago
Jaden McDaniels (oblique) is sidelined for this game. He exited early from Sunday’s win over the Bucks, and Conley started the second half in his place. This will be Conley’s sixth start of the season, and he has been a decent source of assists as a starter.
Source: Timberwolves PR
MIN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
McDaniels was forced out of Sunday’s win over Milwaukee early, and the injury will force him to miss at least one contest. Mike Conley, Naz Reid and Bones Hyland are all candidates for expanded roles in McDaniels’ absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIN • Small Forward and Power Forward • #7
3 months ago
Hopefully, Ingles won’t be away from his teammates for too long. His absence will not affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report