124-91
FINALCleveland
Cavaliers
55-35|L10: 7-3
LA
Clippers
44-42|L10: 5-5
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Eastern Conference
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LAC • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
3 months ago
Mathurin was held to just nine points in his debut for the Clippers, and while he still struggled with his shot in this game, he was able to get to the free throw line, which helped him score in double figures. He also finished with exactly three steals for a second straight game, which was never a strong category for him. Managers shouldn’t expect that to continue, but it has been a nice boost during his first two games as a Clipper.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
The first three quarters were rough for Kawhi, but he caught fire late. He scored 19 of his 27 points in the final frame, which included a game-winning and-one over Amen Thompson. It was a vintage final frame from Leonard in what has been an incredible season for him. He’ll play in the All-Star Game this weekend and then get a few days off before looking to stay hot over the final two months of the season.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
3 months ago
Merrill put on a shooting clinic in the first half of Wednesday’s game, with the 26 points being the most he’s scored in a half in his NBA career. The sharpshooter knocked down two more triples in the second half, finishing with new highs in points (32) and three-pointers (nine). With Evan Mobley (calf) expected back after the All-Star break, Merrill or Jaylon Tyson (7/5/1/1) will be asked to come off the bench. For Merrill, he’s still capable of offering reliable fantasy value to those needing three-point production.
Source: Cavs Notes
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
3 months ago
Playing in front of the Cavaliers faithful as a member of the team for the first time, Harden took a back seat as a scorer on Wednesday. He focused more on setting up his teammates, leading to 11 assists. Through three games in Cleveland, The Beard has accumulated 26 assists. He was responsible for six turnovers, but Harden totaled five in his first two appearances. The Cavaliers complete Week 17 with three games after the All-Star break.
CLE • Center • #31
3 months ago
Allen has scored at least 21 points in each of the last three games, which aligns with the acquisition of James Harden. The two have established immediate chemistry, which has raised Allen’s fantasy ceiling in the short term. The question now is what happens when Evan Mobley (calf) returns, which is expected to happen on February 19 against the Nets.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
3 months ago
Mitchell notched his 27th 30-point game of the season on Wednesday, taking advantage of an overmatched Wizards squad. Since the Cavaliers added James Harden to the fold, Spida has scored at least 30 points in all three games, and Cleveland is 3-0. After the All-Star break, Mitchell and company play three more games to end Week 17, starting with the Nets on February 19.
LAC • Small Forward, Power Forward, and Shooting Guard • #33
3 months ago
Batum is sitting out Wednesday’s game against the Rockets, which is the second game of a back-to-back for the Clippers. The 37-year-old small forward didn’t play against the Rockets on Tuesday due to a coach’s decision, so his absence has no impact on the Clippers rotation anyway.
LAC • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
3 months ago
Mathurin made his Clippers’ debut on Tuesday, coming off the bench and playing 26 minutes. While his shooting accuracy wasn’t good, Mathurin’s minutes and scoring opportunities were encouraging. Add in the rebounds, assists and steals, and there’s some room for optimism regarding Mathurin’s fantasy potential for the rest of this season. He isn’t a must-roster player yet, but keep an eye on him, starting with Wednesday’s rematch with the Rockets.
LAC • Power Forward • #20
3 months ago
Over the past two weeks, Collins has been a top-100 player in eight-cat formats, which exceeds his season-long value. Due to the trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac, Collins boasts a higher fantasy ceiling than he did before those moves were made. However, for him to make good on that potential, he has to be more productive as a defender than he was against the Rockets. Hopefully, Collins can record a few steals and blocks in Wednesday’s rematch.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
After dropping 41 points in Sunday’s win over the Timberwolves, Leonard was held in check by the Rockets. With James Harden and Ivica Zubac gone and Darius Garland (toe) not ready to make his Clippers’ debut, even more of the workload has fallen on Leonard’s shoulders. And he’s been up to the task, even with Tuesday’s pedestrian — by his standards — effort. The Clippers visit the Rockets again on Wednesday before going into the All-Star break.
CLE • Power Forward • #32
3 months ago
Wednesday’s game will be the third that Wade has missed with a sprained left ankle. Jaylon Tyson has served as the fifth starter and should continue to do so until Evan Mobley (calf) is cleared to play.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #
3 months ago
The second-year man out of Memphis has offered quality minutes for the Cavaliers this season, and he’ll be rewarded by having his two-way contract converted into a standard deal. Tomlin is a valuable member of Cleveland’s rotation, but his production hasn’t been noteworthy in the world of fantasy hoops, so he can remain on the waiver wire.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Center • #31
3 months ago
It seems that Allen is going to enjoy playing with James Harden. Through two games with Harden in Cleveland, Allen is averaging 25.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. This was his fourth straight double-double, and Cleveland has won all four games. Allen is in the midst of arguably his best stretch of production this season, and he’ll look to stay hot against the Wizards on Wednesday.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
3 months ago
It was Donovan Mitchell that hit the game-winning free throws, but the game was only tied because Harden hit a late triple. The first two games of Harden’s tenure in Cleveland have been wins, and he has been productive for fantasy managers during those. His usage has dipped slightly through the first two games, though that hasn’t limited his impact in the box score. He’ll look to keep it up against the Wizards on Wednesday.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
3 months ago
Mitchell has been a big reason that Cleveland has now won nine of their last 10 games, and he has been especially hot over their last three games. During those, he has averaged 32.0 points, 7.7 assists, 2.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.7 triples per game. He hit the game-winning free throws in this one, which capped off a magnificent night. This was only his fourth double-double of the season, so managers shouldn’t expect more of those often, though he should remain incredibly productive.
CLE • Point Guard • #
3 months ago
Added to the injury report on Monday afternoon, Proctor is officially available for the final game of Cleveland’s road trip. While the rookie may sneak into the back end of the rotation, he should not be rostered in redraft leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
3 months ago
Tyson was initially questionable due to a sprained left ankle. He’ll once again be in the starting lineup, as the Cavaliers remain without Dean Wade for another game due to his sprained left ankle.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
CLE • Power Forward • #32
3 months ago
This will be a second straight absence for Wade, though he did go through shootaround Monday morning, suggesting he could return soon. His next chance to play will come against the Wizards on Wednesday. One of Wade, Jaylon Tyson or Sam Merrill will head to the bench when Wade returns.
Source: Danny Cunningham
LAC • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
3 months ago
Mathurin and Jackson were dealt to LA as part of the trade that sent Ivica Zubac to the Pacers, and both will be available to debut for their new team against Houston. Mathurin could join the starting lineup immediately or, at the very least, operate as a microwave scorer off the bench. Jackson figures to see backup minutes at center behind Brook Lopez. Mathurin is worth rostering in standard fantasy leagues, but Jackson is not.
Source: Farbod Esnaashari
CLE • Point Guard • #
3 months ago
Proctor’s availability is in question after a late addition to the injury report, but his availability won’t lead to any actionable advice for fantasy managers. The rookie out of Duke is averaging just 10.5 minutes per game in Cleveland’s crowded backcourt.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #32
3 months ago
Wade did not play in Saturday’s win over the Kings, with his absence coinciding with James Harden making his Cavaliers debut. If Wade can play on Monday, he’ll likely come off the bench, which eliminates most of his fantasy value.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
3 months ago
Tyson is on the injury report with a sprained left ankle, and his playing time has taken a hit over Cleveland’s last two games. If the second-year wing can’t play, the Cavaliers can distribute his minutes among multiple players, including Keon Ellis and Craig Porter Jr.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAC • Center • #
3 months ago
Konan-Niederhäuser enjoyed one of his best games of the season, finishing one point shy of his season-high and doing a good job on the glass. While Brook Lopez (five points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one three-pointer in 26 minutes) is locked in as the starting center, Ivica Zubac’s exit means that there will be more opportunities for Konan-Niederhäuser. He isn’t a must-roster player, but keep an eye on YKN, especially if the Clippers fall out of the play-in spots.
LAC • Power Forward • #20
3 months ago
While the overall line was modest, Collins has reached double figures in each of his last 11 games. Over the past three weeks, the Clippers forward has offered sixth-round per-game value in nine-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. With James Harden and Ivica Zubac no longer in the picture, there should be more opportunities for Collins offensively, even after Darius Garland (toe) is healthy enough to play.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
While Leonard’s offensive output will grab the headlines, how he started Sunday’s rout set the tone for the Clippers. He recorded steals on three consecutive possessions and scored 12 points in the first quarter. Leonard finished with his fourth 40-point game of the season and a robust overall stat line. With the Clippers trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac, the path to the postseason became much more arduous. But, as long as Leonard’s on the floor, they’ve got a chance. The Clippers play five games in Week 17, with a road back-to-back against the Rockets before the All-Star break.
LAC • Point Guard • #8
3 months ago
Dunn got into an altercation with Minnesota’s Julius Randle during the fourth quarter, with both being hit with a technical foul. However, because Dunn put his hand in Randle’s face, he was ejected. The guard finished with nine points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 28 minutes.
CLE • Center • #31
3 months ago
On Saturday, Allen had his ninth career game with at least 25 points while shooting at least 90 percent from the field. He trails only Wilt Chamberlain all-time with 12. Allen has now had at least 29 points in two of his last three games. The 27-year-old center has provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
3 months ago
Harden commended his new teammates for how together, connected and unselfish they are, saying he’s just happy to be there. The 36-year-old point guard played his role just fine Saturday. Harden took a back seat to Donovan Mitchell when it came to scoring, but he was able to dish out eight assists in the flow of the offense and also made 5-of-8 from behind the three-point line. His fantasy value figures to remain pretty high in Cleveland.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
3 months ago
While James Harden made his debut for the Cavaliers Saturday, Mitchell made sure everyone knew whose team this still is by dropping a game-high 35 points in the win over the Kings. The 29-year-old shooting guard is tied for the third-most games with at least 35 points this season. Mitchell has provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Cavaliers have two games upcoming in Week 17, starting with a matchup against the Nuggets on Monday.
CLE • Power Forward • #32
3 months ago
Wade was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday afternoon, so the final downgrade was expected. His absence opens a spot for James Harden, making head coach Kenny Atkinson’s decision for him on who would be pushed out of the starting lineup for The Beard.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
3 months ago
Harden is set to make his Cavaliers’ debut. And to no one’s surprise, he will do so as a starter. Dean Wade is listed as probable, but he may have been the player selected to go to the bench if he were healthy. Tyson remaining in the starting lineup means he remains a player worth holding in 12-team leagues.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAC • Center • #
3 months ago
Due to an illness, Konan-Niederhäuser had to exit Friday’s win over the Kings prematurely. While the rookie’s exit did not affect his fantasy value, it did factor into Brook Lopez logging a season-high 36 minutes. Look for Lopez’s playing time to decrease on Sunday.
Source: Justin Russo
CLE • Power Forward • #32
3 months ago
Wade was initially listed as questionable, but has since been downgraded to doubtful with a left ankle sprain. He’s now considered unlikely to suit up Saturday against the Kings. Expect Nae-Qwan Tomlin, who’s had at least 12 points in two of the last three games, to fill in for Wade.
LAC • Forward • #5
3 months ago
Banton, who was in training camp with the Mavericks before being waived, will be on his fourth NBA team in five seasons. A second-round pick of the Raptors in 2021, the 6-foot-8 wing most recently appeared in 67 games for the Trail Blazers in 2024-25.
Source: Jake Fischer
LAC • Center • #11
3 months ago
Lopez, likely the new full-time starter at the center spot for the Clippers, logged one of his better games of the season. He scored effectively without needing to rely on high three-point production, and he also set a season-high in rebounds along the way. The former NBA champion made his mark on the defensive end as a rim protector and put together a really solid performance in his 36 minutes on the floor. Now, without Ivica Zubac, Lopez will have more opportunities to put up these types of numbers going forward.
LAC • Power Forward • #20
3 months ago
The Clippers needed a big win to stop their two-game skid, and they got it on Friday, with Collins’ 22 points being a key reason why. The veteran power forward was good on the glass in his 34 minutes and functioned well as a secondary scorer alongside Kawhi Leonard. Collins concluded as one of two Clippers to score at least 20 points, as his run as an efficient scorer continues. His fantasy basketball value could receive a boost with the departures of two highly featured starters ahead of the trade deadline.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
Without Ivica Zubac and James Harden, who were both traded ahead of Wednesday’s trade deadline, Leonard led the new-look Clippers to a win on Friday, ending a two-game skid. The two-time Finals MVP reached the 30-point mark for the first time since mid-January and set a new season-high in assists in the process. Leonard also fell one rebound short of a double-double, posting one of his more balanced performances of the season. Until the Clippers get their newly acquired players into the lineup, particularly Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, expect Leonard to shoulder most of the load on a nightly basis.
CLE • Power Forward • #32
3 months ago
Wade is dealing with a sprained left ankle. With Evan Mobley (calf) still out, the Cavaliers could turn to Nae’Qwan Tomlin to fill the void if Wade can’t play against the Kings.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #
3 months ago
Signed to a two-way contract in March, Tomlin played well enough this season to earn a standard contract. The Cavaliers got that done shortly after the trade deadline, ensuring that the athletic forward will be eligible for the postseason. In 41 games, Tomlin has averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. While ensuring that he’s available for the rest of the season helps Cleveland’s depth, it doesn’t affect fantasy basketball.
Source: Spencer Davies
LAC • Center • #22
3 months ago
Jackson was a popular sleeper heading into this season after Myles Turner left town, but he battled an injury at the start of the season and was passed on the depth chartby Jay Huff. Jackson is averaging just 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in under 17 minutes per game and has averaged just 12 minutes in his last nine games. He fits well alongside John Collins, so the Clippers could give the 24-year-old a chance to carve out a role as their starting center as they look to build towards the future.
Source: Shams Charania
LAC • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
3 months ago
Mathurin will be the headliner back for the Clippers and will provide them with a young scorer with upside. When healthy this season, Mathurin was a high-level scorer in an increased role, and he should be able to keep that going with the Clippers. The former lottery pick was never able to develop into the player the Pacers hoped he would become, but he’ll get the chance to reach his potential on a Clippers team that is starting to pivot towards the future.
Source: Jake Fischer
LAC • Power Forward • #20
3 months ago
Fantasy managers who have Collins on their rosters received solid value in points, rebounds and percentages, but nothing else. With James Harden no longer in the picture and it being unclear when Darius Garland (toe) will be healthy enough to play, Collins should have more opportunities to score. However, this won’t do much for his fantasy value if he puts up relatively empty stat lines like the one he recorded on Wednesday.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
Leonard once again led the way offensively for the Clippers, but he didn’t have much help in the first game since James Harden was traded to the Cavaliers. And with new addition Darius Garland recovering from a toe injury, Leonard will be required to do even more of the heavy lifting. The Clippers don’t own their 2026 first-round pick, as it goes to Oklahoma City as part of the Paul George trade. One would think this would dissuade the Clippers from tanking, but Garland’s injury timeline may factor into the path the team takes.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
3 months ago
Even though the Cavaliers didn’t have James Harden for Wednesday’s game, Schröder’s role in his debut for the team was not far removed from what he’ll be asked to do once the team is whole. He played 19 minutes, a number that may decrease once Harden is worked into the rotation, and offered decent value. Schröder can provide a spark off the bench as he did for the Pistons last season, but that won’t do much for fantasy managers.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
While Ellis did play 20 minutes or more in each of his final four appearances with the Kings, he was not a consistent member of Doug Christie’s rotation. That may not be an issue in Cleveland, given the Cavaliers’ need for another defensive-minded guard. Ellis only recorded one steal on Thursday, and he’ll have limited fantasy upside in his new home. However, consistent playing time should not be a major issue, which is key for a player who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
3 months ago
Mitchell and the Cavaliers took care of the Clippers with relative ease, winning the first quarter by a 36-18 margin and not looking back. How the partnership between him and James Harden works out remains to be seen, since The Beard wasn’t available, but adding Harden to the mix should alleviate some of the playmaking pressure on Mitchell. The hope is that Harden will make his Cavaliers’ debut on Saturday against the Kings.
LAC • Center • #11
3 months ago
With Ivica Zubac away from the team to attend the birth of his child, Lopez moves into the starting lineup. There will also be rotation minutes for rookie Yanc Konan-Niederhäuser, but he isn’t worth streaming in this spot.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAC • Center • #40
3 months ago
Zubac’s absence is not trade-related, according to multiple reports. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old center will miss Wednesday’s game against the Cavaliers for personal reasons. Brook Lopez could move into the starting lineup, but isn’t worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
3 months ago
Cleveland’s “Core Four” is no more, as the team has reportedly moved Garland to the Clippers. While he does have an All-Star Game appearance to his credit, foot injuries have been an issue for Garland the last two seasons. A left big toe injury limited him late last season, and he’s currently out with a right big toe injury. During his final practice as a Cavalier on Tuesday, Garland was limited to individual work, so fantasy managers will likely have to wait for the point guard to make his Clippers’ debut. In the meantime, Kris Dunn and Kobe Sanders have higher fantasy ceilings.
Source: Brett Siegel
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
3 months ago
Rumors of the Clippers and Cavaliers discussing a trade first surfaced Monday evening, and the two sides agreed on a deal within one day. Harden, whose contract for the 2026-27 season is only partially guaranteed if he picks up the play option, now joins forces with Donovan Mitchell to give the Cavaliers an experienced (and currently healthy) playmaker. Once he gets to Cleveland, Harden will likely push Sam Merrill or Jaylon Tyson to the bench, with the latter having an excellent second season in the NBA.
Source: Brett Siegel
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
3 months ago
Garland has missed Cleveland’s last nine games with a right great toe injury. He was able to do some individual work during Tuesday’s practice, but a return to game action appears to be a way off for the Cavaliers’ point guard. New additions Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder practiced fully on Tuesday and did some extra work afterward. They’ll help the Cavaliers account for Garland’s absence on Wednesday against the Clippers.
Source: Chris Fedor
LAC • Small Forward • #11
3 months ago
Miller had some strong scoring nights in January and got even hotter to kick off February. Not only did he surpass 20 points for the second time in 24 hours, but he was insanely efficient about doing it. He nearly matched his season high of 22 points, which he set in his season debut in November. Miller has scored in double figures in 10 of the Clippers’ last 12 games and should remain a crucial piece on offense moving forward.
LAC • Shooting Guard • #
3 months ago
With James Harden (personal) out for a second straight game, Sanders got another start at point guard and was even more productive than he was in the first. This was his fourth time scoring at least 17 points this season, and he nearly matched his season high of 20, which he set in early January. With reports that James Harden’s time with the Clippers may be coming to a close, Sanders should start at least a few more games, depending on who they get back in a Harden trade.
LAC • Small Forward • #2
3 months ago
Win or lose, Leonard continues to produce at a high level consistently. His 29 points were his most in a game since he missed three games with a knee injury, and this came on the second night of a back-to-back, which would have been unheard of for Leonard just two years ago. He has been fantastic all season and will look to stay hot against the Cavaliers on Wednesday.
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
3 months ago
SI’s Chris Mannix also reported that the Clippers and Cavaliers are discussing a deal that would center around a swap of Harden and Darius Garland. Desperation tends to rise when pressure increases, and the trade deadline will do just that for teams that are looking to contend. Harden has missed the last two games due to personal reasons, and it seems there is a real possibility he has played his final game as a Clipper.
Source: Shams Charania
LAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
3 months ago
This will be a second straight game that Harden will be away from the team for. Kobe Sanders replaced him in the starting lineup and scored 12 points in 31 minutes. He should remain a starter, and he should be in for another decent night, though managers shouldn’t expect much more from him.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
3 months ago
With Darius Garland (toe) out again, Mitchell had nine assists in the playmaker role. With Evan Mobley (calf) out as well, center Jarrett Allen had a 40-point game. This is how Mitchell, who is averaging 29.1 points per game, ended up with less than 20 points for the second game in a row. He’s provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Cavaliers only have two games upcoming in Week 16, starting with a matchup against the Clippers on Wednesday.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
3 months ago
Merrill has now had four games with six made three-pointers this season. With De’Andre Hunter traded to the Kings, it’s reasonable to think the Cavaliers could lean on Merrill more for his outside shooting. Without contributing in other categories, though, he’s difficult to even consider outside of deeper formats.
LAC • Small Forward • #11
3 months ago
This was just Miller’s third game all season with 20 points, but there should be more to come for the 26-year-old shooting guard. His complete skillset was on display as Miller scored in a variety of ways, making three three-points as well as scoring from inside the paint. Ideally, he could be in line for more playing time over the rest of the season. The Clippers have four games coming up in Week 16, so Miller may be worth a look in deeper formats.
LAC • Center • #40
3 months ago
Zubac became the only player in the NBA to have 20 rebounds in a game and not miss from the field since 2020. The 28-year-old center completely dominated the boards as the Clippers out-rebounded the Suns 63-35. His scoring hasn’t lived up to his preseason ADP, though his rebounding has been tremendous. Zubac has provided 14th-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Clippers have four games in Week 16, starting with a matchup against the 76ers on Monday.