113-127
FINALCleveland
Cavaliers
56-36|L10: 6-4
Los
Angeles Lakers
61-40|L10: 4-6
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Eastern Conference
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CLE • Power Forward • #32
25 days ago
Wade will return from a seven-game absence and make his way into the Cavs’ starting unit. The veteran forward had struggled with his three-point shot in the four games prior to the ankle injury. However, he’ll return to his floor-spacing role, with a chance to find his rhythm before the playoffs begin. Cleveland is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Source: Danny Cunningham
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
25 days ago
There was hope that Tyson would be able to return on Wednesday, but he’ll miss at least one more game due to his toe injury. Dean Wade is available and will start, so the Cavaliers should be fine regarding their depth.
Source: Danny Cunningham
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
25 days ago
Mitchell is back after sitting out Monday’s win over the Grizzlies. His return will bump Keon Ellis to the bench.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
LAL • Power Forward • #2
25 days ago
With LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes joining Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart on the sidelines for Tuesday’s game, Vanderbilt appeared well-positioned to play increased minutes. However, he lasted only one four-minute stint, with Lakers head coach JJ Redick benching the forward for the rest of the night. After the 123-87 defeat, Redick said it was a “confluence of things” that prompted him to pull Vanderbilt during the second quarter and not go back to him. Vanderbilt’s benching and his reaction to it are worth watching heading into the playoffs, but they won’t affect active fantasy leagues.
Source: Law Murray
LAL • Power Forward • #
25 days ago
With LeBron James (foot) out and the Thunder starting Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, Timme made his first start of the season on Tuesday. He played reasonably well, reaching double figures for the third time in 24 appearances. The Lakers’ final three games of the regular season include back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday, so it’s possible that Timme gets another start, or at the very least plays extended minutes.
LAL • Guard • #10
25 days ago
Given the absences from the Lakers’ lineup, fantasy managers in active leagues likely hoped for more scoring from Kennard. He attempted just seven shots, which was more about Oklahoma City’s defense than any hesitation on Kennard’s part. He was essentially the focus of their defensive efforts, limiting the guard’s scoring opportunities. However, Kennard recorded a game-high nine assists while shooting over 50 percent from the field. Getting LeBron James (foot) back for the final three games of the regular season would certainly help Kennard and the other Lakers.
LAL • Power Forward • #28
25 days ago
Hachimura shot the ball well from the field, making 70 percent of his attempts. The points and rebounds were solid, but the overall output was underwhelming, especially with the Lakers not having Luka Dončić (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique) or LeBron James (foot). With James considered day-to-day and the other two out until the playoffs at a minimum, the Lakers will need more production from Hachimura.
LAL • Center • #11
25 days ago
Absent from the Lakers’ initial injury report, Hayes is now out with a sore left foot. Jarred Vanderbilt’s playing time is likely to increase since LeBron James is also out, with Maxi Kleber also receiving a boost.
Source: Khobi Price
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
26 days ago
Both Tyson and Wade have missed significant time, but the pair have a chance to return in Wednesday’s tilt with the Hawks. With Thomas Bryant (calf) ruled out, Larry Nance Jr. could enjoy some additional run if Tyson or Wade end up sitting out again.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
26 days ago
Spida sat out Monday, but he could be back in action after just a one-game absence. If Mitchell is unable to take the court, Keon Ellis could replace him in the starting five.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
26 days ago
Harden and Strus will return after both players sat out Monday’s matchup with the Pacers. The game was the second leg of a back-to-back set, so their absences were likely maintenance-related. Harden and Strus should each handle their typical workloads.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
26 days ago
James’ absence means all of LA’s Big 3 will watch this contest from the sideline. It’s unclear who will step up to fill the void, but the Lakers will need all hands on deck to pick up the slack using a committee approach.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #4
26 days ago
Following a one-game absence with a calf injury, Mobley was back to take on Memphis. He sat the first leg of this back-to-back, and the extra rest led to him having a big night offensively. The Grizzlies didn’t really have an answer for him, and while he didn’t contribute much else for fantasy managers, he had an efficient night as a scorer. Mobley hasn’t been as productive as he was last year, which was his Defensive Player of the Year season. However, he still has a bright future for fantasy managers, and his production will be tied to Cleveland’s chances of making noise in the playoffs.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #23
26 days ago
Ellis got a second straight start, and he was even better in this one. He set a new career high for assists and still knocked down three triples for a second straight game. Ellis won’t start when this team is healthy, but it is clear that he was a vital acquisition at the trade deadline and will continue to be an important piece for Cleveland entering the playoffs. Despite being productive when he was given the chance, Ellis wasn’t able to carve out a permanent starting role for Sacramento. He’s enjoyed plenty of success as a part-time starter for the Cavs.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
26 days ago
Merrill got the starting nod in this game and while he started slow, he caught fire after the break. He scored 18 of his 21 points after halftime, including 13 in the third quarter, which helped the Cavs take control of this game. Merrill started with Max Strus (foot) sidelined, but he will likely come off the bench when the team is fully healthy. Merrill has had an excellent season for Cleveland, mostly as a starter, and he’ll continue to be an important piece for them entering the playoffs.
CLE • Point Guard • #9
26 days ago
Porter has been considered a dynasty sleeper for a long time, and while he doesn’t play a large enough role to do this consistently, he’s certainly capable of filling up the box score when he gets the chance. With James Harden (personal) and Donovan Mitchell (ankle) out, Porter took on a larger role and stuffed the stat sheet. Cleveland is too deep on the perimeter for Porter to be worth rostering, but if he ever gets the chance to be a starter in the future, he can be a fantasy star.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
26 days ago
Schröder got the starting nod with James Harden (personal) unavailable for this game, and he took advantage of the opportunity. This was his first double-double and second 20-point game since he was traded to Cleveland, which was enough to lead them to victory despite missing multiple starters. Schröder was signed to start for the Kings last summer, but things changed quickly, which led to him being dealt at the deadline. Now, he’ll continue to be an excellent reserve guard for a team looking to make some noise in the playoffs.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
27 days ago
Smart’s absence on Tuesday will mark his eighth straight. With injuries to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and now Smart, the Lakers’ backcourt depth is being tested. Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia could start and see extended minutes, yet again.
Source: Justin Martinez
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
27 days ago
The Lakers are already without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, so playing without LeBron will severely reduce their chances of winning. If LeBron is out, Nick Smith Jr., Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt are all candidates to start in his place.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
27 days ago
Ellis is the only starter that also started on Sunday against the Pacers. Merrill, Mobley and Allen were all sidelined for that game, so they’ll be occupying their usual starting spots. James Harden (personal), Donovan Mitchell (ankle) and Max Strus (foot) are out for this game, with Schröder entering the starting unit.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
CLE • Power Forward • #4
27 days ago
Mobley and Allen did not play in Sunday’s win over the Pacers, resulting in spot starts for Keon Ellis and Thomas Bryant. While Bryant is out with a strained calf, Ellis could remain in the starting lineup since Donovan Mitchell is out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
27 days ago
Merrill is back after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Pacers. With Max Strus (foot) unavailable, Merrill is likely to start against the Grizzlies.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Small Forward • #1
27 days ago
Strus, who tweaked his left wrist during Sunday’s win over the Pacers, will not play on Monday due to foot injury management. Sam Merrill (hamstring) has been removed from the Cavaliers’ injury report and should slide into the starting spot vacated by Strus.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Center • #3
27 days ago
While Bryant did appear to be a bit banged up during Sunday’s win over the Pacers, he returned to action after a brief period on the bench. He has since been diagnosed with a strained left calf, the kind of injury that can sideline a player for multiple games. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are back after not playing on Sunday, so they can absorb Bryant’s minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
27 days ago
Mitchell, who appeared to injure his left ankle during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Pacers, has been diagnosed with a sprain and will not play in Memphis. Keon Ellis, who made a spot start on Sunday, may get another start on Monday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
27 days ago
Harden is out after scoring 28 points in Sunday’s win over the Pacers. His absence means that Dennis Schröder will get a spot start. For those competing in active fantasy leagues, the veteran is worth streaming.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
27 days ago
Dončić is out for the season with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The 27-year-old consulted with Lakers doctors and his own medical team, according to Charania, and decided he’ll seek treatment in Europe in an effort to return to playing sooner. Presumably Dončić would be targeting a return early in the NBA Playoffs, though there’s still no timeline for his return.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Center • #11
27 days ago
The injuries suffered by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have opened things up for the other Lakers in the rotation. That includes Hayes, who scored a season-high 23 points in 27 minutes off the bench. He outplayed starter Deandre Ayton (13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot), who logged 20 minutes. Nights like Sunday have not been the norm for Hayes; if they were, he would be the starter. But he’s capable of delivering unexpected production on occasion.
LAL • Guard • #10
27 days ago
In defeat, Kennard had the most productive all-around game of his NBA career. Finishing with his first triple-double, the Lakers’ guard finished Sunday’s defeat with a new career-high in rebounds. This was Kennard’s first game with at least 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Lastly, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, he had never recorded a 10-rebound game and a 10-assist game in the same season. Performances like Sunday’s are highly unlikely to become the norm for Kennard, but injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves raised his ceiling for managers whose leagues are active in Week 24.
Source: Law Murray
LAL • Power Forward • #28
27 days ago
Back in the starting lineup due to injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, Hachimura finished Sunday’s defeat with his first 20-point game since February 12. He did not offer much value beyond points, rebounds and three-pointers, but Hachimura has long been a better option for points leagues than category leagues. For those competing in leagues that will be active in Week 24, Hachimura is rostered in just 10 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He is worth adding, especially with the Lakers playing four games.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
27 days ago
With no Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves, the Lakers will need LeBron to do more of the heavy lifting offensively. He answered the call in Dallas, finishing one rebound shy of a triple-double. Shooting over 50 percent from the field, James finished with his first 30-point, 15-assist game of the season. The Lakers play four games in Week 24, starting with the Thunder on Tuesday. Fantasy managers rostering James in active leagues will be pleased with the schedule, but three of the four games are against teams that have qualified for the playoffs or Play-In Tournament.
CLE • Small Forward • #1
28 days ago
Nights like the one Strus had on Sunday are what fantasy managers fear when rostering a player because of his shooting ability. The Cavaliers’ wing shot 1-of-9 from beyond the arc and 1-of-10 from the field overall, sinking his field-goal percentage. More concerning for the Cavaliers was that Strus appeared to injure his left wrist late in the second quarter. He was on the court at the start of the third quarter with his wrist taped. Between the wrist and the lengthy absence due to offseason foot surgery, Strus may not be available for Monday’s game against the Grizzlies.
CLE • Center • #3
28 days ago
The Cavaliers were without Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on Sunday, so Bryant was able to make his first start of the season. And he played well, recording his first double-double since February 6, 2025 as a member of the Pacers. Keon Ellis also made a spot start on Sunday, finishing with 13 points (5-of-9 FGs), five rebounds, one steal and three three-pointers.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
28 days ago
While the move to Cleveland has allowed Harden to do less as a scorer, the absence of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on Sunday meant that more was required of The Beard. He answered the call, with the 28 points being the most in a game for Harden since he put up 36 in a March 19 win over the Bulls. In addition to the points, Harden provided fantasy managers with a complete stat line in his final game of Week 23.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
28 days ago
Neither the Pacers nor an apparent ankle tweak in the fourth quarter could slow Mitchell on Sunday. The Cavaliers’ star made over 50 percent of his shot attempts, and the 38 points were the most in a game for Spida since he dropped 42 on the Magic on March 24. Add the rebounds and assists, and this was an excellent end to Week 23 for those rostering Mitchell. For managers whose leagues run through Week 24, the Cavaliers play four games, starting with a Monday game against Memphis.
Source: Spencer Davies
LAL • Guard • #10
28 days ago
Already without Marcus Smart, the Lakers will have to finish the regular season without Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) over the next 10 days. As a result, Kennard and Hachimura move into the starting lineup, and both are worth streaming due to the Lakers’ lack of depth.
Source: NBA Lineups
CLE • Shooting Guard • #23
28 days ago
The Cavaliers are without Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen for Sunday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. They’ve been replaced by Ellis and Bryant, who are worth streaming in deep leagues due to the matchup.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
CLE • Power Forward • #32
28 days ago
Wade is progressing in his recovery from a sprained right ankle, but there is still plenty of work to be done. According to Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, the forward has not reached the point where he’s playing 3-on-3 or 4-on-4. The hope is that Wade is available in time for the playoffs. The Cavaliers have similar hopes for Jaylon Tyson (toe), but he is not as far along in his rehab process as Wade.
Source: Danny Cunningham
LAL • Power Forward • #2
28 days ago
Vanderbilt’s sore right calf will not keep him out of Sunday’s game. While he does not share a position with Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves, their absences could create additional minutes for Vanderbilt as other players’ roles shift. However, he is not worth adding in fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #2
28 days ago
Vanderbilt is dealing with some soreness in his right calf. While he has not affected fantasy basketball this season, the Lakers will need all hands on deck for the foreseeable future due to their many injuries.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
28 days ago
Smart remains out for a seventh straight game as he continues to recover from a right ankle contusion. Jake LaRavia will get another start, and he has a higher fantasy ceiling with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves also out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #32
28 days ago
Wade and Tyson, who did not travel with the Cavaliers on their three-game road trip that concluded on Thursday, will remain out on Sunday. Due to the absences in the frontcourt, Larry Nance Jr. could move into the rotation on Sunday out of necessity.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
28 days ago
Sunday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Cavaliers, so some rotation players are resting. Merrill, who played in Thursday’s win over the Cavaliers after sitting out Tuesday’s win over the Clippers. Max Strus is not on the injury report, and he should have no problem getting up shots against the Pacers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Center • #31
28 days ago
The Cavaliers have games on Sunday and Monday, so some key contributors will sit out for injury management reasons. Allen and Mobley not playing against the Pacers frees up minutes for Thomas Bryant and Nae’Qwan Tomlin. While streaming either comes with considerable risk, playing time should not be a concern.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
29 days ago
Reaves was injured early in Thursday’s loss to the Thunder. While he continued to play through the injury, the Lakers’ guard appeared to be a shell of himself. With Saturday’s update, the Lakers will finish the regular season without two of their best players, as Luka Dončić (hamstring) was also injured on Thursday. Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard should take on bigger roles within the rotation, with one moving into the starting lineup.
Source: Mike Trudell
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
30 days ago
Dončić injured his left hamstring during Thursday’s loss to the Thunder and exited the game immediately. With the Lakers’ star done for the rest of the regular season, he’ll fall one game shy of the 65-game minimum to be eligible for postseason awards. More importantly, Dončić is out indefinitely, and it’s unknown if he’ll be healthy enough to play in the postseason. With Marcus Smart also out, Rui Hachimura is likely to move into the starting lineup. Friday’s injury news also puts more playmaking responsibilities on LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Source: Mike Trudell
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Harden’s night in San Francisco wasn’t as prolific as one would expect, but he was available when the Cavaliers needed him most. Down the stretch, the two-man game between and center Jarrett Allen (16 points, 13 rebounds and one steal) produced some key baskets to help Cleveland remain one game in the loss column behind New York for third place in the East. The Cavaliers are off until Sunday, when they host the lottery-bound Pacers. That could be a game where Harden gets his gaudy assist numbers.
CLE • Small Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Over his last four appearances, Strus has shot 20-of-36 from beyond the arc. He made six of his ten attempts on Thursday, surpassing 20 points for the second time in three games. With Sam Merrill (3/2/5/1 with one three-pointer) struggling and Dean Wade (ankle) still out, Strus has taken on added fantasy value. And there’s one more game in Week 23, with the Cavaliers hosting the Pacers on Sunday.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
Mitchell led six Cavaliers in double figures as they managed to pull away from the Warriors late. And this was an excellent night to have the star guard rostered, as he finished with a complete stat line and excellent shooting percentages. Cleveland’s Week 23 schedule was front-loaded, with three games in the first four days. They’ll finish the week on Sunday against the Pacers in what should be a good matchup for Mitchell.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
The Lakers’ 43-point loss on Thursday was the second-worst of James’ career, and the game wasn’t that close. Like most of the starters on the two teams, LeBron watched the entire fourth quarter from the bench. And he may be asked to do more of the heavy lifting, as Luka Dončić (hamstring) exited during the third quarter and Austin Reaves (back) was limited for most of his 27 minutes on the court. The Lakers end their Week 23 in Dallas on Sunday.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves appeared to tweak something on the left side of his lower back early in Thursday’s game. While he did play 27 minutes, the Lakers’ guard appeared to be a shell of himself for most of the night. And with Luka Dončić leaving Thursday’s game with a left hamstring injury, the Lakers can’t afford to lose Reaves as well. The Lakers won’t play again until Sunday in Dallas, so Reaves will have a little more time to recover.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić injured his left hamstring during the third quarter of Thursday’s game, letting go of the basketball almost immediately afterward. While the Lakers’ star guard was able to walk off the court on his own, he did not look comfortable. Dončić still needs to play at least 20 minutes in one more game to be eligible for postseason awards. Still, the Lakers’ primary concern is whether this injury will affect his availability for the postseason. He will undergo an MRI on Friday morning to determine the severity of the injury.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 1 month ago
Thursday’s game is the sixth that Smart has missed due to a right ankle contusion. Jake LaRavia will continue to start, which makes him worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 1 month ago
This was LaRavia’s fifth straight game as a starter, with the most recent start before that coming before the All-Star break. He had some solid stretches earlier this year, but March was a rough month for him. This was his only double-digit scoring game of the month, and it took him not missing a shot to reach that. He has been able to contribute more defensive stats as a starter, which gives him a little upside, but he hasn’t truly taken advantage of the extra minutes.
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 1 month ago
Hachimura was pushed back to the bench for this game with Luka Dončić back in the lineup after serving a one-game suspension on Monday. Hachimura scored 14 points as a starter in that game and added 14 more in this one, though he didn’t contribute much in other categories, which has been the case all season. Hachimura is a strong rotation piece for the Lakers, but he shouldn’t be relied on in fantasy basketball.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
After serving a one-game suspension on Monday for being assessed a 16th technical foul, Dončić was back in the lineup for the second leg of this back-to-back. The fresh legs allowed him to put together a third straight 40-point game while also shooting at least 50 percent from the floor in each game. He’s been effective from the free throw line as well, shooting 25-of-26 during this three-game stretch. Free throw percentage is typically a weakness, but he as been red-hot recently and will look to keep that going into Thursday’s game in Oklahoma City.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
LeBron was listed as questionable on the second night of this back-to-back, but he will be good to go. He had a triple-double on Monday and will look to stay hot against his hometown team.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Small Forward and Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Thiero has missed the last three games with a knee injury, but he will be available against Cleveland. However, even when available, he has rarely seen the floor this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 1 month ago
Smart is still dealing with a right ankle contusion and will miss his fifth consecutive game on Tuesday. Jake LaRavia should continue to start with Smart still sidelined.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James is on the injury report as questionable with left foot injury management for Tuesday’s game against the Cavaliers, which is the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers. LeBron had a triple-double in Monday’s win over the Wizards. If he’s ruled out Tuesday, Rui Hachimura could slide into the starting lineup.