
LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
As expected, James is good to go after the Lakers listed him as probable on the initial injury report. Given the stakes, look for him to take on his usual heavy workload for the series opener.
Source: Ryan Ward

HOU • Center • #2
8 months ago
With Landale unavailable with a knee injury, the Rockets’ depth at center takes a hit. Steven Adams will serve as Alperen Sengun’s primary backup for Game 1 against the Warriors. We’ll see if Landale can make it back before the end of the series.
Source: Danielle Lerner

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
James is once again listed as probable with a groin injury that has landed him on the injury report often recently. There isn’t a real chance that he misses a playoff game. Expect LeBron to see a full workload as the Lakers start their quest for a title.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Guard • #9
8 months ago
He struggled as a scorer in his first career start, but James was able to impact the game in other ways. He set new career highs for both assists and steals while playing a career-high 38 minutes. The Lakers rested their starters since this game had no impact on their place in the standings. It was good to get an extended look at the rookie, but he won’t be part of the rotation in the playoffs.

LAL • Forward • #4
8 months ago
With the Lakers resting their key players for the postseason, Knecht was able to move into the starting unit and play an extended role. Knecht has been able to score a lot when he plays a large role, but he hasn’t been a large part of the Lakers’ rotation over the last few weeks. This was a strong way for him to close out his first regular season, but he will play sparingly in the playoffs.

HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
8 months ago
Head coach Ime Udoka opted to treat this game as a dress rehearsal for the playoffs, though he ended up pulling the plug in the second half once things got out of hand. Still, 26 minutes was enough time for Thompson to turn in a full stat line. He’ll be playing in his first playoffs starting next weekend for the No. 2 seed Rockets in what has been an impressive breakout season for the entire team. Thompson’s progression has been right at the center of it, and he should shine in the playoffs.

HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
8 months ago
Head coach Ime Udoka opted to treat this game as a dress rehearsal for the playoffs, though he ended up pulling the plug in the second half once things got out of hand. Still, 26 minutes was enough time for Thompson to turn in a full stat line. He’ll be playing in his first playoffs starting next weekend for the No. 2 seed Rockets in what has been an impressive breakout season for the entire team. Thompson’s progression has been right at the center of it, and he should shine in the playoffs.

HOU • Guard • #4
8 months ago
Thankfully, this was a meaningless game for the Rockets. Though head coach Ime Udoka treated it like any other game, Houston had already clinched the second seed in the West. Green played more than he did in each of their last two games, as he only played 15 minutes in each of those and was up to 21 minutes this afternoon. However, he did even less scoring on Sunday and set a new season-low for points. Green will make his playoff debut next weekend, though their matchup will depend on who makes it out of the Play-In Tournament.

LAL • Guard • #9
8 months ago
It will be five new starters for the Lakers in the regular season finale with the rest of their typical opening unit sitting out to prepare for the playoffs. Jaxson Hayes is the lone usual starter that will be available, but his absence from the starting unit implies that he may not play a significant role.
Source: Mike Trudell

HOU • Forward • #10
8 months ago
Absent from the initial injury report, Smith will not play in Houston’s regular-season finale. His absence likely frees up rotation minutes for Cam Whitmore, who went off for 34 points in Friday’s loss to the Lakers. His ceiling won’t be as high on Sunday, especially with Rockets coach Ime Udoka deciding to play his starters their usual minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Center-Forward • #11
8 months ago
Both players will be good to go in the regular season finale for the Lakers, which won’t have an impact on the standings with LA having already clinched the third seed in the West. Both Hayes and Goodwin should start with the Lakers playing without multiple starters, including LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Forward • #2
8 months ago
Vanderbilt and Vincent have been key rotation players for the Lakers lately. Both reserves have a chance to start against Portland as their stars are resting ahead of the playoffs. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect gaudy numbers from either player.

LAL • Forward • #2
8 months ago
Vanderbilt and Vincent have been key rotation players for the Lakers lately. Both reserves have a chance to start against Portland while, as the stars are resting ahead of the playoffs. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect gaudy numbers from either player, though.

HOU • Forward • #8
8 months ago
Tate was ruled out for Houston’s final regular season a day in advance and his return date for the postseason is up in the air. He hasn’t played a significant role for the Rockets this season and his recovery shouldn’t affect the team’s preferred rotation.

HOU • Forward • #8
8 months ago
Tate was ruled out for Houston’s final regular season a day in advance and his return date for the postseason is up in the air. He hasn’t played a significant role for the Rockets this season and his recovery shouldn’t affect the team’s preferred rotation.

HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
The Rockets will use their preferred starting lineup despite already holding the second seed in the West. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said during his pregame availability that the starters will take on their usual workloads, which is excellent news for fantasy managers in active leagues who have any of them rostered.
Source: Danielle Lerner

LAL • Guard • #7
8 months ago
Vincent is questionable for Sunday’s game, which will not impact the Lakers’ playoff seeding. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves already out, Gabe could have the ultimate “green light” if he can play. However, he’s struggled with knee issues since joining the Lakers, so getting him additional rest before the postseason may be the team’s priority.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward • #17
8 months ago
Finney-Smith is among the many Lakers’ rotation players who will sit out Sunday’s regular-season finale, which has no impact on the team’s playoff seeding. Markieff Morris, who is not in the regular rotation, could play legitimate minutes in Portland. However, he should not be added to rosters in active fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Center-Forward • #11
8 months ago
The Lakers secured the third seed in the West with their win over the Rockets on Friday. Sunday’s rotation will look nothing like the core that will take center stage in the postseason next weekend. If Hayes and Vanderbilt do not play on Sunday, Trey Jemison is one of the frontcourt players who will figure more prominently in the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
James aggravated his strained left groin during the third quarter of Friday’s win over the Rockets. With that victory, the Lakers secured the third seed in the West, so there’s no need for LeBron to play on Sunday. Hachimura will also get some time off as the Lakers look to get everyone healthy for next week’s playoffs. Jordan Goodwin (foot) and Dalton Knecht should play plenty on Sunday, with the former considered probable on the initial injury report.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Guard • #30
8 months ago
Goodwin is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, but the probable tag suggests he will play on Sunday. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James are all out, so Goodwin should play plenty if available. He would be worth slotting into lineups in active leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
8 months ago
With the Lakers securing the third seed in the West with a win over Houston on Friday, most of their key rotation players will not play in Portland. Doncic and Reaves are sitting, freeing additional rotation minutes for Jordan Goodwin. Goodwin is considered probable for Sunday’s game, so he should be available and is worth rostering in active leagues. Bronny James may also play extended minutes due to the Lakers’ lengthy injury report.
Source: NBA Injury Report

HOU • Forward • #17
8 months ago
After sitting out Friday’s loss to the Lakers, Eason and Smith are off the injury report. How much Houston’s rotation players will play on Sunday is undetermined, as they’ve already secured the two-seed in the West. David Roddy and Nate Williams may see significant playing time during the second half since there won’t be anything on the line for the Rockets.
Source: NBA Injury Report

HOU • Center • #28
8 months ago
Based on the Rockets’ initial injury report for Sunday’s regular-season finale, Sengun and Thompson will be available. However, Houston has already secured the two-seed in the West, so the starters’ playing time may be limited. Jeff Green, Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale started Friday’s loss to the Lakers, and the latter two are safe bets to log rotation minutes off the bench on Sunday.
Source: NBA Injury Report

HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
Despite already securing the two-seed in the West, the Rockets have made their key players available for Sunday’s regular-season finale. How much VanVleet and Brooks will play remains to be seen. However, the lack of stakes for Houston should ensure Reed Sheppard of rotation minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report

HOU • Forward • #8
8 months ago
Tate is the lone player on the Rockets’ injury report for Sunday’s game, so the team will put forth some resistance on Sunday despite being locked into the two-seed in the West. Tate’s continued absence will not impact fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward • #17
8 months ago
Friday’s victory secured the three-seed in the West for the Lakers, which would mean a second-round matchup with Houston if both teams got out of the first round. For that reason, Finney-Smith’s last two performances against the Rockets were notable. After shooting 6-of-11 from three in the Lakers’ March 31 win over Houston, he was 6-of-8 on Friday. From a fantasy standpoint, Finney-Smith provided the three-pointers and steals on Friday that many managers expect from him. We’ll see if he plays against Portland on Sunday, as nothing will be on the line for the Lakers.

LAL • Guard • #15
8 months ago
Reaves and the Lakers were excellent on Friday, shooting nearly 61 percent from the field. Reaves made 66.7 percent of his attempts, finishing one block shy of a complete stat line. With Friday’s victory securing the three-seed for the Western Conference playoffs, it’s possible that Reaves does not play in Sunday’s regular season finale in Portland. If he gets the day off, Jordan Goodwin (3/6/3 with one three-pointer) and Gabe Vincent (one rebound, one assist and one steal) are two players whose playing time would increase.

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
8 months ago
The shorthanded Rockets, who played Friday’s game without four starters, had no answer for Doncic. He shot well over 50 percent from the field and did not see any action during the fourth quarter. Friday’s victory secured the three-seed for the Lakers, which may factor into Doncic’s availability for Sunday’s game in Portland. With LeBron James injuring his leg during the third quarter, that may be reason enough to sit Doncic for the regular season finale.

HOU • G • #15
8 months ago
Sheppard made a second straight start on Friday, as the Rockets once again rested most of their starters. Houston has secured the two-seed in the West for next week’s playoffs, resulting in players like Sheppard seeing more action. The rookie guard has recorded nine assists and seven turnovers in his two starts. The assist-to-turnover ratio isn’t great, but Sheppard has hit double figures in scoring in both games. Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Nuggets may be another opportunity for Sheppard to start, as Houston already knows its playoff seed.

HOU • Forward • #7
8 months ago
Once again, the Rockets decided to rest four starters, and Jalen Green (7/4/3/1 with one three-pointer) was shut down at halftime. Having secured the two-seed in the West, the Rockets have prioritized rest for their key players. The approach has freed additional minutes for Whitmore, who could not earn consistent playing time this season. The former first-round pick was rolling on Friday, shooting well over 50 percent from the field and recording a career-high point total. Fantasy managers in active leagues seeking a player who could potentially go off on Sunday should look no further than Whitmore, especially if the Rockets hold their starters out of the matchup with the Nuggets.

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
James suffered an apparent left leg injury during the third quarter of Friday’s game, exiting with 7:27 remaining. He did not return, with some wondering if the 40-year-old tweaked the groin injury that sidelined him for seven games in mid-March. However, the heating pad applied to James’ leg appeared to be on his quad. Following the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick said LeBron was “fine.” Friday’s victory secured the three-seed in the West, so there’s no reason for James to play in Sunday’s game against the Trail Blazers. Expect plenty of Dalton Knecht after the rookie only logged four minutes against the Rockets.
Source: Dave McMenamin

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
No surprise here as James consistently shows up on the injury report, but hasn’t missed a game since March 20. Fantasy managers in active leagues in the last week of the season can use the 40-year-old small forward with confidence.
Source: Ryan Ward

HOU • Center • #28
8 months ago
Sengun’s double-double was his second in three games and his 45th of the season. The Rockets’ center was a top-100 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, with his value taking a slight hit compared to what he’s done this season. Sengun and the Rockets are now one win or a Lakers’ loss away from wrapping up the two-seed in the West. This has been a highly impressive turnaround for the franchise, and Sengun has been in the middle of it all.

HOU • Guard • #4
8 months ago
Green has scored 21 points or more in seven of his last eight appearances, with Houston’s March 31 loss to the Lakers being the exception. And he’s been more efficient, shooting 47 percent from the field over the past two weeks. The improved efficiency is why Green was a top-60 player in eight-cat formats during that stretch. Excellent timing for category league managers who had him rostered. For those whose leagues run through Week 23, the Rockets play three games, starting with the Clippers on Wednesday.

HOU • Guard-Forward • #9
8 months ago
Brooks was back on the court after serving a one-game suspension on Friday, and he significantly contributed to the Rockets’ victory on Sunday. He’s scored 21 points or more in two straight games, and his 24 on Sunday were the most he’s had in a game since March 17. Jabari Smith Jr.'s playing time took a hit with Brooks back in the lineup, but he still contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two three-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench. Smith remains the superior fantasy option, but Brooks can have the occasional night when he can provide unexpected value.

HOU • Forward • #10
8 months ago
Smith has been cleared to play after the Rockets initially listed him as questionable. He’ll come off the bench again, and Smith’s value takes a slight hit with Dillon Brooks returning from a one-game suspension. Smith should still be rostered in most leagues.
Source: Danielle Lerner

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
For just the second time this season and the first since November 27, James did not attempt a free throw in Sunday’s game. However, he was efficient, shooting over 50 percent from the field and committing just two turnovers in the Lakers’ 126-99 victory. Over the past two weeks, James has provided top-25 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, unsurprising production for the future Hall of Fame forward. The Lakers play four games for managers whose leagues will be active during Week 23, starting with the Thunder on Tuesday.

LAL • Guard • #15
8 months ago
The Lakers finished Sunday’s victory with six double-digit scorers, including Reaves. He’s scored at least 20 points in three straight games and six of his last seven. Over the past two weeks, Reaves has provided top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Managers in leagues that will be active next week who have him rostered will be pleased that the Lakers play four games during Week 23. They begin their final week of the regular season with a rematch with Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
8 months ago
Doncic continues to take better care of the basketball, committing only two turnovers in Saturday’s 126-99 victory. Add in the efficient shooting, and this was one of his better all-around performances since joining the Lakers in February. The good news for Doncic managers whose leagues run through Week 23 is that the Lakers still have seeding to play for, so availability should not be an issue for him. Los Angeles plays four games, starting with the Thunder on Tuesday.

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
James has played a ton of minutes since returning from injury and will suit up against the best team in the Western Conference. He was held to just 12 points in his first meeting with the Thunder this season.

HOU • Forward • #10
8 months ago
Smith played 34 minutes in Friday’s win over the Thunder, grabbing 17 rebounds off the bench. However, his playing time was boosted somewhat by the absence of Dillon Brooks, who was serving a one-game suspension. With Brooks available, Smith’s playing time will likely decrease on Sunday if his ankle does not keep him out.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
As has been the case recently, the Lakers have listed James as probable on the initial injury report. Given the importance of Sunday’s game, fantasy managers can safely assume LeBron will play. As for Bronny, he’s been removed from the injury report but is not likely to log rotation minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
LeBron had 27 points on 17 shots including two made three-pointers in 33 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back. The 40-year-old small forward continues to defy NBA history as he’s done his entire career. The Lakers have the day off Saturday before a primetime matchup with the Thunder on Sunday and you can expect LeBron to show out as he always does.

LAL • Guard • #15
8 months ago
Reaves has had back-to-back games with at least 30 points buoyed by magnificent three-point shooting efforts. He’s 15-of-25 from behind the three-point line over the last two nights. The 26-year-old shooting guard now has at least 30 points in four of his last five games. Reaves has provided third-round fantasy value on the season, but he’s been even better lately. He’s peaking at the right time for fantasy managers.

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
8 months ago
Doncic’s 35 points were the most he’s had in a game since dropping 45 points on the Bucks on March 13. The 26-year-old point guard went 10-of-21 from the field including four made three-pointers, but also got the foul line 11 times and made all of his free throw attempts. Doncic only turned the ball over twice and hasn’t had more than three turnovers in a game his last seven times out on the court. He’s closing the season on a high note after a rocky middle of the season that included an injury and trade to the Lakers.

HOU • Center • #12
8 months ago
Adams moved into the starting lineup with Dillon Brooks out after receiving a 16th technical foul this year. The 31-year-old center only played 23 minutes despite getting the start. Adams still had a solid game with eight points and 12 rebounds against his former team. He’s not much of a source of fantasy value at this point in his career.

HOU • Center • #28
8 months ago
Sengun is not necessarily known for his scoring, but has had at least 30 points twice over his last five games. The 22-year-old center is certainly capable of big scoring games, but those are a rare occurrence given the big man doesn’t shoot many three-pointers at all. Sengun hasn’t lived up to his preseason Yahoo! ADP of 27 this season, but he’s still a capable player with a bright future.

HOU • Guard • #4
8 months ago
Green has now scored at least 30 points four times over his last seven games. The 23-year-old shooting guard is one of the best scorers in the league when his shot is falling. That wasn’t totally the case on Friday as Green benefitted greatly from a friendly whistle. He got to the foul line 10 times and made nine free throws, which inflated his scoring total. We’ll see if Green can put up another big number Sunday against the Warriors.

LAL • Guard • #9
8 months ago
James has been downgraded from questionable to out for Friday’s game. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as the rookie has not been a rotation player when available.
Source: Jovan Buha

LAL • Forward • #23
8 months ago
As expected, LeBron has been upgraded from probable to available. With this being the Lakers’ second game in as many nights, the hope is likely that they can take care of the Pelicans early and get their stars extra rest during the fourth quarter.
Source: Jovan Buha