
ORL • Center • #35
11 days ago
With Wendell Carter jr. (ankle) sidelined for this game, Bitadze will step in as a starter for just the second time this season. He had a double-double with five “stocks” in his other start this year and should be productive against a depleted Wizards lineup.
Source: Orlando Magic

ORL • Center and Power Forward • #34
11 days ago
Carter was a very late addition to the injury report and will now officially be unavailable. Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner should fill out the center minutes for this game.
Source: Magic PR

LAL • Power Forward and Center • #14
11 days ago
Kleber wasn’t on the initial injury report, but he may end up sitting out against New Orleans. Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes would likely take on a few extra minutes each if Kleber is sidelined, though there is a chance that there are some Drew Timme minutes sprinkled in as well.
Source: Law Murray

ORL • Point Guard • #0
11 days ago
Listed as questionable on the NBA’s official injury report, Beede notes that, “Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said Black did not go through shootaround this morning and he will ‘most likely not go tonight.’” Black’s absence should mean additional run for Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva.
Source: Jason Beede

ORL • Point Guard • #0
12 days ago
Black sat out Sunday’s matchup with the Pistons, but he’s expected to return following a one-game absence. He should handle his typical workload.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Guard • #10
13 days ago
In his first eight games as a Laker, Kennard averaged 0.9 three-pointers while making seven of his 17 attempts. He was far more active in the team’s blowout wins over the Warriors and Kings to end Week 18, shooting 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. And Kennard isn’t solely a shooter, as evidenced by the five assists he recorded against the Kings. While his recent production won’t change much regarding his fantasy value, a more active Kennard off the bench is essential if the Lakers are to be a factor in the postseason.

LAL • Center • #2
13 days ago
Given how much was made about his comments last week when asked about his role, Ayton appears to be skating on thin ice with Lakers fans and fantasy managers. Sunday’s stat line wasn’t elite, but the 7-footer did not miss a shot from the field against the Kings. What truly stood out, however, was the playing time. Ayton played 18 minutes, while backups Jaxson Hayes (four points, five rebounds, one assist and one block) and Maxi Kleber (six points, six rebounds and one block) played 13 and 14 minutes, respectively. For those counting on Ayton for production during the fantasy playoff weeks, hopefully, he’ll turn things around.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
13 days ago
Initially questionable for Sunday’s game due to arthritis in his left foot, things worked out perfectly for James and the Lakers. He looked fine while on the floor, even hitting three straight three-pointers during a stretch that began late in the third quarter. The blowout meant that LeBron was able to watch most of the final frame from the bench, getting some valuable rest. The Lakers play four games in Week 19, starting with the Pelicans on Tuesday.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
13 days ago
Dončić only needed to play 29 minutes on Sunday, as the Lakers outscored Sacramento by a 36-18 margin in the first quarter and never looked back. That matched his minutes tally from Saturday’s rout of the Warriors. For a player who’s averaging nearly 36 minutes per game, having a back-to-back in which his playing time decreases in both games is a positive development. Luka and the Lakers open a four-game Week 19 on Tuesday against the Pelicans.

ORL • Power Forward • #5
13 days ago
Fantasy managers have to appreciate Banchero’s dedication to getting to the line, both for the free-throw percentage bump and for the extra points. The 23-year-old small forward had nine turnovers against the Detroit defense, which can be crushing in nine-category formats. Banchero has provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Magic have four games in the upcoming week, starting with a matchup against the Wizards on Tuesday.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
13 days ago
Despite dealing with arthritis in his left foot, James will be available for the Lakers’ final game of Week 18. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup, with Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura available to absorb some minutes if LeBron’s foot flares up. The best-case scenario for the Lakers would be to open up a large lead, getting the 41-year-old a little more time to rest.
Source: NBA Injury Report

ORL • Point Guard • #0
13 days ago
Black was not added to the Magic injury report until early Sunday afternoon. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Jalen Suggs potentially regaining his regular role. Suggs, who missed three games with a back injury, logged 13 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Rockets.
Source: Orlando Magic

LAL • Power Forward • #28
13 days ago
Hachimura is set to return after missing Saturday’s win over the Warriors with an illness. His return could cut into Luke Kennard’s minutes, though Hachimura could also take on more importance if LeBron James (foot) is ruled out.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
13 days ago
LeBron had 22 points and nine assists in Saturday’s win over the Warriors, but the 41-year-old is questionable for the second game of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Kings. If James, who’s dealing with left foot arthritis, can’t play, Rui Hachimura is off the injury report and would have a higher ceiling against the Kings.

ORL • Point Guard • #0
13 days ago
Black is a late addition to the Magic injury report, as he is dealing with a right quad contusion. If he’s unable to play, Jalen Suggs may return to the starting lineup after being used in a reserve role on Thursday. Suggs came off the bench in Orlando’s loss to the Rockets because it was his first game back from a back injury that sidelined him for three games.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
14 days ago
Since returning to the starting lineup after the All-Star break, Reaves has scored at least 18 points in three of his last five games. During this stretch, the Lakers’ guard has averaged 18.8 points per game on 48.4 percent shooting from the field and 95.5 percent shooting from the foul line. While Reaves’ fantasy value has taken a hit in the aftermath of his two calf strains, he has remained a top-25 player in eight-cat formats.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
14 days ago
Because Saturday’s game was a blowout, James played only 28 minutes. The good news for fantasy managers is that he was productive in those minutes, finishing one assist shy of a double-double while shooting over 50 percent from the field. James did record four turnovers, but the overall production helps compensate for that. He’ll look to build on Saturday’s performance when the Lakers host the Pelicans on Tuesday.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
14 days ago
Dončić has the fifth-highest scoring average in league history for players on their birthday, but his start to Saturday’s game was a bit subdued. He shot 4-of-10 from the field in the first half, instead appearing to make a more concerted effort to get his teammates going. The Lakers put up 65 points in the first half and weren’t challenged after halftime, leading to Dončić playing just 28 minutes. The Lakers play four games in Week 19, starting with the Pelicans on Tuesday.

LAL • Power Forward • #28
14 days ago
Hachimura missed Thursday’s loss to the Suns and was listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Warriors, so his absence isn’t much of a surprise. Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard should continue to see more minutes with Hachimura sidelined.

LAL • Power Forward • #28
15 days ago
Hachimura did not play in Thursday’s loss to the Suns and appears likely to remain sidelined on Saturday. His absence led to more minutes for Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard, with the former offering a slightly higher fantasy ceiling.
Source: Daniel Starkand

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
16 days ago
After scoring 29 points in his first game back in the Lakers’ starting lineup, Reaves’ production has slipped. He’s scored 18 or less in three straight, shooting 15-of-38 from the field. The good news for fantasy managers is that Reaves’ calf has not given him any trouble since his return, but it would be nice to get more production from him moving forward. Especially with Deandre Ayton (two points, four rebounds and one steal) being the non-factor that he was on Thursday.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
16 days ago
Outside of his performance in Tuesday’s loss to the Magic, James’ production has slipped since the All-Star break. In four games, he’s averaged 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.0 three-pointers. According to Basketball Monster, it has been good for seventh-round value in eight-cat formats. Fantasy managers need more from LeBron, and so do the Lakers, who have lost three straight and are trending in the wrong direction.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
16 days ago
Dončić had one of his best games of the season on Thursday, recording his ninth 40-point game in Phoenix. However, it wasn’t enough to get the Lakers back into the win column, with the team dropping a third straight game. A top-15 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, according to Basketball Monster, Dončić remains one of the best players to roster in fantasy basketball. The question now is whether he’ll be able to do enough to make the Lakers a credible threat in the West come playoff time.

ORL • Power Forward • #5
16 days ago
Banchero wasn’t able to match his efficiency from Tuesday’s win, but he was able to pour in more counting stats. He came close to recording a triple-double for the first time since December. Unfortunately, this type of inefficiency will continue to limit his output in category leagues, though he did finish this game without a turnover. He’ll look to wrap up the week with a strong performance against the Pistons on Sunday.

ORL • Shooting Guard • #22
16 days ago
Bane has been on quite the heater as of late. He has shot at least 60 percent from the floor in six of his last seven games, which includes four 30-point games during that stretch. He has also provided plenty of steals during that stretch, with two steals in five of his last six outings. Bane has been a fantasy superstar in recent weeks, and he should remain hot as one of the focal points of the Magic offense moving forward.

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
16 days ago
Following a three-game absence with a back injury, Suggs was back in the lineup to take on Houston. However, he wasn’t in his normal role; he came off the bench and logged just 13 minutes, leading to little production. Suggs is a fantasy stud and has had some monster games in February, so he should get back to that as he logs more games. His next chance to suit up will be against the Pistons on Sunday.

LAL • Center • #11
16 days ago
Hayes will be back following a one-game absence with a right ankle sprain. He’ll be back to fill out the backup center minutes, which means Maxi Kleber will be pushed back out of the rotation.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Power Forward • #28
16 days ago
Hachimura is out after initially being listed as questionable, leaving the Lakers down a reserve. Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard should see their playing time increase with Hachimura unavailable.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Center • #11
17 days ago
Hayes did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Magic after injuring his ankle during Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. While Maxi Kleber played the backup center minutes during the first half, he only logged 11 minutes on the night. Kleber will likely fall out of the rotation entirely if Hayes plays on Thursday.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Power Forward • #28
17 days ago
Hachimura, one of the Lakers’ most important reserves, is dealing with an illness. If he’s unable to go, the Lakers will rely a bit more on fellow reserve Jake LaRavia.
Source: NBA Injury Report

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
17 days ago
Suggs has missed the last three games for Orlando and is in danger of making it four straight absences. Tristan da Silva has started the last three games in his stead and has averaged 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds during this stretch. He’ll hold some upside if Suggs remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
18 days ago
While Reaves had a productive second half, shooting 6-of-9 from the field, his subpar first half sunk the Lakers’ guard’s field-goal percentage. However, Reaves has been a top-50 player since the trade deadline, so there isn’t too much for fantasy managers to be worried about. If there is a question to be asked, it’s what Reaves’ availability will look like for the end of Week 18. The Lakers have a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday’s game against the Kings possibly being one where they look to rest Reaves.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
18 days ago
James has scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games, with Tuesday’s performance representing a step forward after he struggled with his shot in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. Since the trade deadline, James has been close to a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, providing excellent value for fantasy managers. The Lakers visit the Suns on Thursday, the first of three games they’ll play to conclude Week 18.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
18 days ago
Dončić appeared to have an opportunity to give the Lakers the win in the final seconds, but he hesitated and passed the ball to LeBron James, who was left to toss up a turnaround three just before time expired. While Dončić did not have a good night shooting the ball, as he was 2-of-10 from three and 4-of-9 from the foul line, he finished with 15 assists and just two turnovers. Luka and the Lakers have a good schedule to end Week 18, with three games over the final four days.

LAL • Center • #2
18 days ago
Ayton was excellent during the first half, putting up 17 points and nine rebounds as the Lakers made a concerted effort to involve the 7-footer offensively. That didn’t happen as often during the second half, and while Ayton finished with a solid stat line, it could have been better. And that’s been an issue throughout the season, which has limited Ayton’s fantasy value. The Lakers end Week 18 with three games over the final four days, starting with the Suns on Thursday.

ORL • Shooting Guard • #22
18 days ago
Bane struggled for the first three quarters of Tuesday’s game, scoring ten points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field. He flipped a switch in the fourth, scoring 12 points and knocking down two three-pointers. Since the trade deadline, Bane has provided top-10 per-game value in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. The Magic play two more games in Week 18, starting with the Rockets on Thursday.

ORL • Center and Power Forward • #34
18 days ago
Carter got off to an excellent start, scoring 15 points in the first half. While he did not factor into the Magic offense as much after halftime, he was responsible for the game’s most important shot. Carter’s putback with 6.7 seconds remaining gave Orlando a 110-109 lead that it wouldn’t relinquish, and it was his first 20-point game since January 30. WCJ has reached double digits in rebounds in three straight and four of his last five games, important production for a player who does not bring much to the table defensively.

ORL • Power Forward • #5
18 days ago
Banchero enjoyed one of his most productive nights of the season on Tuesday, and he was at his best during the third quarter. The Magic forward scored 17 points in the period, shooting 6-of-7 from the field. The 36 points were one shy of Banchero’s season-high, and he’s scored 30 or more in seven games. Banchero and the Magic head home for their final two games of Week 18, starting with the Rockets on Thursday.

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
18 days ago
Suggs will miss a third straight game with back spasms, which mean Tristan da Silva should be in line for another start. He has been solid in extra minutes, but that isn’t enough for him to be streamed in standard leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Center • #11
18 days ago
Hayes exited early from Sunday’s game and will remain sidelined against Orlando. Rui Hachimura spent some time as a small-ball center, though Drew Timme should also help fill some of the minutes down low when Deandre Ayton is on the bench.
Source: Khobi Price

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
19 days ago
Suggs has missed two straight games, but he’s got a chance to return against Los Angeles. If Suggs returns, Anthony Black’s playing time could be negatively impacted, but Black has standalone value regardless of Suggs’ availability.
Source: NBA Injury Report

ORL • Power Forward • #5
20 days ago
After logging 47 minutes and recording one of his best stat lines of the season in Saturday’s double-overtime loss to the Suns, Banchero came back to earth against the Clippers. The rebounds and assists were good, but the Magic forward didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, and his line didn’t include any defensive stats. Banchero has long been a player with greater value in points leagues than category leagues, so Sunday’s final line was unsurprising in that regard. The Magic play three games in Week 18, starting with the Lakers on Tuesday.

ORL • Center and Power Forward • #34
20 days ago
The good news for those who have Carter rostered is that he recorded his first double-double since January 4 and seventh of the season. The bad news is that he didn’t provide value beyond points, rebounds and assists, and the Magic center was also responsible for five of Orlando’s 12 turnovers. The lack of defensive production makes Carter difficult to trust in 12-team leagues, even with his status as the starting center in Orlando.

ORL • Shooting Guard • #22
20 days ago
One day removed from scoring 34 points in a double-overtime loss to the Suns, Bane was even more productive against the Clippers. The 36 points were one shy of his season-high, and the Magic guard has scored 30 or more on three of his last four appearances. Over the past month, Bane has been a top-10 player in nine-cat formats, performing even better than fantasy managers hoped he would this season. The Magic conclude their road trip on Tuesday against the Lakers, the first of three games they’ll play during Week 18.

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
20 days ago
After putting up 29 points in Friday’s win over the Clippers, the first game for Reaves after his minutes restriction was lifted, his impact was limited against the Celtics. The good news for fantasy managers was that he filled the stat line, but Reaves is at a point where it’s fair to expect more from him as a scorer. The Lakers open their four-game Week 18 on Tuesday against the Magic, a matchup that could be another challenging one given Orlando’s perimeter defenders.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
20 days ago
James got back to the 20-point mark after being limited to 13 in Friday’s win over the Clippers, but there weren’t many positives to take away from Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. A 1-of-5 night from beyond the arc weighed down his field-goal percentage, and the production was limited outside of points, rebounds and assists. James and the Lakers will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they host the Magic.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
20 days ago
Dončić led the way offensively for the Lakers, but give the Celtics credit for making him earn every bit of what he got. The Lakers’ guard shot 5-of-15 from inside the arc and, removing the February 5 game in which he injured his hamstring, the seven three-point attempts were the fewest in a game for Dončić since a January 9 loss to the Bucks in which he put up six. The Celtics consistently forced him inside the three-point line, resulting in a subpar effort by Dončić’s standards. The Lakers open their four-game Week 18 on Tuesday against the Magic.

LAL • Center • #11
20 days ago
Hayes sprained his right ankle during the first half, limiting his first stint to five minutes. With Deandre Ayton in foul trouble, the Lakers were forced to go small, with Rui Hachimura serving as the small-ball center. If Hayes misses time beyond Sunday, there may be a few minutes available to Drew Timme.
Source: Dan Woike

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
20 days ago
Suggs will miss a second straight game with back spasms. Tristan da Silva filled the void in the starting lineup and logged 38 minutes. The second-year wing gets another start on Sunday, with Anthony Black serving as the point guard.
Source: NBA Injury Report

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
21 days ago
Back spasms sidelined Suggs for Saturday’s double-overtime loss to the Suns, opening up a spot in the starting lineup for Tristan da Silva. While da Silva shot just 2-of-10 from the field, he played 38 minutes, finishing with five points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one three-pointer. He would remain in the starting lineup if Suggs can’t play on Sunday.
Source: Jason Beede

ORL • Shooting Guard • #22
21 days ago
Bane was extremely efficient, shooting 67 percent from the floor, including knocking down 5-of-9 from long range. The 27-year-old marquee offseason import is averaging an impressive 26.8 points over his last four games.

ORL • Small Forward • #23
21 days ago
The Magic won’t have Jalen Suggs for Saturday’s game, as he is out with back spasms. Da Silva will fill the void, and he is worth streaming in deep leagues since the Magic are also without Franz Wagner.
Source: NBA Lineups

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
21 days ago
Suggs was initially listed as questionable with back spasms, but has since been ruled out. With the 24-year-old point guard sidelined and Anthony Black already in the starting lineup, Tristan da Silva should move into the starting lineup and is worth streaming.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
22 days ago
Despite previously being listed as questionable, James suited up for the Lakers on Friday and provided exceptional playmaking. The four-time NBA champion picked apart the Clippers’ defense in his 33 minutes of game action and did just enough as a scorer to score in double figures and land the double-double. He didn’t make many contributions elsewhere, but still put together decent fantasy production. The Lakers play again on Sunday against the Celtics — James’s status ahead of that matchup will be one to monitor.

ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
22 days ago
Suggs is dealing with back spasms, which is why he’s on the injury report. With Anthony Black already in the starting lineup, Tristan da Silva is a potential replacement if Suggs can’t play. Under those circumstances, da Silva would be worth streaming.
Source: NBA Injury Report

ORL • Shooting Guard • #22
23 days ago
Bane put together a solid final line in Thursday’s win. He shot the ball well on minimal attempts, made the majority of his three-point attempts, and was active on the defensive end of the floor. Despite the scoreboard being fairly one-sided, he still was able to log 32 minutes of game action, which was crucial to his overall production. He’ll have a chance to log another good performance on Saturday against the Suns.

ORL • Point Guard • #0
23 days ago
Black was one of several Magic players to have success on both ends of the floor on Thursday. He finished as the team’s second-leading scorer, led all Orlando players in steals, and concluded with at least 20 points for the third time over his last four appearances. The third-year guard has reached another level of production this season. Still just 22 years of age, there’s potential for Black to make significant leaps over time to become a highly valued player in fantasy leagues.

ORL • Power Forward • #5
23 days ago
Banchero’s first game back from the All-Star break was a productive one. Offensively, he lit it up from beyond the arc and tallied his most made three-pointers in a single game this season. He was also a contributor as a facilitator, and him picking up a couple stocks was a nice cherry on top. Banchero will likely need to perform at this level to keep Orlando in a good spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

ORL • Small Forward • #22
24 days ago
Shams notes that “recent tests showed that he requires additional time and rehabilitation for soreness in his left high ankle sprain. The Magic will evaluate Wagner’s progress in three weeks.” With the NBA and fantasy basketball seasons drawing to a close, a three-week timeline for re-evaluation puts serious doubt on Wagner’s availability after he is cleared and begins ramping back up. This is a massive blow for Orlando and Wagner’s fantasy managers. Anthony Black should continue to soak up minutes, and he should be rostered everywhere. Black has made the most of his new opportunities and is enjoying a breakout campaign.
Source: Shams Charania