
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James and Hachimura have been upgraded from probable to available, meaning the Lakers will have their full rotation in Orlando. The latter will likely be under a minutes restriction, meaning he would come off the bench. Dorian Finney-Smith would remain in the starting lineup in that scenario.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Power Forward • #28
12 months ago
Hachimura logged 18 minutes and come off the bench on Saturday after missing almost a month with this knee issue. He was initially listed as questionable, but now he is expected to suit up against Orlando. He’ll likely see a limited role off the bench once again.
Source: Dave McMenamin

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Castle has only missed one game during his rookie season, but there is a chance that he misses a second one against Detroit. He has been starting for San Antonio, so if he sits, Julian Champagnie will likely make a return to the starting lineup. Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson would also likely be in line for extra minutes and shots.
Source: NBA Injury Report

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Castle entered Sunday’s game having scored at least 17 points in five straight. That run ended in Toronto, and the overall stat line was meager compared to some of the rookie’s recent performances. While Castle has averaged 17.8 points per game over the past two weeks, the limited production in other categories has limited his fantasy ceiling. However, he’ll have every opportunity to play starters’ minutes for the rest of the season, making Castle worth the risk in most leagues.

SAS • Small Forward • #30
12 months ago
Champagnie snapped out of a three-game slump on Sunday, scoring 20 points after tallying 17 on 5-of-18 shooting in the three games prior. He’s ranked well outside the top 150 in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. While the rotation minutes will be there for Champagnie, there’s no need to roster him in most leagues.

SAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #24
12 months ago
Vassell has been on a tear compared to his production for most of this season. Over the past month, the Spurs wing has provided top-40 value in eight-cat formats and top-25 in nine-cat. Vassell has cleaned up the percentages, shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 87.5 percent from the foul line, and the scoring output has also improved. If the Spurs allow Vassell to play in all four Week 21 games, he has the potential to be a difference-maker for many fantasy managers.

LAL • Power Forward • #28
12 months ago
Hachimura returned to the Lakers’ rotation on Saturday after missing nearly one month with left knee tendinopathy. He logged 18 minutes, two fewer than the limit Lakers coach JJ Redick stated before the team lost to the Bulls. Hachimura will likely take on a similar workload if he’s allowed to play against the Magic, and he’s likely to come off the bench again.
Source: Jovan Buha

SAS • Center • #15
12 months ago
Biyombo returns to the starting lineup after coming off the bench for the Spurs’ last two games. Jeremy Sochan returns to the bench but should still offer deep-league value. That’s the lone change to San Antonio’s starting five.
Source: NBA Lineups

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James is expected to be available for the first game of the Lakers’ road trip. If he’s unable to play for some reason, Jordan Goodwin would likely return to the starting lineup. Goodwin would only be worth streaming in extremely deep leagues.
Source: Jovan Buha

LAL • Power Forward • #28
12 months ago
Appearing in a game for the first time since February 27, Hachimura was said to be on a limit of 20-24 minutes on Saturday. He only played 18, due partially to things getting out of hand in the Lakers’ 146-115 defeat. Hachimura did not provide much value in his time on the court, and his fantasy prospects aren’t as promising when used in a reserve role. Dorian Finney-Smith (2/2/1/1/1 in 21 minutes) has been the starter since Hachimura’s injury; while his fantasy ceiling is lower, DFS’s defensive ability makes him a solid fit in the Lakers’ starting lineup. Whether or not that remains the case once Rui’s restriction is lifted may be another matter, as he played well before the knee injury.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James returned to the Lakers’ lineup on Saturday after missing seven games with a strained groin. Unfortunately for him, things did not go as smoothly as hoped. While LeBron recorded solid numbers in the rebound, assist and steals categories, he was also responsible for five turnovers. With the game getting out of hand during the fourth quarter, James exited with 6:42 remaining, finishing at 31 minutes. A player displaying some rust in their first game back from injury is unsurprising, even for one of LeBron’s caliber. He’ll look to bounce back on Monday in Orlando, the first of four games the Lakers play during Week 21.

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
12 months ago
LeBron James’ return to the Lakers lineup did not significantly impact Reaves’ production. He was highly efficient and extended his streak of 20-point games to six. Since the All-Star break, the Lakers guard has provided top-25 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Reaves’ usage is not on par with that of James or Luka Doncic, but it doesn’t need to be. The good news for fantasy managers is that the Lakers play four games during Week 21, starting with the Magic on Monday.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
12 months ago
Doncic was excellent offensively when he shot the ball Saturday night. The issue was turnovers, as he racked up seven turnovers. The Lakers guard has been responsible for five or more in nine of his last 11 outings. However, this isn’t a significant issue in eight-cat formats or for managers willing to punt turnovers. Also, Doncic has been productive enough across the board to alleviate the impact of the turnovers, providing top-20 value in nine-cat formats during this 11-game stretch. The Lakers hit the road for four games during Week 21, starting with the Magic on Monday.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
LeBron is back after missing seven games with a strained groin. His return means Jordan Goodwin heads to the bench, with his fantasy value taking a significant hit. The few who streamed Goodwin can afford to drop him onto the waiver wire.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Forward • #17
12 months ago
After sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Bucks, Finney-Smith and Vanderbilt will return to the Lakers’ rotation. Their returns mean Markieff Morris will likely fall out of the rotation entirely, which does not impact fantasy basketball.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Power Forward • #28
12 months ago
Hachimura is available after missing 12 games with a left knee injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick said he will be on a minutes restriction for multiple games, beginning with a cap of 20-24 minutes on Saturday. Vincent started Thursday’s loss to the Bucks but will come off the bench since Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are available.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
12 months ago
Doncic and Reaves were initially probable for Saturday’s game, so this was the expected outcome. They’ll occupy their usual places within the Lakers’ starting five, so managers need to have them in their active lineups before tipoff. LeBron James (groin) is a game-time decision, so the Lakers could be back to full strength on Saturday.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Power Forward • #28
12 months ago
Hachimura has missed the last 12 games with a knee injury, but is now likely to return Saturday against the Bulls given he’s been upgraded to probable status. Vincent continues to manage a knee injury, but is also now likely to suit up Saturday.

SAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #24
12 months ago
The managers that held onto Vassell through his slump are reaping the rewards. In the month of March, Vassell has averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.1 blocks and three three-pointers while shooting 46.4 percent from the floor and only turning the ball over once per game. That has him ranked in the top ten in nine-cat value this month. Wednesday’s win over the Knicks was a quieter performance for him, but he was able to bounce back well on Friday.

SAS • Small Forward • #0
12 months ago
Though he is known for being a poor option in category formats, Johnson was able to make an impact across the board on Friday. Over San Antonio’s last four games, Johnson has averaged two steals and one block per game. His season averages are 0.7 steals and 0.3 blocks, so managers shouldn’t expect the defensive production to continue. However, it has been a nice boost for the managers that have held onto him. He should continue to be a strong option for the rest of the season, though his game is typically catered for points leagues.

SAS • Power Forward • #10
12 months ago
Sochan has started the last two games for San Antonio as part of a smaller starting lineup, and that has led to two wins for the Spurs. Sochan has scored in double figure in six consecutive games, but his 23 points on Friday were a new season-high for him. Though the Spurs’ playoff hops went down the drain when Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the rest of the season, they have won four of their last six games and sit just three games out of the postseason picture. Sochan should continue to produce at a high level as long as he is starting.

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Castle shattered his previous career-high of eight assists and was also able to record the first point-assist double-double of his career. Castle has scored at least 15 points in five consecutive games since returning to the starting unit and has at least 20 points in three of those. He sacrificed a few buckets on Friday to take on the primary playmaking role. Castle continues to strengthen his case for Rookie of the Year and will continue to be a strong fantasy option for years to come.

LAL • Point Guard • #7
12 months ago
After starting on Thursday, Vincent will be pushed out of the starting unit against Chicago, whether he suits up or not. The Lakers will have their typical starters back are expected to have LeBron James and Rui Hachimura return from extended absences as well. If Vincent misses the game, Dalton Knecht should see extra minutes off the bench.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Forward • #17
12 months ago
Both forwards are expected to be back after missing Thursday’s game against Milwaukee. The Lakers were without six key rotation pieces for that game on the second night of a back-to-back. Markieff Morris should be bumped back out of the rotation with DFS and Vanderbilt expected back.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
While Lakers head coach JJ Redick has said he’s hopeful that James and Hachimura will suit up and play Saturday, both are listed as questionable, which gives them a legitimate chance of missing the matchup with the Bulls. LeBron is dealing with a left groin strain that has kept him out for seven games. Hachimura has missed the last 12 games with left patellar tendinopathy. Dorian Finney-Smith and Jordan Goodwin could continue to start in their absences.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
12 months ago
Doncic and Reaves are both probable with right ankle sprains after the pair missed Thursday’s game against the Bucks with the same injury. Given the probable listing, both players are expected to play without limitation Saturday.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Small Forward • #4
12 months ago
Knecht got the starting nod due to the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the second night of the back-to-back for the Lakers. He scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, though it didn’t do much to reverse the Lakers’ fortunes on the scoreboard. Knecht is more than capable of pouring in the points when he gets the opportunity, but with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura expected to return on Saturday, along with the other players that sat out on Thursday, Knecht won’t see this many shots moving forward.

LAL • Small Forward • #4
12 months ago
Knecht got the starting nod due to the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers. He scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, though it didn’t do much to reverse the Lakers’ fortunes on the scoreboard. Knecht is more than capable of pouring in the points when he gets the opportunity, but with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura expected to return on Saturday, along with the other players that sat out on Thursday, Knecht won’t see this many shots moving forward.

LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
12 months ago
The Lakers played this game without six key rotation players, including four starters. The game got out of hand quickly, as expected, which allowed Bronny to take on a larger role. He took advantage of the opportunity against a good team, and while it wasn’t a perfect game, it was the best of his career. It is unlikely that he gets another chance like this before the final week of the regular season, depending on how the standings play out. However, it was an encouraging performance for a young player that has faced a lot of criticism.

LAL • Forward • #88
12 months ago
The only typical starter that will be available for the Lakers in this game is Hayes. They are incredibly shorthanded on the second night of this back-to-back after beating Denver on Wednesday. Vincent, Knecht and Morris are the new faces in the starting lineup for the Lakers on Thursday.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Forward • #88
12 months ago
The only typical starter that will be available for the Lakers in this game is Hayes. They are incredibly shorthanded on the second night of this back-to-back after beating Denver on Wednesday. Vincent, Knecht and Morris are the new faces in the starting lineup for the Lakers on Thursday.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Forward • #17
12 months ago
Both forwards were initially doubtful, so it isn’t surprising that they’ve been ruled out. Markieff Morris will get the start in place of DFS, but Cam Reddish should also make a return to the rotation for the shorthanded Lakers.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James will miss a seventh-straight game when the Lakers take on the Bucks on Thursday, while it will be a 12th-straight absence for Hachimura. However, Los Angeles could be close to full strength against Chicago to wrap up the week. Their returns will likely push Dorian Finney-Smith and Jordan Goodwin back to the bench, though both have been productive in increased roles. The Lakers enter Thursday’s game having won three in a row, and they’re currently a game behind the Rockets for the No. 2 seed in the West.
Source: Mark Medina

LAL • Forward • #17
12 months ago
Both forwards are expected to be sidelined for the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back. Cam Reddish and Markieff Morris are both candidates to return to the rotation, but at this point, everyone available for the Lakers should play a ton of minutes.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
12 months ago
Luka Doncic (ankle) had already been ruled out for the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back, and now Reaves will join him on the sidelines. Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht will likely both enter the starting unit, and Jordan Goodwin should see more offensive opportunities with Doncic and Reaves sidelined.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
12 months ago
Doncic is a little hobbled despite sitting for the entire fourth quarter during his team’s latest win against the Nuggets. He won’t play in the second leg of this back-to-back and Austin Reaves will get a chance to run the show against Milwaukee.
Source: Dave McMenamin on Twitter

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
12 months ago
Doncic is a little hobbled despite sitting for the entire fourth quarter during his team’s latest win against the Nuggets. He won’t play in the second leg of this back-to-back, and Austin Reaves will get a chance to run the show against Milwaukee. Doncic’s absence will open up a spot in the starting unit that may be filled by Dalton Knecht.
Source: Dave McMenamin

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
12 months ago
Doncic came out scalding hot on Wednesday, scoring 21 points in the first quarter on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. The lone negative was the six turnovers, and Luka’s stat line would have been even better had he played during the fourth quarter. The Lakers led by as much as 30, so there was no need for Doncic to play during the final period. Hopefully, that time off will ensure that Doncic will be available for Thursday’s game against the Bucks. The good news is that he played both games of the Lakers’ most recent back-to-back.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #30
12 months ago
Goodwin has started the Lakers’ last four games, filling the void left by LeBron James (groin). While he has reached double figures on three occasions, he has been most valuable in the defensive categories. Averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, Goodwin has offered fifth-round value in nine-cat formats in his four starts. Goodwin is only rostered in one percent of Yahoo! leagues and is worthy of consideration among managers seeking defensive production.

SAS • Power Forward • #10
12 months ago
San Antonio decided to go small on Wednesday, with Sochan replacing Bismack Biyombo (four points and four rebounds in 10 minutes) in the starting lineup. While it did not work to slow Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 31 points, the Spurs neutralized the other Knicks starters. Sochan has reached double figures in his last five outings, but he’s ranked well outside the top 200 in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. However, he’ll have a higher ceiling if interim coach Mitch Johnson sticks with Sochan at the five.

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Castle has scored 22 points or more in three of his last four outings, continuing to strengthen his case for Rookie of the Year. Over the past two weeks, the Spurs guard has averaged 19.4 points per game. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, limited production outside of points, rebounds and assists has limited Castle’s ceiling. However, the current situation in San Antonio makes him a player who must be rostered in standard leagues for the stretch run.

SAS • Center and Power Forward • #54
12 months ago
Born in New York City and an alumnus of Seton Hall, Mamukelashvili had the best night of his NBA career on Wednesday. According to Justin Russo, he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 34 points and five rebounds in fewer than 20 minutes. While Mamukelashvili has rarely been a fantasy asset, he’s the kind of player who can emerge during the “silly season.” And with the Spurs playing two lottery-bound teams (Philadelphia and Toronto) to end Week 20, it would be unsurprising if Mamu could provide consistent value.
Source: Justin Russo

SAS • Power Forward • #10
12 months ago
The Spurs have replaced Bismack Biyombo at the center position with Sochan. Smaller, more athletic defenders tend to give Karl-Anthony Towns more trouble, which is likely why Sochan is in the lineup. This change raises Sochan’s fantasy ceiling, but he remains a late-round option at best.
Source: NBA Lineups

SAS • Point Guard • #11
12 months ago
McLaughlin has not picked up the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball when he has been healthy, so fantasy managers should not expect much on Wednesday. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report

SAS • Point Guard • #3
12 months ago
Paul continues to provide valuable leadership for the Spurs, and he finished Monday’s defeat with eight assists. However, the playing time has decreased. Paul has not surpassed 25 minutes in any of his last six appearances and hasn’t played 30 or more since February 25. With Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox out for the rest of the season and Paul’s minutes decreasing, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be shut down at some point. However, CP3 is still playing and can provide value in the rebound and assist categories.

SAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #24
12 months ago
Since the All-Star break, Vassell has been a top-50 player in nine-cat while sitting just outside that threshold in eight-cat formats. Monday’s performance was good for the Spurs guard, who scored at least 17 points in three straight and four of his last five outings. As long as Vassell logs starters’ minutes, he’ll remain a valuable player to have rostered. Especially with De’Aaron Fox done for the rest of the season.

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Since the Spurs lost De’Aaron Fox to season-ending finger surgery, Castle has averaged 22.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.0 three-pointers per game as a starter. While the rookie has only been an 11th-round player in eight-cat formats during this three-game stretch, the opportunity is such that Castle should be picked up in standard leagues. He’s at 55 percent rostered in Yahoo! leagues, and the Spurs are scheduled to play three more games during Week 20.

SAS • Power Forward • #10
12 months ago
Sochan and Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt received their marching orders with 6:27 remaining after getting into an altercation. Sochan responded to a Vanderbilt forearm by hitting him with the ball, and the Lakers forward responded with a shove. Both players were grabbed by their respective teammates but were ejected for their actions. Sochan finished with 15 points, three rebounds, one assist and one three-pointer in 26 minutes.

SAS • Point Guard • #11
12 months ago
Even with De’Aaron Fox (finger) done for the season, McLaughlin’s availability does not impact fantasy basketball. There’s no need to consider rostering him.
Source: NBA Injury Report

SAS • Point Guard • #11
12 months ago
McLaughlin is dealing with a sore left Achilles tendon, but his status does not impact fantasy basketball. The veteran point guard has not surpassed seven minutes in any of the eight games he’s played for the Spurs this season.
Source: Matt Guzman

SAS • Small Forward • #0
12 months ago
Rostered in 36 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Johnson has provided respectable fantasy value since the All-Star break. He has been a 10th-round player in nine-cat formats since the break, averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.6 three-pointers per game. While Johnson doesn’t possess the upside of teammate Stephon Castle, injuries to other players have made him worthy of a look in 12-team leagues. And the Spurs have a good upcoming schedule, as they’ll play 12 games over weeks 20 through 22.

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Like teammate Devin Vassell, Castle did not shoot the ball well on Saturday. The good news for those who have him rostered is that the rookie dished out seven assists, his highest tally since March 1. Since the All-Star break, Castle is ranked just inside the top 200 in eight-cat per-game value. Under normal circumstances, there would be no reason for 54 percent of Yahoo! league managers to roster the rookie. However, with De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama done for the season, Castle is worth the risk in 12-team leagues.

SAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #24
12 months ago
Vassell’s field goal percentage was subpar, but the overall stat line was one that many fantasy managers would live with. Since the All-Star break, the Spurs wing has been a fourth-round player in nine-cat formats, rewarding those who did not drop Vassell in a panic while he struggled. And with De’Aaron Fox (finger) done for the season, the ball will be in Vassell’s hands more as the Spurs conclude their season. He can potentially be a league-winner, provided the shooting accuracy improves.

SAS • Center-Forward • #28
12 months ago
No surprise here as Bassey is now set to miss his seventh-straight game. Bismack Biyombo will continue to start for the Spurs. Bassey would be in line for a significant workload with San Antonio if he can just get healthy.

SAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #24
12 months ago
Vassell had been one of the primary beneficiaries of additional usage on the Spurs since Victor Wembanyama went down with a season-ending injury. Now the Spurs have been dealt another blow with De’Aaron Fox going down for the rest of the year. Vassell will continue to benefit along with Stephon Castle as the two led the Spurs in shot attempts Friday.

SAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #24
12 months ago
Vassell had been one of the primary beneficiaries of additional usage on the Spurs since Victor Wembanyama went down with a season-ending injury. Now the Spurs have been dealt another blow with De’Aaron Fox going down for the rest of the year. Vassell will continue to benefit along with Stephon Castle as the two led the Spurs in shot attempts Friday.

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Fantasy managers that dropped Castle after the Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox must be kicking themselves now. The 20-year-old shooting guard had to hit the bench after San Antonio’s acquisition of Fox. He still had some good games, but his ceiling was certainly lower. Now with Fox out for the rest of the season, Castle will start again and has a chance to be a difference maker down the stretch of the season and in the fantasy playoffs.

SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
12 months ago
Fantasy managers that dropped Castle after the Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox must be kicking themselves now. The 20-year-old shooting guard had to hit the bench after San Antonio’s acquisition of Fox. He still had some good games, but his ceiling was certainly lower. Now with Fox out for the rest of the season, Castle will start again and has a chance to be a difference maker down the stretch of the season and in the fantasy playoffs.

SAS • Point Guard • #4
12 months ago
Charania’s report said that the surgery will take place on Tuesday and will expedite his recovery for next season. Fox suffered the injury during training camp and had been playing through it all season. Over the Spurs’ final 18 games of the regular season, Stephon Castle should slide into the starting lineup and have a chance to strengthen his case for Rookie of the Year. Fox averaged 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 34 minutes across his 17 games with San Antonio this season.
Source: Shams Charania

SAS • Power Forward • #10
12 months ago
Sochan missed Monday’s game against the Mavericks with a calf injury, but returned Wednesday after a one-game absence despite initially being listed as questionable. The 21-year-old power forward poured in 18 points including two made 3-pointers. He also grabbed seven rebounds in just 24 minutes. Sochan has emerged as the big man with the most fantasy value on San Antonio in the wake of Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending injury.