132-119
FINALSan
Antonio Spurs
35-16|L10: 6-4
Los
Angeles Lakers
29-22|L10: 5-5
-
//
Eastern Conference
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SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Wembanyama only played 25 minutes after playing 21 minutes in his first game back from a calf injury on Saturday. The 21-year-old power forward had an incredible stretch at the end of the third quarter where he scored 10 consecutive points. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the Spurs, who led by two at halftime, to secure a victory against the Knicks. Wembanyama and the Spurs will be back in action on Thursday against the Wizards.
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Wembanyama still had 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes in his return from a calf injury on Saturday against the Thunder. The 21-year-old’s minutes will look a lot like that again against the Knicks on Tuesday, according to Johnson. Luke Kornet started at center and played 24 minutes Saturday, but had just two points and eight rebounds.
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
Ayton finished Sunday’s victory with his tenth double-double of the season, halfway to his total for the entire 2024-25 campaign. So far, the move to Los Angeles has gone well for the 7-footer, who has been close to a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. As long as Ayton remains healthy, he’s well-positioned to offer reliable fantasy value.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
LeBron had far from a vintage performance on Sunday, but the good news for him is that the Lakers avoided blowing a game that they led by as much as 19. He was responsible for a game-high eight turnovers, and there were moments when it appeared that Dillon Brooks would get the best of him. But James made two of four free throws in the final 12 seconds to help the Lakers escape with the 116-114 victory, moving their record to 9-0 after a loss this season. The Lakers begin a two-game Week 9 on Thursday against the Jazz.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
LeBron had far from a vintage performance on Sunday, but the good news for him is that the Lakers avoided blowing a game that they led by as much as 19. He was responsible for a game-high eight turnovers, and there were moments when it appeared that Dillon Brooks would get the best of him. But James made two of four free throws in the final 12 seconds to help the Lakers escape with the 116-114 victory, moving their record to 9-0 after a loss this season. The Lakers begin a two-game Week 9 on Thursday against the Jazz.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
In what was a ragged basketball game, Dončić and the Lakers did enough to escape Phoenix with the win. While the point guard recorded solid points and assist numbers, he was inefficient. In addition to shooting 28 percent from the field, Dončić was responsible for six of the Lakers’ 21 turnovers. However, fantasy managers are well aware of how rostering Dončić can harm the turnover category. The Lakers play two games in Week 9, starting with the Jazz on Thursday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 1 month ago
Sunday’s game will be the Lakers’ first since losing Austin Reaves to a mild calf strain in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. Smart will fill the void in the starting lineup, and he may be able to provide deep-league value playing off of Luka and LeBron. That’s the lone change to the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Vassell led the way for the Spurs in what was a balanced scoring effort, with four players scoring at least 22 points in Saturday’s victory. And he needed the slump-buster, having totaled 13 points on 3-of-15 shooting in the Spurs’ prior two games. Vassell’s performance on Saturday was especially encouraging because it came with Victor Wembanyama available, even if the big man’s minutes were limited. For the season, Vassell is closing in on top-75 value in nine-cat formats, exceeding his Yahoo! ADP (97).
SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
The reigning Rookie of the Year took a beating on Saturday, finishing with both a bloody lip and a bloody nose, and he was also responsible for six turnovers. However, Castle’s turnover issues were limited mainly to the first quarter, as he and the other Spurs appeared to be pressing. Victor Wembanyama subbing in to begin the second quarter certainly helped calm some nerves. Castle has scored at least 20 points in seven games this season, and his scoring average is nearly four points higher than his rookie year number (14.7). Next up for Castle and the Spurs are the Knicks in Tuesday’s NBA Cup final, which will not count toward team records or statistics.
SAS • Point Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
Fox was one of four Spurs to score either 22 or 23 points on Saturday, with the team rebounding from a brutal 0-of-11 start from three to hand Oklahoma City its second loss of the season. Fox has scored at least 20 points in 14 of the 17 games he’s appeared in this season, and he’s providing top-25 value in eight-cat formats. After Tuesday’s NBA Cup final against the Knicks, Fox and the Spurs will play three games over the final four days of Week 9. That’s good news for fantasy managers.
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Wembanyama made his long-awaited return to the court on Saturday, but fans and fantasy managers had to wait a little longer than they expected. The Spurs did not play him at all in the first quarter, and Wemby logged just seven minutes in the second quarter. The goal was to ensure that Wembanyama’s minutes restriction would not be an issue in the fourth quarter, and the approach worked. He only needed 21 minutes to record an excellent stat line, showing why he’s considered one of the NBA’s premier talents. Tuesday’s NBA Cup final against the Knicks won’t count towards stats or fantasy basketball, but the Spurs will have three other games in Week 9.
LAL • Power Forward and Center • #14
about 2 months ago
Kleber will be inactive for a third straight game as he deals with a lumbar muscle strain. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is usually on the back end of the Lakers’ rotation when available.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in one week. His absence significantly affects fantasy basketball and the Lakers’ rotation, creating an opening in the team’s starting lineup. Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent are candidates to fill the void, with the former being the more likely choice due to what he brings to the table defensively. Reaves’ absence also means increased usage for Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Source: Dave McMenamin
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal will be Wembanyama’s first game since November 14, and the Spurs will not take any chances with his health. He’ll be restricted in two ways: the Spurs will sub him out earlier than usual, resulting in shorter stints on the court, and his overall playing time will decrease. Luke Kornet will shift back into his usual backup center role, but his ceiling may be slightly higher than usual due to the restrictions the team is imposing on Wembanyama.
Source: Nick Gallo
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Wembanyama will be a welcomed site on the court, as the Spurs will try to take down the red-hot Thunder, winners of 16 straight games. Wemby may face restrictions in his first game back as he works his way back into game shape. His return should mean fewer minutes for Luke Kornet and Julian Champagnie. Bismack Biyombo may fall completely out of the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
When asked if Wembanyama could return against the Thunder Saturday, Johnson said, “Very much so.” He added that Wembanyama had a very intense workout Wednesday and his availability will depend on how he responds. Even if the 21-year-old center isn’t able to make it back on the floor this weekend, his return doesn’t seem far off, which is great news for fantasy managers.
Source: Jared Weiss
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić had another excellent game, his second since missing two games to be present for the birth of his second child. The 26-year-old point guard dropped 35 points against the Spurs after recording his second triple-double of the season against the 76ers on Sunday. He’s been an elite fantasy option in recent weeks.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James, coming off a 29-point performance in a win over the 76ers on Sunday, was just as good but in different ways against the Spurs Wednesday. The 40-year-old was just two assists shy of a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. After an eight-point performance against the Raptors last Thursday, LeBron turned back the clock as we’ve seen him do countless times over the course of his career.
SAS • Small Forward • #30
about 2 months ago
Champagnie has played 29 minutes in each of the last two games since Stephon Castle returned from a hip injury. The 24-year-old small forward had played at least 35 minutes in three of the last five games before Castle returned. Castle played 27 minutes Wednesday, which will only increase with time and potentially cut into Champagnie’s minutes even more. He’s still worth holding in deeper formats for now, though.
SAS • Point Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
Fox led the Spurs with a +21 in 31 minutes in the 132-119 victory over the Lakers on Wednesday. Stephon Castle, who returned from a hip injury Monday, played 27 minutes while Dylan Harper played 20 minutes off the bench. Castle’s minutes should only increase, meaning less of the offense will ultimately run through Fox, whose scoring is crucial with Victor Wembanyama (calf) still sidelined.
SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
After playing on a minutes limit in his return from a hip injury Monday, Castle erupted with a massive game in the win over the Lakers on Wednesday. The 21-year-old shooting guard was just four assists shy of a triple-double, posting a 30/10/6 line. Castle, last year’s Rookie of the Year, still only played 27 minutes Wednesday. His minutes and fantasy value should only increase going forward.
SAS • Point Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
McLaughlin is set to return after missing over a month with a hamstring injury. With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all available, it’s unlikely McLaughlin will see significant minutes in his first game back.
SAS • Power Forward • #
about 2 months ago
Bryant was added to the injury report with an illness Wednesday afternoon, but is ultimately active against the Lakers. The 20-year-old power forward had four points in eight minutes in Monday’s win over the Pelicans. He’s not worth rostering yet in most fantasy leagues.
LAL • Power Forward and Center • #14
about 2 months ago
Kleber was initially listed as questionable with a back injury. The 33-year-old power forward is set to miss the contest, but his absence doesn’t significantly impact fantasy basketball.
SAS • Power Forward • #
about 2 months ago
Bryant is a late addition to the injury report, and if he is unavailable for the NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan would each likely take on a few extra minutes. However, that won’t make much of an impact on the Spurs’ rotation.
Source: Paul Garcia
LAL • Power Forward and Center • #14
about 2 months ago
Kleber’s role has been minimal when the rest of the roster is healthy, which is the case for Wednesday’s game. His absence won’t have much of an impact on the rest of the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Following a six-game absence, Smart will return to the lineup for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal game. Smart had previously said he planned to play in this game, so this lines up. He’ll play a large reserve role, though that won’t be enough time for him to make much of an impact in fantasy basketball. However, with only two games being played that day, he is at least worth consideration.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAS • Point Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
McLaughlin has a chance to return after missing over a month. However, with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all healthy, his role will be minimal, if he sees the floor at all.
Source: Paul Garcia.
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Wemby had a chance to play against Los Angeles after practicing this past weekend, but the Spurs will wait at least one more game. Luke Kornet will start at least one more game, where he hasn’t met expectations as a streamer.
Source: Paul Garcia
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
“Back is feeling good. Felt good in practice today ... I’m gonna give it a shot tomorrow and see how it feels,” said Smart. The veteran guard should be considered probable for Wednesday’s tilt with the Spurs after missing the Lakers’ last six games.
Source: Mike Trudell
SAS • Shooting Guard • #
about 2 months ago
Two of the three 2025 lottery picks playing in Monday’s contest came up big for their respective teams. While New Orleans’ Derik Queen recorded the more impressive stat line, Harper got the last laugh, as his shot with 9.1 seconds remaining gave San Antonio the lead for good. With Stephon Castle (hip) back in the lineup, the rookie guard still played 26 minutes, which bodes well for his opportunities moving forward. Harper remains a deep-league option at best, but he has the tools required to change that in time.
SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
Unsurprisingly, the Spurs had Castle on a minutes restriction in his return from a hip injury that sidelined him for nine games. However, the reigning Rookie of the Year was productive in his 23 minutes on the floor. Castle’s restriction ensured Julian Champagnie of solid minutes, as he logged 29 and finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five three-pointers. We’ll see if the minutes split is similar on Wednesday when the Spurs face the Lakers, but deep-league managers who were streaming Champagnie should consider holding onto him.
SAS • Power Forward and Small Forward • #40
about 2 months ago
While the Spurs used a balanced scoring effort to leave New Orleans with a three-point victory, there were stretches in which Barnes was asked to take the lead. The veteran forward answered the call, scoring 24 points after totaling 18 on 7-of-19 shooting in his previous two appearances. Rostered in 20 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Barnes has provided 10th-round value in eight-cat formats, exceeding his ADP (139) by a decent margin. Next up for the Spurs is an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup with the Lakers on Wednesday.
SAS • Center • #40
about 2 months ago
Castle is back in the Spurs’ lineup after missing nine games, resulting in Julian Champagnie heading back to the bench. Castle’s minutes may be restricted, so Champagnie will undoubtedly play rotation minutes. Also, Kornet has been upgraded from questionable to available after missing Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers with a sprained ankle.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAS • Center • #40
about 2 months ago
Kornet missed Friday’s game against the Cavs, but the Spurs are expecting him to suit up on Monday, even if he is still officially listed as questionable. With Victor Wembanyama (calf) doubtful, Kornet should get at least one more game as a starter.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
Castle has been sidelined since November 16, but prior to that, he had been playing incredibly well despite De’Aaron Fox’s return to the lineup. Castle may have his minutes managed in his first game back after a multi-week absence, but he will eventually push Julian Champagnie back to the bench. Dylan Harper may also lose out on a few minutes with Castle back. Monday’s game will be the first time that Castle, Fox and Harper will be available at the same time this season.
Source: Jeff McDonald
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 2 months ago
Hachimura’s 17 points were the most he’s scored in a game since November 10, when he dropped 21 in a win over the Hornets. While he is playing good minutes, averaging just over 33 per game, playing in a lineup headlined by Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves limits Rui’s fantasy ceiling and floor. He’s ranked just inside the top-200 in eight- and nine-cat formats, which explains why Hachimura is rostered in 19 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
With the Lakers’ “big three” of Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves available, Ayton’s scoring opportunities were bound to take a hit. The seven field-goal attempts were the fewest for the 7-footer in a game that he’s played at least 25 minutes since a November 12 loss to the Thunder. But he made all of them, in his most accurate performance of the season. Add in the rebounds, and Ayton finished with his ninth double-double of the season.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
Despite a rough start to the week, rumors of LeBron’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. Back in the lineup after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, the 40-year-old picked up the slack for the Lakers in crunch time. James shot 5-of-6 from the field in the fourth quarter, including two three-pointers in crunch time that helped the Lakers end their road trip on a high note. With the NBA Cup knockout stages resulting in lighter schedules for the entire league, LeBron and the Lakers will receive some welcome rest, even if they advance to the semifinals with a win over the Spurs on Wednesday.
Source: Law Murray
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Back with the Lakers after missing two games to be present for the birth of his second child, Dončić made up for lost time by recording his second triple-double of the season. Over the past two weeks, only Nikola Jokić has provided greater fantasy value than Dončić, whose season-long production places him third in eight-cat formats. The Lakers return home to host San Antonio in an NBA Cup quarterfinal contest on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the semifinals on Saturday in Las Vegas.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić has rejoined the team after missing two games for personal reasons, while James is back in the lineup after not playing in Friday’s loss to the Celtics. Their returns mean that Gabe Vincent and Jake LaRavia head back to the bench, with the latter offering a higher fantasy ceiling when used in a reserve role.
Source: Los Angeles Lakers
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James is good to go after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, which was the Lakers’ second game in as many nights. His return means that Jake LaRavia will come off the bench, lowering his fantasy ceiling.
Source: Ryan Ward
SAS • Center • #40
about 2 months ago
Kornet did not play in Friday’s game against the Cavaliers, resulting in Bismack Biyombo moving into the starting lineup. With Biyombo and Kelly Olynky combining to play 16 minutes on Friday, neither will be worth the risk if Kornet remains out on Monday. San Antonio was willing to go small for extended periods, with Jeremy Sochan spending some time at the five.
Source: Paul Garcia
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
While Wembanyama returned to practice on Sunday, he has not yet reached the point where he can play in games. The next opportunity for him to play will be on Wednesday when the Spurs visit the Lakers in an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup. As long as he’s healthy, Luke Kornet will be the starter until Wemby returns.
Source: Paul Garcia
SAS • Point Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
McLaughlin’s continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, especially with Stephon Castle being questionable for Monday’s game. There’s no reason to consider rostering McLaughlin in fantasy leagues.
Source: Paul Garcia
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
Initially questionable after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, James is on track to play Sunday evening. His return would bounce Jake LaRavia to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value.
Source: Trevor Lane
SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
Castle will likely need some time to ramp up when he returns, but his availability will eventually cut into Julian Champagnie’s and Dylan Harper’s minutes. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Castle’s injury status moving forward.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
Castle will likely need some time to ramp up when he returns, but his availability will eventually cut into Julian Champagnie’s and Dylan Harper’s minutes. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Castle’s injury status moving forward.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Wemby’s participation in practice bodes well for his chances of returning this week. After Monday’s matchup with the Pels, the Spurs’ next game will be Wednesday against the Lakers in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Until Wemby is back, the Spurs will pick up the slack with Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Center and Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Wemby’s participation in practice bodes well for his chances of returning this week. After Monday’s matchup with the Pels, the Spurs’ next game will be Wednesday against the Lakers in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Until Wemby is back, the Spurs will pick up the slack with Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo.
Source: Jeff McDonald
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James did not play in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, which was the Lakers’ second game in as many nights. The fact that he remains on the injury report is somewhat concerning, but James does have a chance of playing. If he can’t, Jake LaRavia will stay in the starting lineup and is worth streaming in deep leagues.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Smart will miss a sixth straight game as he continues to deal with a strained left lumbar muscle. While his absence does not affect fantasy basketball, it means Gabe Vincent will continue to play solid minutes, even with Luka Dončić (personal) available.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić missed the first two games of the Lakers’ road trip, as he was in Slovenia to witness the birth of his second child. His return to the team means that Gabe Vincent will head back to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value at best.
Source: Dan Woike
LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 2 months ago
LaRavia returned to the starting lineup with LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined for the second night of the Lakers’ back-to-back. LaRavia has been effective in previous starts this season, but he wasn’t able to contribute much during his 21 minutes in this game. LeBron should be back to take on the 76ers on Sunday, so LaRavia will return to the bench, which will eliminate the streaming value he held.
LAL • Point Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
With Luka Dončić (personal) still sidelined, Vincent remained in the starting lineup for one more game. He was much better in this one and ended up scoring in double figures for the first time this season. Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game that Luka should be back soon, and Sunday’s game against the 76ers is a possibility. If he returns, Vincent will head to playing a reserve role, but even if he gets another start, he can’t be relied on to repeat this performance.
Source: Mike Trudell
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
With both LeBron James (sciatica) and Luka Dončić (personal) sidelined, Reaves was the star of the show. That also meant he was the focal point for the Celtics defense to key in on. He started slow, but he was able to finish with a strong, efficient scoring night. Reaves has reached a new level this season, and it has led to a ton of monster performances like this one. He’ll look to stay hot against the 76ers on Sunday, even if LeBron and Luka are back.
LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 2 months ago
With LeBron James unavailable for the second leg of this back-to-back, LaRavia will return to the starting lineup. LaRavia is averaging 11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 triples across six starts this season.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
As expected, James will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back for the Lakers. Jake LaRavia, who played 28 minutes off the bench on Thursday, should start in place of LeBron. Austin Reaves should be in for a big night with LeBron and Luka Dončić (personal) both sidelined.
Source: Brad Turner
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Smart has missed the last four games with a back injury. He’ll continue to sit out as he manages the injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters earlier this week that he expected Smart back soon, but he’s missed two games since that quote and remains without a clear timetable to return.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić is still away from the team for personal reasons after missing Thursday’s game against Toronto. Without the 26-year-old point guard, Gabe Vincent should remain in the starting lineup. Austin Reaves will get a nice usage bump without Dončić as well.