123-147
FINALDenver
Nuggets
44-28|L10: 5-5
Miami
Heat
38-35|L10: 8-2
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Eastern Conference
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MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Jaquez Jr. sprained his ankle on Saturday, and the injury will force him to miss a second straight game after he sat out Sunday. Nikola Jović and Pelle Larsson are candidates for increased run in Jaquez Jr.'s absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #14
2 months ago
Herro was available on Sunday, but he didn’t play, and he hasn’t taken the court since December 9. Until he’s ready to return, Kel’el Ware should remain with the first unit. Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell should continue to see extended run.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
It’s not surprising that Gordon will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back set after returning from a long absence on Sunday. With Gordon, Jamal Murray (ankle) and Christian Braun (ankle) all joining Nikola Jokić (knee) and Jonas Valančiūnas (calf) on the sideline, THJ will also get the night off to recover from an illness. Spencer Jones, Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther are all candidates for increased run against the 76ers tonight as Denver trots out a skeleton crew.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Braun returned from a lengthy absence on Sunday, and Murray has been dealing with an ankle injury of his own, so it’s not surprising that both players will miss the second leg of Denver’s back-to-back set. Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown will likely take the lead in the Nuggets’ backcourt against the 76ers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #24
2 months ago
Powell got off to a sizzling-hot start on the second night of a back-to-back, going 6-of-7 from the field, including 5-of-6 from three-point range, to enter halftime with 20 points. He kept the momentum going down the home stretch, finishing 9-of-12 from beyond the arc, notching his second 30-point performance in his last three games. The unheralded 32-year-old scoring machine has benefitted greatly from Miami’s new run-and-gun style offense in his Heat debut, delivering third-round fantasy value, averaging 24.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.2 blocks through 31 games. The Heat are in line for a four-game week coming up that includes a rematch against Minnesota before road tilts against the Bulls, Pacers and Thunder.
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Jović, who came into this one nursing a left groin contusion, went 6-of-10 from the floor, scoring 15 points in the opening half as Miami built an early advantage. The 22-year-old cooled off considerably over the final three quarters but still managed to turn in a respectable all-around effort. He’s been excellent over the past two weeks, averaging 14.8 points and 5.3 rebounds over his last six games during that span. He’s worthy of a speculative fantasy roster spot, especially in deeper leagues.
MIA • Center • #7
2 months ago
Ware remains one of this season’s great fantasy wild cards — dominant one night, invisible the next. The 21-year-old center is still very much a work in progress, but he’s been a double-double machine this season, averaging 12.4 points and 10.6 boards through 36 games and grading out as a top-30 overall fantasy performer.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
The 16 helpers were a season-high for Murray as he also topped 20 points for the 13th time in his last 15 games since a 52-point explosion back on December 3. The 28-year-old guard will be tasked with serving as Denver’s primary offensive catalyst while Nikola Jokić (knee) is sidelined until at least late January. He’s delivered second-round fantasy value this season, averaging 25.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks through 34 games. The injury-ravaged Nuggets will play four games next week against Eastern Conference opponents with matchups against the 76ers, Celtics, Hawks and Bucks.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon looked sharp in his first game action since November 21, finishing a couple boards shy of a double-double in limited minutes off the bench, following a six-week absence recovering from a hamstring strain. The 30-year-old’s return couldn’t come at a more opportune moment for the injury-ravaged Nuggets, who are missing several starters including franchise icon Nikola Jokić (knee).
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
2 months ago
Watson has flashed some decent scoring upside over the past week, averaging 19.8 points over his last four games. His all-around fantasy upside is relatively limited, but he’ll continue to see an increase in minutes and scoring opportunities for the injury-depleted Nuggets as they embark on a busy four-game week against a handful of Eastern Conference opponents.
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Despite suffering a left groin contusion during Saturday’s loss to the Timberwolves, Jović is good to go for the second game of Miami’s weekend back-to-back. There may be a few more minutes available to him since Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) is out.
Source: Miami Heat
MIA • Guard • #9
2 months ago
Larsson is back after missing two games with a sprained right ankle. Tyler Herro (toe) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) are out, so there will be rotation minutes available to the second-year wing. However, he is not a must-roster player in most leagues.
Source: Miami Heat
MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Unsurprisingly, Jaquez is out after spraining his right ankle during Saturday’s loss to the Timberwolves. With Nikola Jović and Pelle Larsson being available, they can absorb most of the minutes that would have gone to Jaquez.
Source: Miami Heat
MIA • Guard • #14
2 months ago
While Herro is available, he is not expected to see any action. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said the guard remains day-to-day and is unsure when Herro will be available. Kel’el Ware will continue to start until that changes.
Source: Anthony Chiang
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 months ago
Initially probable for Sunday’s game, Adebayo is officially available. He’ll occupy his usual place in the Heat starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward • #21
2 months ago
While Braun and Aaron Gordon are available after lengthy absences due to injury, only the former will be in the starting lineup. Jones will continue to start at the four, which may be a sign that Gordon’s minutes restriction is tighter than Braun’s.
Source: NBA Lineups
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon has been cleared to return to action after a hamstring injury suffered on November 21 forced him to the sidelines. Spencer Jones may be headed to the bench, but he should remain in the rotation since Gordon’s playing time will be restricted.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
Sunday’s game will be Braun’s first since November 15. While the Nuggets have not provided a specific number, he will be under a minutes restriction in his first game back. Jalen Pickett may be headed back to the bench, but he’s unlikely to fall out of the rotation entirely due to the restriction placed on Braun.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray was initially probable for Sunday’s game, so the status upgrade was expected. He’ll once again be Denver’s primary scoring option, but he will have help thanks to the returns of Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon.
Source: Denver Nuggets
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Jović took an inadvertent knee from Rudy Gobert during Saturday’s loss to the Timberwolves. However, while hobbled momentarily, he was able to remain in the game. With Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) considered doubtful, the Heat are on track to be down at least one reserve on Sunday. Not having Jović would leave them even more shorthanded on the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #9
2 months ago
Larsson appears on track to return after a sprained ankle kept him out of Miami’s last two games. With Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) listed as doubtful, getting Larsson back will help the Heat from a numbers standpoint.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Jaquez exited Saturday’s loss to the Timberwolves after rolling his right ankle during the second quarter. With Miami’s top reserve unlikely to play, there may be more minutes available to Kasparas Jakučionis, and Pelle Larsson is probable after missing Saturday’s game with a sprained ankle.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #14
2 months ago
Herro, who last played on December 9, has appeared in six games this season. After his first extended absence of the season, the Heat inserted the guard into the starting lineup immediately. If that were the approach for Sunday (if Herro plays), Kel’el Ware would be the player most likely headed to the bench based on head coach Erik Spoelstra’s approach in the past. However, by no means should fantasy managers consider dropping Ware if he’s moved into a reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 months ago
Adebayo is once again on the Heat injury report with a sore lower back, but the good news is that he’s considered probable for Sunday night. He should take on his usual responsibilities as part of the Heat starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #24
2 months ago
There weren’t a ton of bright spots for Miami in this one as they fell behind by nearly 20 points before rallying late to make things a bit closer. The 32-year-old guard has scored at least 20 points in 11 of his last 14 games since the start of December. The Heat, who have won four of their last five games, are back in action against the Pelicans on Sunday before opening a busy four-game week that features matchups against the Timberwolves, Bulls, Pacers and Thunder.
MIA • Guard • #45
2 months ago
Mitchell has benefitted from Tyler Herro’s ongoing absence due to a lingering toe issue in addition to Miami’s newfound run-and-gun offensive style. The 27-year-old guard has provided an impact for fantasy managers in deeper leagues, averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.1 blocks through 33 games.
MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Jaquez sprained his right ankle while defending Julius Randle during the second quarter of Saturday’s game. While it was initially announced that he would be available to return, the Heat changed course and ruled Jaquez out for the rest of the night. The minutes that would usually go to him should be divided among Nikola Jović and Kasparas Jakučionis.
Source: Tim Reynolds
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray tweaked his left ankle during Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, but the probable tag suggests that he will be available on Sunday. With the Nuggets being as shorthanded as they currently are, the last thing the team needs is to lose Murray as well.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
If he’s able to play, Sunday’s game would be Gordon’s first since November 21. Spencer Jones has filled in admirably in Gordon’s absence, but the two-way contract forward’s fantasy ceiling would take a significant hit once he returns to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Shooting Guard • #0
2 months ago
Braun has been out since November 15. While his absence may not have significantly affected fantasy basketball, that was at a time when the Nuggets were close to full strength. With Nikola Jokić and Cameron Johnson out, and Aaron Gordon also questionable for Sunday, there’s a clear need for Braun’s return. While a minutes limit may be in play for his first games back, Braun will have a higher fantasy ceiling due to the absences.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Jović was listed as probable and has now officially been cleared to suit up. He has taken on a larger role off the bench recently, which has led to strong fantasy production. His last game was rough, but he’ll look to get back on track in this one.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Jaquez was initially listed as probable for this game, so his availability doesn’t come as a surprise. He’ll continue to occupy his typical role off the bench, which has resulted in a ton of offensive production recently.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 months ago
As expected, Adebayo will be good to go against Minnesota despite dealing with lower back soreness. He’ll occupy his typical role as the team’s starting center.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #9
2 months ago
Larsson will miss a second straight game due to an ankle injury he suffered on Monday. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović and Dru Smith should all see a bump in minutes with Larsson unavailable.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
It became the de facto Murray show for the injury-plagued Nuggets in their second contest since losing superstar Nikola Jokić earlier this week to a hyperextended left knee that is expected to keep him sidelined into late January. The 28-year-old star put up a whopping 28 shots in this one, his third-most in a game this season, and broke the 30-point barrier for the 10th time. He poured in 28 points by halftime and was relatively quiet down the home stretch as Denver’s lead evaporated. He’ll be asked to carry Denver for the foreseeable future since they’re also playing without starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), Cam Johnson (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf). It’s a positive short-term development from a fantasy standpoint as it significantly raises his scoring floor.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
2 months ago
With injuries decimating Denver’s starting lineup, Watson hoisted a season-high 22 shot attempts in this one. The 23-year-old wing doesn’t offer enough from a fantasy standpoint, besides some immediate scoring upside, to warrant consideration outside of deeper leagues. He’ll have an opportunity over the next few weeks to show what he can do with more on his plate.
DEN • Power Forward • #14
2 months ago
Murray is the only regular in the Nuggets’ starting lineup. Holmes enters the starting lineup for Friday’s game, two days after Jonas Valančiūnas suffered a strained calf. While the move does raise the rookie’s ceiling, fantasy managers should not expect to see Holmes play starters’ minutes, as he missed all of last season with a ruptured Achilles.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther was initially listed as probable but is now available. However, he is not guaranteed to play rotation minutes, so leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Initially probable for Friday’s game, Murray is officially good to go. He’ll once again take on the role of Denver’s primary offensive option as the team continues without the injured Nikola Jokić.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Jović struggled on Thursday, but before that, he had been playing incredibly well off the bench. He is dealing with an elbow contusion, but he isn’t expected to miss Saturday’s game, and he’ll look to get back on track offensively.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #9
2 months ago
Larsson missed Thursday’s game after an early exit on Monday and could remain out for another game. His minutes were dispersed between Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović and Dru Smith, though all three should continue to play their typical roles if Larsson returns.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Jaquez is managing a right thigh contusion, but it isn’t expected to impact his availability. He has been on an offensive tear recently and should continue to pour in the points while playing big minutes in this game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 months ago
Adebayo is still managing soreness in his lower back, but it isn’t expected to keep him out of the lineup. He should occupy his typical workload after contributing 15 points and 14 rebounds in his last game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Once again, Jaquez gave the Heat some much-needed production off the bench as they held off the Pistons in Detroit. He’s scored at least 19 points in three straight and five of his last six, providing 10th-round per-game value in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. Coming off the bench limits Jaquez’s value to managers in 10-team formats, but those competing in 12-team leagues should strongly consider adding him if he’s on the waiver wire.
MIA • Forward • #22
2 months ago
Five of Wiggins’ seven rebounds were on the offensive end of the floor, the second time in three games that he’s accomplished that feat. However, what will stand out to fantasy managers is the 17 points, as Wiggins has met or exceeded that number in four straight appearances. Rostered in 56 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he has been a top-40 player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. Managers competing in 10-team leagues may want to consider adding Wiggins, especially with Tyler Herro (toe) still out.
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 months ago
While the Heat only grabbed six more rebounds than the Pistons, their starting frontcourt combined to corral 11 offensive rebounds. Adebayo and Kel’El Ware (5/13/0/2/2) were responsible for three offensive rebounds apiece, while Andrew Wiggins grabbed five. Bam’s double-double was his second in as many games after missing two games with a back injury. The Heat head home for their final two games of Week 11, a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back.
MIA • Guard • #24
2 months ago
Powell put on a show in the Motor City, finishing two points and one three-pointer shy of his season-highs in those categories. He continues to exceed his Yahoo! ADP (88) by a significant margin, providing third-round per-game value in eight-cat formats. And as long as the Heat are without Tyler Herro (toe), Powell’s fantasy ceiling will remain high.
DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
Already without Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets lost Valančiūnas during Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. The four-week diagnosis means that Denver will be down its top two centers, and with Aaron Gordon (hamstring) also out, they’re in a tough spot depth-wise. DaRon Holmes II played 22 minutes off the bench on Wednesday; look for him to take on a prominent role out of necessity. He’s worth a roll of the dice, while managers can take a “wait and see” approach to Zeke Nnaji, who was a DNP-CD on Wednesday.
Source: Shams Charania
DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
With Valančiūnas saying in the aftermath of Wednesday’s win over the Raptors that he felt a “pop” in his right calf, he may be looking at an extended absence. Nikola Jokić (knee) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, while Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is not ready to return from his injury. That leaves DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji, with the former playing 22 minutes off the bench in Toronto while the latter was a DNP-CD.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther was also probable ahead of Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. However, after being made available, he received a DNP-CD. Even if Strawther is available for Friday’s game, fantasy managers should not rely on him.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray appeared to tweak his ankle on Monday and was moving gingerly, but then played 38 minutes on Wednesday. The Nuggets cannot afford to lose him since he’s the only healthy starter they still have. We’d expect him to play through the tenderness on Friday and then perhaps have his minutes limited on Sunday against the Nets if the Nuggets can build a lead in that game.
DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
While we don’t yet have a timeline for how long Valančiūnas might be out, an injury to him right now is obviously brutal, as he’s the only other center on the Nuggets’ roster, aside from Nikola Jokic, who is also out for the next month. It’s unclear how the Nuggets would manage their big man minutes with Aaron Gordon also sidelined. The only other healthy player over 6'9" on their entire roster is Zeke Nnaji, so he may be worth a stash in deeper fantasy formats.
Source: Michael Grange
DEN • Center • #17
2 months ago
Despite his minutes declining, Valančiūnas started 82 games as recently as the 2023-24 season. Last season, he started 21 games, but notably started nine games for the Kings when Domantas Sabonis was injured. Predictably, Valančiūnas started for the injured Nikola Jokic against the Raptors Wednesday. The results were excellent. Valančiūnas had 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes. He’s rostered in just 29 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but absolutely needs to be picked up in more leagues while Jokic is out.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
While Murray will have plenty of opportunities to completely takeover the Nuggets offense with Nikola Jokic (knee) out for the next month, the 28-year-old point guard just had a different running mate Wednesday. It was Peyton Watson who stepped up with 24 points in Jokic’s absence. Murray still came through in the clutch with a layup with 13 seconds left to put the Nuggets up three. The Nuggets will be back in action Friday against the Cavaliers.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
2 months ago
With the Nuggets down four starters including Nikola Jokic and facing the Raptors on the road, a clunker of a game would’ve been understandable. Instead, Watson led the Nuggets to victory with 24 points seemingly out of nowhere. The 23-year-old guard is averaging just 10.7 points per game this year. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram even told reporters after the game he didn’t expect Watson to play as well as he did. Still, his scoring isn’t nearly consistent enough to be worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
DEN • Shooting Guard • #24
2 months ago
As expected, Valanciunas will replace Nikola Jokic in the starting lineup. The unexpected change is that Pickett will move into the starting unit in place of Tim Hardaway Jr. THJ should still play a large role off the bench, but Pickett has upside as a streamer as a starter.
Source: Blake Murphy
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther will be good to go after initially being listed as probable. He’ll be play his typical role off the bench, but he isn’t a player that is worth streaming in standard leagues.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther is battling an illness, but that isn’t expected to keep him out of the lineup. He’ll occupy his typical reserve role, which hasn’t resulted in much fantasy production this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
Jokić’s injury is devastating for fantasy managers, as the No. 1 player in fantasy hoops was on an incredible tear. The silver lining is that he avoided a more serious injury, but his absence will cause a monumental hole in Denver’s lineup. Jonas Valančiūnas should get the nod as starting center, but he won’t be able to replicate Joker’s elite playmaking abilities. Jamal Murray should pick up the slack as a facilitator and scorer, while guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown should be leaned on more as well. All three of Valančiūnas, THJ and Brown are worth picking up, though it’s still unclear what Denver will look like without its three-time MVP.
Source: Shams Charania
DEN • Point Guard • #
2 months ago
Hardaway has scored at least 16 points in five straight games, moving into the starting lineup for the last four. With Nikola Jokić injuring his left knee, the Nuggets played the second half without four starters. While Hardaway can be a mixed bag offensively, he may be worth picking up in some 12-team leagues for at least the remainder of Week 11 due to the injuries.