113-108
FINALHouston
Rockets
44-26|L10: 6-4
Orlando
Magic
41-28|L10: 8-2
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//
Eastern Conference
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HOU • Forward • #17
9 days ago
Finney-Smith was due to take an injury management night for one of Houston’s next two games since the team is playing a back-to-back. He’ll sit on Thursday, which likely means more playing time for Josh Okogie. There’s no need to consider adding Okogie in fantasy leagues.
Source: The Rockets Wire
HOU • Center • #28
9 days ago
Şengün was initially listed as questionable for this game, but he’ll be good to and will occupy his typical spot in the starting unit. He had 32 points and 12 rebounds in their last game and will look to stay hot in this one.
Source: Lachard Binkley
ORL • Power Forward • #1
9 days ago
Isaac will not be available for Thursday’s game due to a sore left knee, freeing a few minutes on the back end of the Magic’s frontcourt rotation. Goga Bitadze may pick up a few more minutes, but he isn’t worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Orlando Magic
ORL • Center and Power Forward • #34
9 days ago
WCJ will be back after missing Tuesday’s game against Washington. Goga Bitadze started that game in his place, but he’ll likely be pushed back out of the rotation entirely with Carter returning.
Source: Orlando Magic PR
HOU • Center • #28
10 days ago
Şengün is dealing with an illness, casting some doubt on his availability for Thursday’s game. If he’s unable to play, the Rockets could more Clint Capela into the starting lineup, which would give him some value as a deep-league streamer.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
10 days ago
Following a two-game absence, Smith will return to take on Golden State, which is what Rockets coach Ime Udoka had previously indicated. Reed Sheppard played well as a starter, but he will likely return to the bench with Smith returning.
Source: Will Kunkel
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
10 days ago
Thompson exited early from Monday’s win over Washington after injuring his ankle in the fourth quarter, but that won’t keep him from suiting up against Golden State. He’ll occupy his typical spot in the starting unit.
Source: Will Kunkel
ORL • Center and Power Forward • #34
10 days ago
Carter was a late scratch against Washington on Tuesday and could remain out for another game. Goga Bitadze started in his place, but he wasn’t productive during his 21 minutes on the floor. Bitadze’s streaming upside will be limited if Carter remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
ORL • Point Guard • #0
10 days ago
Black has missed Orlando’s last two games, which has allowed Tristan da Silva to start in his stead. If he returns to take on Dallas, da Silva will return to playing a role off the bench. He has started the last six games for Orlando due to Jalen Suggs’ absence as well, and he has averaged 11.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game during this stretch.
Source: NBA Injury Report
ORL • Shooting Guard • #22
11 days ago
This was the ninth time in Bane’s last 11 games that he scored at least 20 points, and during that stretch, he has shot at least 60 percent from the floor seven times. He has shot 54.9 percent from the floor over the past two months, which is a huge improvement over his 48.4 percent shooting from last season and his 48.6 percent shooting over the course of this year. He has been huge in keeping Orlando afloat without Franz Wagner, and he’ll continue to be a fantasy stud.
ORL • Power Forward • #5
11 days ago
Not only did Banchero match his season high for scoring in this game, but he also had his best field goal percentage in a game this season. Washington simply didn’t have any answers for him, and he was able to clean up the turnovers after coughing the rock up nine times against Detroit on Sunday. He’ll look to carry some of this offensive success in to Thursday’s matchup with the Mavericks.
ORL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #4
11 days ago
Following a three-game absence with a back injury, this was Suggs’ third game back in the lineup and his second in the starting unit. He played 27 minutes for a second straight game, but this was his his best outing since his incredible run just before the All-Star break. He nearly recorded a double-double and supplied defensive stats, but he was also far more efficient on offense after shooting 5-of-23 over his previous two games. He’ll look to keep it up against the Mavericks on Thursday.
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
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
HOU • G • #15
12 days ago
While he didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, Sheppard did something that has rarely been done in the NBA this century. He became the fourth player since 2000 to record a line with at least 19 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, six steals and two blocked shots, joining Nikola Jokić, James Harden and Andrei Kirilenko. However, this performance may not be enough to keep Sheppard in the starting lineup, as head coach Ime Udoka said before Monday’s game that he may go back to his regular starting five once Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) returns. Smith is expected to be available for Thursday’s game against the Warriors.
Source: Justin Russo
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
12 days ago
Thompson rolled his right ankle during the fourth quarter of Monday’s game, requiring a trip to the locker room and an early end to his night. However, fantasy managers received solid value from the third-year guard, whose final line only lacked a blocked shot. The Rockets are off until Thursday, so it may be a bit longer before the team provides an update on Thompson’s availability for the rest of the week.
Source: Varun Shankar
HOU • Center • #28
12 days ago
Like Kevin Durant, who scored 30 points, Şengün took full advantage of a Wizards’ rotation lacking size in Monday’s victory. He was responsible for eight turnovers, but many fantasy managers will be fine with Şengün’s 30-point double-double. The 32 points were three more than the center’s tally in Houston’s final two games of Week 18. The good news for fantasy managers is that the Rockets play three more games in Week 19, starting with the Warriors on Thursday.
HOU • Forward • #35
12 days ago
Making his annual return to the DMV, Durant has now scored 30 points or more in five of his last seven appearances. The only issue for the Suitland, Maryland native on Monday was the turnover count, as he racked up six. However, that isn’t a concern for those in leagues that don’t factor in turnovers or who are already punting that category. The Rockets don’t play again until Thursday and close Week 19 with three games over the final four days.
HOU • Forward • #17
12 days ago
Eason was assessed two technical fouls for shoving Washington’s Jamir Watkins on two separate occasions, prompting players on both teams to break them up. Eason played 25 minutes, finishing with nine points (4-of-11 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
HOU • • #
12 days ago
Smith, who sprained his right ankle during Thursday’s win over the Magic, has missed the last two games, including Monday’s matchup with the Wizards. Udoka also said he’ll likely return to his usual starting lineup when Smith returns, which means Reed Sheppard is the odd man out. While the second-year guard will still play plenty, his fantasy value takes a hit in the reserve role.
Source: ClutchFans
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
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.
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
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
HOU • G • #15
14 days ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) for a few games, which opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Sheppard. He didn’t have a great day shooting the basketball, with the second-year guard making four of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. However, Sheppard did not commit a turnover in his 36 minutes. Having shown at various points this season that he can provide suitable fantasy value, Sheppard is worth slotting into lineups ahead of Houston’s four-game Week 19.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
14 days ago
While his percentages weren’t good, Thompson did finish Saturday’s defeat with a double-double and his second 20-point performance in three games. While it’s highly unlikely to change between now and the end of the season, Thompson needs to further develop his perimeter shot, at least to the point where opposing teams have to respect it. While he can still be effective without a reliable shot, it makes producing offense as a scorer and creator more difficult.
HOU • Forward • #35
14 days ago
The Heat used multiple defenses to slow down Durant, but nothing worked. In addition to shooting 60 percent from the field, the Rockets’ forward dished out eight assists, equal to his tally in his prior two games. Add in the rebounds, blocks and three-pointers, and this was an excellent afternoon to have Durant rostered. The Rockets play four games in Week 19, starting with the Wizards on Monday in the final game of their road trip.
HOU • G • #15
14 days ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. for the next two games, as he sprained his ankle during Thursday’s win over the Magic. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, raising the second-year guard’s short-term fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • • #
14 days ago
Reed Sheppard is set to start for the next two games in Smith’s absence and is worth rostering in most formats. With Smith ruled out for the next two games, the earliest he could return would be Thursday against the Warriors.
HOU • • #
15 days ago
Smith rolled his right ankle late in Thursday’s win over the Magic and limped back to the locker room immediately. His absence on Saturday opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie being potential replacements. Sheppard, who’s worth rostering in fantasy leagues in his current reserve role, offers a higher ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
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.
HOU • Forward • #35
16 days ago
Durant went nuclear in this game, setting new season highs for both scoring and shot attempts in the win. Since the All-Star break, KD has averaged 27.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and three triples per game, and he has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in each of his last three games. He’ll look to stay hot in Miami on Saturday to wrap up the week.
HOU • G • #15
16 days ago
After knocking down a career-high seven three-pointers as a starter on Wednesday, Sheppard was back to playing his role off the bench in this game with Amen Thompson (quad) healthy. However, he was still able to make a huge impact on both ends of the floor. Along with the points and triples, Sheppard provided four “stocks” in the win. This game was another example of the fantasy superstar that he can be in a larger, more consistent role.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
16 days ago
Thompson is back in the Rockets’ lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Kings, pushing Reed Sheppard to the bench. While Sheppard will remain in the rotation, his playing time will likely decrease.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
16 days ago
Thompson was out on Wednesday, which allowed Reed Sheppard to step into the starting lineup and post 28 points with a career-high seven three-pointers made. Given how well he played, we’d have to assume that Sheppard will still see solid minutes on Thursday, but Thompson should be back in the starting lineup and play close to his normal role.
HOU • Forward • #35
17 days ago
Durant had a rather routine night at the office, as the Rockets were never really challenged by the Kings. He played 28 minutes, and that should keep the 37-year-old in good spirits for Thursday’s game against the Magic. Over the past month, Durant has been a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Thursday’s game is the first of two that Houston will play before Week 18 concludes.
HOU • G • #15
17 days ago
Sheppard moved into the starting lineup on Wednesday, as the Rockets were without Amen Thompson due to a quad injury. The second-year guard certainly didn’t get cheated offensively, as he recorded career-highs in made three-pointers (seven) and three-point attempts (16). A double-figure scorer in seven straight games, Sheppard’s 28 on Wednesday were the most in a game for him since he hit that number in a December 20 win over the Jazz. Sheppard’s fantasy value for Thursday’s game in Orlando will depend on Thompson’s availability.
HOU • Center • #28
17 days ago
Şengün put on a show at the Kings’ expense on Wednesday, recording the 11th triple-double of his NBA career. With no Amen Thompson due to injury, even more of the playmaking responsibilities landed on Şengün’s shoulders, and he was excellent. Over the past month, the Rockets’ center has been a fourth-round player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Şengün and the Rockets should face a far stiffer test on Thursday when they visit the Magic.
HOU • Forward • #17
17 days ago
Finney-Smith’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, but it does free up minutes for some of Houston’s other reserves. Josh Okogie and Aaron Holiday should play more against the Kings, but neither is worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Lachard Binkley
HOU • G • #15
17 days ago
Thompson is dealing with left quad tendonitis and will not play against the struggling Kings. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, and the second-year guard is a worthwhile streamer in this spot. Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün will complete the Rockets’ starting five.
Source: Lachard Binkley
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
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
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
18 days ago
Thompson is dealing with left quadricep tendonitis, and the injury will cost him at least one game. In Thompson’s absence, Reed Sheppard could join the starting lineup, making him an intriguing streamer in a favorable matchup with Sacramento’s shorthanded defense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
19 days ago
Smith led the Rockets in scoring with 31 points in the victory over the Jazz on Monday. The Rockets turned the ball over 26 times combined, but still cruised to a 20-point victory. The 22-year-old power forward has provided top-40 per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Rockets have three more games in Week 18, the next of which comes on Wednesday against the Kings.
HOU • Forward • #8
19 days ago
Udoka admitted that a grade two MCL sprain typically sidelines players for 4-6 weeks, but noted that the Rockets will re-evaluate Tate every two weeks. This isn’t good news for the 30-year-old small forward. His absence doesn’t impact fantasy basket ball, though Dorian Finney-Smith could see more minutes off the bench.
Source: Adam Wexler
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.
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
HOU • Forward • #8
20 days ago
Tate sprained his right knee during Saturday’s loss to the Knicks. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, but the Rockets may give fellow reserve Dorian Finney-Smith a few more minutes.
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