132-126
FINALCleveland
Cavaliers
42-29|L10: 5-5
Sacramento
Kings
17-54|L10: 4-6
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Eastern Conference
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SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
29 days ago
Due to a right fifth finger injury, LaVine missed Sacramento’s final three games before the All-Star break. Apparently, the injury is more serious than the Kings may have let on, as the guard will reportedly undergo season-ending surgery after the break. LaVine, who appeared in 39 games and averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.5 three-pointers, has a player option for next season worth nearly $49 million. As for how his absence affects the Kings in the short term, rookie Nique Clifford has moved into the starting lineup and should remain there for the rest of the season.
Source: Chris B. Haynes
SAC • Point Guard • #22
about 1 month ago
With Russell Westbrook (ankle) unavailable, Carter made the first start of his NBA career on Wednesday. The second-year guard didn’t shoot the ball, making one of his six three-point attempts, but the final stat line was decent. With the Kings now 12-44 on the season, Carter is one player whose minutes should increase after the All-Star break. Expect to see plenty of him and Nique Clifford (6/8/6/2 in 38 minutes) the rest of the season.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Power Forward • #10
about 1 month ago
DeRozan entered Wednesday’s game having shot 8-of-30 from the field in his prior three games. He didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but the veteran wing was better than he’d been. Despite the game being a blowout, DeRozan played 29 minutes, but it’s fair to question what his playing time will look like after the All-Star break. The Kings play two games after the break to conclude Week 17, starting with the Magic on February 19.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Merrill put on a shooting clinic in the first half of Wednesday’s game, with the 26 points being the most he’s scored in a half in his NBA career. The sharpshooter knocked down two more triples in the second half, finishing with new highs in points (32) and three-pointers (nine). With Evan Mobley (calf) expected back after the All-Star break, Merrill or Jaylon Tyson (7/5/1/1) will be asked to come off the bench. For Merrill, he’s still capable of offering reliable fantasy value to those needing three-point production.
Source: Cavs Notes
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Playing in front of the Cavaliers faithful as a member of the team for the first time, Harden took a back seat as a scorer on Wednesday. He focused more on setting up his teammates, leading to 11 assists. Through three games in Cleveland, The Beard has accumulated 26 assists. He was responsible for six turnovers, but Harden totaled five in his first two appearances. The Cavaliers complete Week 17 with three games after the All-Star break.
CLE • Center • #31
about 1 month ago
Allen has scored at least 21 points in each of the last three games, which aligns with the acquisition of James Harden. The two have established immediate chemistry, which has raised Allen’s fantasy ceiling in the short term. The question now is what happens when Evan Mobley (calf) returns, which is expected to happen on February 19 against the Nets.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
Mitchell notched his 27th 30-point game of the season on Wednesday, taking advantage of an overmatched Wizards squad. Since the Cavaliers added James Harden to the fold, Spida has scored at least 30 points in all three games, and Cleveland is 3-0. After the All-Star break, Mitchell and company play three more games to end Week 17, starting with the Nets on February 19.
SAC • Point Guard • #22
about 1 month ago
Already without multiple starters, the Kings won’t have Russell Westbrook (ankle) for Wednesday’s game. As a result, Carter will get his first start of the season. Given the Kings’ lack of healthy guards, he is worth streaming in this spot.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
about 1 month ago
Westbrook rolled his left ankle during Monday’s loss to the Pelicans and was limited to 21 minutes. He won’t play against the Jazz, which could lead to Devin Carter moving into the starting lineup. Given the Kings’ injuries, Carter is worth streaming in deep leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis will miss a fourth straight game with a back issue that has lingered for some time. Maxime Raynaud will remain the starting center, with Dylan Cardwell picking up additional minutes off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Wednesday’s game will be the third that Monk has missed due to illness. Devin Carter has picked up additional rotation minutes in Monk’s absence while also benefiting from the Kings’ decision to trade Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis to the Cavaliers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
Wednesday’s game will be the third that LaVine has missed with a right fifth finger injury. His absence has led to Nique Clifford moving into the starting lineup, while Devin Carter has picked up additional minutes off the bench. Expect the same against the Jazz.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
Wednesday’s game will be the third that Wade has missed with a sprained left ankle. Jaylon Tyson has served as the fifth starter and should continue to do so until Evan Mobley (calf) is cleared to play.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
The second-year man out of Memphis has offered quality minutes for the Cavaliers this season, and he’ll be rewarded by having his two-way contract converted into a standard deal. Tomlin is a valuable member of Cleveland’s rotation, but his production hasn’t been noteworthy in the world of fantasy hoops, so he can remain on the waiver wire.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Center • #31
about 1 month ago
It seems that Allen is going to enjoy playing with James Harden. Through two games with Harden in Cleveland, Allen is averaging 25.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. This was his fourth straight double-double, and Cleveland has won all four games. Allen is in the midst of arguably his best stretch of production this season, and he’ll look to stay hot against the Wizards on Wednesday.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
It was Donovan Mitchell that hit the game-winning free throws, but the game was only tied because Harden hit a late triple. The first two games of Harden’s tenure in Cleveland have been wins, and he has been productive for fantasy managers during those. His usage has dipped slightly through the first two games, though that hasn’t limited his impact in the box score. He’ll look to keep it up against the Wizards on Wednesday.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
Mitchell has been a big reason that Cleveland has now won nine of their last 10 games, and he has been especially hot over their last three games. During those, he has averaged 32.0 points, 7.7 assists, 2.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.7 triples per game. He hit the game-winning free throws in this one, which capped off a magnificent night. This was only his fourth double-double of the season, so managers shouldn’t expect more of those often, though he should remain incredibly productive.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
about 1 month ago
Westbrook appeared to roll his left ankle on a drive to the basket during the third quarter, and he would check out for good with just under six minutes remaining in the period. The veteran point guard logged 21 minutes, while DeMar DeRozan (eight points, one rebound and one assist) was limited to 20. Both played starter’s minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers, so this may have been more about Monday’s game being a blowout than anything else. However, fantasy managers need to prepare for the likelihood that Nique Clifford and Devin Carter will play more after the break than Westbrook and DeRozan.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Raynaud was the victim of the official scorer on Monday, as his rebound tally was adjusted down from 20 to 19. The rookie center missed out on his first 20/20 game, but that doesn’t take anything away from his night. With the Kings destined for the draft lottery, there isn’t much incentive to push Domantas Sabonis too far the rest of the season. Raynaud threatening 20 points and 20 rebounds may not become the norm, but he’s a player to rely on for the silly season.
CLE • Point Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Added to the injury report on Monday afternoon, Proctor is officially available for the final game of Cleveland’s road trip. While the rookie may sneak into the back end of the rotation, he should not be rostered in redraft leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
about 1 month ago
Tyson was initially questionable due to a sprained left ankle. He’ll once again be in the starting lineup, as the Cavaliers remain without Dean Wade for another game due to his sprained left ankle.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
CLE • Power Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
This will be a second straight absence for Wade, though he did go through shootaround Monday morning, suggesting he could return soon. His next chance to play will come against the Wizards on Wednesday. One of Wade, Jaylon Tyson or Sam Merrill will head to the bench when Wade returns.
Source: Danny Cunningham
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #5
about 1 month ago
The only change to the Kings’ starting lineup will be the return of Achiuwa, who was basically out of the rotation for the last three games after starting for half of December and all of January. That will push Daeqwon Plowden, who was productive on Saturday, back to the bench.
Source: James Ham
CLE • Point Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Proctor’s availability is in question after a late addition to the injury report, but his availability won’t lead to any actionable advice for fantasy managers. The rookie out of Duke is averaging just 10.5 minutes per game in Cleveland’s crowded backcourt.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis will sit out for a third straight game, and it’s unclear if he’ll return prior to the All-Star break. Until Sabonis returns. more minutes will be available for rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell. Both are worth a look as potential “silly season” standouts.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
Wade did not play in Saturday’s win over the Kings, with his absence coinciding with James Harden making his Cavaliers debut. If Wade can play on Monday, he’ll likely come off the bench, which eliminates most of his fantasy value.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Shooting Guard • #24
about 1 month ago
Tyson is on the injury report with a sprained left ankle, and his playing time has taken a hit over Cleveland’s last two games. If the second-year wing can’t play, the Cavaliers can distribute his minutes among multiple players, including Keon Ellis and Craig Porter Jr.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis has missed Sacramento’s last two games and four of its last five with a lower back issue. Rookie Maxime Raynaud has been his replacement in the starting lineup, with Dylan Cardwell taking on an enhanced role off the bench. That may become the norm down the stretch, as the Kings appear destined for the draft lottery.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Monk will miss a second consecutive game due to illness. His absence on Saturday resulted in more minutes for Devin Carter, who logged 27 and scored 18 points. While he isn’t worth streaming in this spot, Carter is a player who could have added fantasy value after the All-Star break.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Small Forward and Power Forward • #7
about 1 month ago
McDermott’s potential absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
LaVine will miss a second straight game with a sore right fifth finger. With De’Andre Hunter (eye) also out, the Kings started Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers. While Clifford, who scored a career-high 30 points, is the superior fantasy option, Plowden is worth considering in deep leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Hunter has been diagnosed with iritis in his left eye after being inadvertently poked in the eye by Clippers wing Kobe Sanders during Friday’s loss to the Clippers. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with rookie Nique Clifford being the player most likely to fill the void. Given where the Kings are in the standings, Clifford and Devin Carter should have added fantasy value after the All-Star break.
Source: Sean Cunningham
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
about 1 month ago
Westbrook had nine assists in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers, but gave back a lot of his value in certain leagues with his seven turnovers. The 37-year-old point guard was otherwise excellent for the Kings. Westbrook was efficient with 21 points on 14 attempts and five three-pointers. The Kings have two games upcoming in Week 17, starting with a matchup against the Pelicans on Monday.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Clifford moved into the starting lineup with Zach LaVine (finger) and Malik Monk (illness) both out. The 23-year-old guard made the most of his opportunity with 30 points on 19 attempts in 40 minutes. Clifford can be used in deeper formats until the Kings are back to full strength.
CLE • Center • #31
about 1 month ago
On Saturday, Allen had his ninth career game with at least 25 points while shooting at least 90 percent from the field. He trails only Wilt Chamberlain all-time with 12. Allen has now had at least 29 points in two of his last three games. The 27-year-old center has provided second-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Harden commended his new teammates for how together, connected and unselfish they are, saying he’s just happy to be there. The 36-year-old point guard played his role just fine Saturday. Harden took a back seat to Donovan Mitchell when it came to scoring, but he was able to dish out eight assists in the flow of the offense and also made 5-of-8 from behind the three-point line. His fantasy value figures to remain pretty high in Cleveland.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
While James Harden made his debut for the Cavaliers Saturday, Mitchell made sure everyone knew whose team this still is by dropping a game-high 35 points in the win over the Kings. The 29-year-old shooting guard is tied for the third-most games with at least 35 points this season. Mitchell has provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Cavaliers have two games upcoming in Week 17, starting with a matchup against the Nuggets on Monday.
CLE • Power Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
Wade was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday afternoon, so the final downgrade was expected. His absence opens a spot for James Harden, making head coach Kenny Atkinson’s decision for him on who would be pushed out of the starting lineup for The Beard.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #29
about 1 month ago
The Kings won’t have Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis for Saturday’s game, leaving head coach Doug Christie with two spots to fill. Raynaud will continue to start with Sabonis out for another game, while LaVine’s place will be filled by Plowden. Of the two spot starters, Raynaud offers a higher fantasy upside.
Source: NBA Lineups
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Harden is set to make his Cavaliers’ debut. And to no one’s surprise, he will do so as a starter. Dean Wade is listed as probable, but he may have been the player selected to go to the bench if he were healthy. Tyson remaining in the starting lineup means he remains a player worth holding in 12-team leagues.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
After scoring 18 points in Friday’s loss to the Clippers, Monk will not play against the Cavaliers. His absence frees up opportunities for some of the Kings’ reserves, especially with Zach LaVine and De’Andre Hunter also out. Nique Clifford, Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden should play plenty, with the former likely moving into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Hunter injured his left eye after taking an inadvertent hit from Clippers’ wing Kobe Sanders. The Kings’ forward/guard has been diagnosed with left eye iritis, which is swelling and irritation in the colored ring around the pupil. Hopefully, this will not be an injury that keeps Hunter sidelined for an extended period. Nique Clifford, who logged 33 minutes on Friday, may move into the starting lineup after coming off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
LaVine was ruled out with right fifth finger soreness. Nique Clifford figures to enter the starting lineup and has been productive with LaVine out before. Clifford is worth adding in deeper formats.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis’ continued absence means that Maxime Raynaud will remain in the starting lineup. Given where the Kings are in the standings, it remains to be seen how much Sabonis plays the rest of the season. Raynaud and fellow rookie Dylan Cardwell will have added fantasy value moving forward.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
Wade was initially listed as questionable, but has since been downgraded to doubtful with a left ankle sprain. He’s now considered unlikely to suit up Saturday against the Kings. Expect Nae-Qwan Tomlin, who’s had at least 12 points in two of the last three games, to fill in for Wade.
SAC • Center • #
about 1 month ago
The rookie center took advantage of increased minutes on Friday and logged arguably his best game as a professional. He’s notched back-to-back double-digit rebound games and could realistically carve out a consistent role with this team, given where they are in the standings at this point in the season. Cardwell recently signed a standard contract with the Kings after going undrafted and agreeing to a two-way deal.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Monk was consistent as a scorer throughout Friday’s contest, but his biggest moments came in the third and fourth quarters, when his three-point shooting put the Kings on a run and at one point gave them a fourth-quarter lead. All of the veteran combo-guard’s scoring came from deep in this game, as he finished with at least six triples for the third time this season. Monk appears to be firmly back in the nightly rotation following a stretch earlier in the season in which he saw DNP’s. He’s capable of big nights, but isn’t someone fantasy managers should get excited about.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Clifford was one of several Kings players to make an impact off the bench on Friday. He was productive in his 33 minutes, tallying a few stocks and finishing as one of Sacramento’s two-best scorers on the evening. Clifford’s production is largely a result of how little the starters played on Friday. Still, he was productive and has scored at least 14 points in three of his last four appearances.
SAC • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Hunter was struck near the eye during the third quarter of Friday’s contest when attempting to defend the Clippers’ Kobe Sanders. He exited the game and was eventually ruled out during the fourth quarter. Hunter, who was recently acquired by the Kings via trade, has started in each of his two appearances with the team. If he has to miss any time, Nique Clifford could see an increased role.
Source: Mark Haynes
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Sacramento’s opening lineup on Friday includes Maxime Raynaud, who is starting in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis (back). Raynaud has done a nice job during his rookie season when asked to start, and could play a key role against Los Angeles. Both the Kings and Clippers are seeking a win, each riding a multiple-game losing streak.
Source: Tomer Azarly
CLE • Power Forward • #32
about 1 month ago
Wade is dealing with a sprained left ankle. With Evan Mobley (calf) still out, the Cavaliers could turn to Nae’Qwan Tomlin to fill the void if Wade can’t play against the Kings.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis has appeared in just one of the Kings’ last three games, and he’s logged only 19 games this season due to lingering injuries. In Sabonis’ absence, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell should continue to soak up minutes. The pair of backup centers has “silly season” appeal, as Sacramento has no incentive to play Sabonis down the stretch of a lost season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CLE • Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Signed to a two-way contract in March, Tomlin played well enough this season to earn a standard contract. The Cavaliers got that done shortly after the trade deadline, ensuring that the athletic forward will be eligible for the postseason. In 41 games, Tomlin has averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. While ensuring that he’s available for the rest of the season helps Cleveland’s depth, it doesn’t affect fantasy basketball.
Source: Spencer Davies
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
about 1 month ago
Even though the Cavaliers didn’t have James Harden for Wednesday’s game, Schröder’s role in his debut for the team was not far removed from what he’ll be asked to do once the team is whole. He played 19 minutes, a number that may decrease once Harden is worked into the rotation, and offered decent value. Schröder can provide a spark off the bench as he did for the Pistons last season, but that won’t do much for fantasy managers.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
While Ellis did play 20 minutes or more in each of his final four appearances with the Kings, he was not a consistent member of Doug Christie’s rotation. That may not be an issue in Cleveland, given the Cavaliers’ need for another defensive-minded guard. Ellis only recorded one steal on Thursday, and he’ll have limited fantasy upside in his new home. However, consistent playing time should not be a major issue, which is key for a player who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
Mitchell and the Cavaliers took care of the Clippers with relative ease, winning the first quarter by a 36-18 margin and not looking back. How the partnership between him and James Harden works out remains to be seen, since The Beard wasn’t available, but adding Harden to the mix should alleviate some of the playmaking pressure on Mitchell. The hope is that Harden will make his Cavaliers’ debut on Saturday against the Kings.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Rumors of the Clippers and Cavaliers discussing a trade first surfaced Monday evening, and the two sides agreed on a deal within one day. Harden, whose contract for the 2026-27 season is only partially guaranteed if he picks up the play option, now joins forces with Donovan Mitchell to give the Cavaliers an experienced (and currently healthy) playmaker. Once he gets to Cleveland, Harden will likely push Sam Merrill or Jaylon Tyson to the bench, with the latter having an excellent second season in the NBA.
Source: Brett Siegel
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
about 1 month ago
Garland has missed Cleveland’s last nine games with a right great toe injury. He was able to do some individual work during Tuesday’s practice, but a return to game action appears to be a way off for the Cavaliers’ point guard. New additions Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder practiced fully on Tuesday and did some extra work afterward. They’ll help the Cavaliers account for Garland’s absence on Wednesday against the Clippers.
Source: Chris Fedor
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
about 1 month ago
With Darius Garland (toe) out again, Mitchell had nine assists in the playmaker role. With Evan Mobley (calf) out as well, center Jarrett Allen had a 40-point game. This is how Mitchell, who is averaging 29.1 points per game, ended up with less than 20 points for the second game in a row. He’s provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Cavaliers only have two games upcoming in Week 16, starting with a matchup against the Clippers on Wednesday.
CLE • Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Merrill has now had four games with six made three-pointers this season. With De’Andre Hunter traded to the Kings, it’s reasonable to think the Cavaliers could lean on Merrill more for his outside shooting. Without contributing in other categories, though, he’s difficult to even consider outside of deeper formats.