108-106
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
29-22|L10: 5-5
Utah
Jazz
16-34|L10: 3-7
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//
Eastern Conference
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UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
about 2 months ago
Utah’s third-year guard is in the midst of a breakout season, and he’ll look to keep the positive momentum going in Sunday’s tilt with the Rockets. George has averaged 28.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.5 triples across his last six games.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James will sit out the first leg of Los Angeles’ back-to-back set, and fantasy managers should expect him to take the court Monday against the Suns. With James sidelined, Jake LaRavia could slot into the Lakers’ starting five against New Orleans.
Source: Chris B. Haynes
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Due to back spasms, Smart did not play in Friday’s win over the Mavericks. With the doubtful tag, it appears likely that he’ll miss a second straight game. Gabe Vincent picked up additional minutes with Smart unavailable, and that would likely be the case on Sunday as well. However, Vincent is not worth streaming in most leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
The good news is that LeBron’s injury is a matter of left foot injury management, as Sunday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Lakers. Given the opposition, don’t be surprised if LeBron sits with an eye toward Monday’s matchup with the Suns. If he doesn’t play, Jake LaRavia is the player most likely to move into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
UTA • Power Forward and Center • #42
about 2 months ago
Love played 17 minutes off the bench in Friday’s win over the Kings, with Kyle Anderson picking up a DNP-CD. With the former ruled out for Sunday’s game, look for the latter to play rotation minutes off the bench. However, there’s no need to consider adding Anderson in any fantasy league.
Source: Ben Anderson
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
about 2 months ago
George, who has six straight games with at least 20 points to his credit, is dealing with an illness and could miss his first game of the season. If he does not play against the Rockets, that would leave a significant hole in the Jazz starting lineup. While Isaiah Collier can certainly run the show, he is not the scorer that George is.
Source: Ben Anderson
UTA • Small Forward • #
about 2 months ago
Bailey exited Friday’s win over the Kings with a bruised right knee and did not return. The good news is that the rookie isn’t on the initial injury report for Sunday. Bailey being back in the fold lowers Brice Sensabaugh’s ceiling, but he’s still worth a look in deep redraft leagues. Both players should be rostered in dynasty formats.
Source: Ben Anderson
UTA • Small Forward • #28
about 2 months ago
Ace Bailey (knee) exited with a knee injury in the third quarter, which allowed Sensabaugh to see a boost in minutes. Bailey is being considered “day-to-day”, and there doesn’t appear to be much concern. However, if Bailey ends up missing Sunday’s game against the Rockets, Sensabaugh may be given the opportunity to slide into the starting lineup.
Source: Andy Larsen
UTA • Center • #11
about 2 months ago
Nurkić came close to recording a triple-double, and while he wasn’t quite able to reach the necessary marks, he was still able to turn in an excellent line in this game. The assists were a new season-high, and he has reached double-digit rebounds in eight of his last nine outings. Nurkić is locked in as the starting center and should be considered a must-roster player for the rest of the year.
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
about 2 months ago
George’s breakout season continued as he scored at least 30 points for the fourth time this season and at least 20 points for the sixth straight game. A dramatic leap in points, assists and steals, combined with an improvement in shooting percentage has allowed George to be a top-50 player in nine-category leagues so far this year. He should have no issues filling up the box score moving forward.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
After scoring 25 points in Tuesday’s win over the Clippers, LeBron took a back seat to Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić on Friday, as they combined to score 73 points. However, he still provided solid value in rebounds, assists and three-pointers as the Lakers finished NBA Cup group play undefeated. The explicit goal for LeBron and the Lakers is to ensure he’s healthy for the stretch run, and they can afford to take that approach with Dončić, Reaves and Deandre Ayton on the roster. While that may lower James’ fantasy ceiling, his floor will be fine.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
Ayton appears to be getting more comfortable with his new teammates and what’s required of him on a game-by-game basis. He finished Friday’s win two rebounds shy of a double-double, but fantasy managers received a complete stat line from the 7-footer. So far, Ayton’s fit with the Lakers has been good, and LeBron James’ move into the starting lineup has not done severe damage to the center’s fantasy value.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić has scored at least 33 points in five straight games, and he finished Friday’s victory with his 11th double-double of the season. Over the past two weeks, he sits atop the fantasy rankings in eight- and nine-cat formats. While players like Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander boast higher season-long values, no one is on the roll that Dončić is currently on.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
The tandem of Reaves and Luka Dončić took over on Friday, as they combined to score 73 points on 22-of-33 shooting from the field. The former has scored at least 30 points in five games this season, halfway to his total for the entire 2024-25 campaign. Also, Reaves’ 38 points were the most he’s scored in a game since October 27, when he dropped 41 against the Trail Blazers.
UTA • Small Forward • #
about 2 months ago
Bailey has been ruled out for the remainder of this game, which opens the door for minutes on the win. Brice Sensabaugh should fill the void and provide some value from beyond the arc.
Source: Utah Jazz
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
2 months ago
Smart has officially been ruled out after being downgraded from questionable to doubtful earlier in the day. Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht should take on larger roles with Smart unavailable, though it is unlikely that either ends up being worth a stream.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
As expected, Ayton will take the court against Dallas. He’ll have to contend with Anthony Davis, who is making his return on Friday following a 14-game absence. Davis will likely see a minutes restriction, while Ayton should handle a typical workload.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
2 months ago
With Smart unlikely to take the court against Dallas, expect Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht to absorb his minutes. Neither Vincent nor Knecht are particularly appealing for fantasy purposes.
Source: Trevor Lane
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
2 months ago
Smart, who played 20 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Clippers, is dealing with back spasms. If he’s unable to play on Friday, Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht may absorb the available minutes. However, neither has been productive enough to merit streaming, especially with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves available.
Source: Trevor Lane
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton, who injured his knee during a November 23 win over the Jazz, is on track to miss just one game. If he returns on Friday, Jaxson Hayes will head back to the bench, where he offers little in the way of fantasy value. The Lakers have a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday, so there’s a possibility that Ayton sits out one of those games, provided he’s officially cleared to return.
Source: Trevor Lane
UTA • Power Forward and Center • #42
2 months ago
Love did not play in Monday’s loss to the Warriors, as Utah was playing its second game in as many nights. With Taylor Hendricks still on assignment with the team’s G League affiliate, Love should play rotation minutes off the bench. He isn’t worth the risk in most fantasy leagues, but Love will have opportunities between now and the February trade deadline.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
2 months ago
For anyone concerned that Reaves’ production could take a significant hit in the aftermath of LeBron James’ return from injury, these three games should alleviate those concerns. Reaves has scored at least 30 points in four games, and he’s tallied 26, 22 and 31 in the three games that the Lakers’ “big three” have been available for. The lone concern in the short term may be the schedule, as the Lakers have a Sunday/Monday back-to-back on the horizon.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James’ point total has increased in each game he’s played this season. He recorded his first 20-point game on Tuesday, doing so on good percentages from the field and the foul line. James is steadily making his climb up the fantasy rankings, providing eighth-round value in nine-cat formats. Given LeBron’s track record, things should only get better as he plays more games. The Lakers finish Week 6 with games on Friday and Sunday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
2 months ago
Dončić put on a show Tuesday night, finishing one rebound shy of a triple-double. He’s recorded five 40-point games this season, one more than his tally for the entire 2024-25 campaign. Dončić appears more comfortable with his teammates, which has been a key factor in the Lakers’ 13-4 start. Despite averaging 4.2 turnovers per game, he’s providing top-10 value in nine-cat formats. That should remain the case for the entire season. With Tuesday’s victory, the Lakers have qualified for the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
LAL • Center • #11
2 months ago
The Lakers are without Deandre Ayton, who suffered a right knee contusion during Sunday’s win over the Jazz. Hayes moves into the starting lineup and will retain that role as long as Ayton is sidelined. That’s the lone change to the Lakers’ starting lineup.
Source: Edwin Garcia
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton injured his knee during the first half of Sunday’s win over the Jazz. With the MRI coming back clean, the Lakers hope to have their starting center back by the weekend. Jaxson Hayes will be the starting center until Ayton is cleared to return. While not the most enticing streaming option, Hayes is worth the risk for Tuesday since there are only three games on the schedule.
Source: Dave McMenamin
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
2 months ago
George knocked down 10-of-17 shots from the floor, while also adding six rebounds and seven assists, as Utah dropped their fourth straight contest and lost for the fifth time in their last six contests. The Jazz got off to a nice start in this one — the tail-end of a back-to-back after facing the Lakers on Sunday — racing out to an 11-0 advantage before Golden State roared back to take control for good. The Jazz are off until Friday when they square off against the Kings.
UTA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
Bailey’s metamorphosis into a reliable fantasy contributor is slowly starting to accelerate over the last two weeks as he’s eclipsed 20 points in three of his past seven contests while averaging 24 minutes during that span. The 19-year-old lottery pick is averaging 15 points, three rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals over that seven-game sample size. Simply put, he’s rapidly becoming a relevant fantasy option, especially in deeper formats.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Injured during the first half of Sunday’s win over the Jazz, Ayton will not play on Tuesday. Jaxson Hayes should enter the starting lineup, with Maxi Kleber sliding into the backup center role. With only three games on Tuesday’s schedule, Hayes is worth the risk in deeper leagues.
Source: Dan Woike
UTA • Power Forward and Center • #42
2 months ago
Monday’s game is the second in as many nights for the Jazz, who lost to the Lakers on Sunday. Love will get the night off after logging 13 minutes the last time out. His absence frees up additional minutes for Kyle Filipowski, especially with Taylor Hendricks being sent to the G League.
Source: Utah Jazz
UTA • Small Forward • #
2 months ago
Since moving into the Jazz starting lineup on November 10, Bailey has averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.1 three-pointers per game. That’s been suitable for 10th-round value in nine-cat formats, and the rookie is worth holding onto in deep leagues as long as he remains in the starting lineup. Bailey is rostered in 25 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and that number will only increase as the season progresses. The Jazz begin a three-game Week 6 on Monday against the Warriors.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
2 months ago
Markkanen had an opportunity to give the Jazz the lead on the team’s penultimate possession, but his turnaround jumper was short. After going on a run of four consecutive games with at least 31 points, the Jazz forward was held in check in Utah’s final two games of Week 5. In losses to the Thunder and Lakers, he scored 39 points on 12-of-27 shooting. Given how well he’s played overall, there’s no need for concern. Markkanen will look to begin another 30-point streak on Monday when the Jazz face the Warriors.
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
2 months ago
After matching his season-low with 10 field-goal attempts in Friday’s loss to the Thunder, George took 23 shots on Sunday. He’s scored 27 points or more in three of his last four, continuing to exceed expectations based upon his Yahoo! ADP of 115. George is close to a top-50 player in nine-cat formats, a surprising rise for a player who ended last season as the backup point guard. While Isaiah Collier (10/1/3/1) remains a factor in the rotation, George has done enough to lock down the starting job. The Jazz play three games in Week 6, starting with the Warriors on Monday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James’ stat line on Sunday was modest by his lofty standards, but the playing time is what should be the focus. He logged 34 minutes on Sunday, and while the Lakers had not played a game since Tuesday, hitting that number in just his second game back from injury is good news for fantasy managers. Week 6 could be another good week for James from an availability standpoint, as the Lakers play three games and the back-to-back is at the end of the week.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
2 months ago
Reaves recorded his fifth double-double of the season and first since November 2, which was the final game he played before missing three due to a groin injury. The Lakers guard has not experienced any issues with the groin since returning, averaging nearly 35 minutes per game. However, with Luka Dončić and LeBron James back in the lineup, there is the potential for Reaves’ fantasy value to be impacted more by turnovers than it was when those two were out. He’s ranked just outside the top-50 in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks, and just inside the top-75 in nine-cat during that stretch.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
2 months ago
The Lakers nearly blew Sunday’s game in Salt Lake City, but they did enough to hang on. Dončić led the way offensively while also finishing two assists shy of a triple-double. Over the past two weeks, he has provided top-10 value in eight-cat formats. The lone concern for Dončić managers in nine-cat formats is the turnover category, as he’s averaging 4.3 per game. However, the overall production has been so good that he’s ranked in the top-10 in nine-cat as well. The Lakers play three games in Week 6, starting with the Clippers on Tuesday.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton suffered a knee contusion during the first half of Sunday’s game and was not on the floor to begin the third quarter. Just before the start of the fourth, the Lakers announced that he would not return. Jaxson Hayes started the third quarter, with Maxi Kleber entering the rotation when he needed a break. That will likely be the rotation if Ayton can’t play in Tuesday’s game against the Clippers.
Source: Mike Trudell
UTA • Power Forward • #20
2 months ago
Niang, who has yet to play a game this season, is dealing with a stress reaction in his left fourth metatarsal. Given the lack of activity, even if he’s given a clean bill of health at the next evaluation, there will likely be a ramp-up period to bring Niang’s conditioning up to par. There’s no need to stash him in an IL slot.
Source: Utah Jazz
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton did not participate in Saturday’s practice before the Lakers departed for Salt Lake City, but he did travel and is not on the injury report. Jaxson Hayes misses out on an opportunity to start, and there’s no need to consider streaming him.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton remained at home due to an illness, but he will travel with the team for Sunday’s road game against the Jazz. He’s only missed one game this season, a November 2 win over the Heat, with Jaxson Hayes filling the void in the starting lineup. Hayes played 15 minutes off the bench in Tuesday’s win over the Jazz, and he’ll be a deep-league streamer at best if Ayton doesn’t play in Sunday’s rematch.
Source: Khobi Price
UTA • Center • #22
2 months ago
Filipowsk was back in the Jazz lineup after missing a game with a sprained right wrist. The injury didn’t appear to cause him any trouble, as evidenced by the production. While Taylor Hendricks (1/3/2/1) also returned to action on Friday, Filipowski offers a higher ceiling in the short term and for the rest of the season. Neither should be rostered right now, but they’re worth watching as early preparation for the “silly season.”
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
2 months ago
While he hasn’t offered much in the way of defensive production, George has been much improved on the offensive end of the floor. He’s scored at least 20 points in eight of his 15 appearances, including each of the last three. Over the past two weeks, George has been a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. While some fantasy managers believed he could take a step forward after two underwhelming seasons, few expected George to be as valuable as he’s been. The “sell high” window remains open for those who don’t believe he can sustain this production for a full season.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
2 months ago
While Markkanen shot 50 percent from the field on Friday, fantasy managers were likely disappointed with his performance. The eight shot attempts were a season-low for the Jazz forward, who was held in check for most of the night. While it wasn’t an issue for the Jazz early, they were outscored in the third quarter by a 43-20 margin. However, quiet nights have not been the norm for Markkanen, who has been a top-10 player over the past two weeks. He’ll look to rebound when the Jazz host the Lakers on Sunday.
UTA • Center • #22
2 months ago
Filipowski sat out Tuesday, but he’s ready to re-join Utah’s lineup following a one-game absence. His return should mean reduced playing time for Kyle Anderson, who logged 21 minutes in Filipowski’s absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report
UTA • Center • #22
2 months ago
Due to a sprained right wrist, Filipowski did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers. His absence factored into Kyle Anderson playing 20 minutes off the bench. Slo Mo’s playing time will decrease if Filipowski plays, but neither will impact fantasy basketball at this point in the season. However, Filipowski will be worth rostering after the February trade deadline.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
After missing the first 14 games of the season with sciatica, LeBron was finally able to make his debut for his 23rd season in the NBA. He played just under 30 minutes, which was enough time for him to record a double-double. His first game couldn’t have gone much better for the team, but for managers that were expecting his typical dominance, they’re going to have to exercise patience. It was only his first game, and he didn’t force much. He facilitated well, but he only took seven shots; LeBron didn’t take fewer than 10 shots in a game all of last season. The Lakers are playing well, so they’ll take the gradual approach of working James into the rotation. Luka Dončić will run the show, but James will still have plenty of chances to dominate fantasy basketball as the season progresses. Even at 40 years old, he’s going to make a huge impact in the box score. For now, it’s just a breath of fresh air that he’s back out on the floor.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
2 months ago
All eyes were on LeBron James’ season debut, but that didn’t stop Luka from being Luka. He followed up his 41-point night on Saturday by nearly matching that total in this one while still recording a double-double. LeBron was back and had the ball plenty, but Luka ran the show. There shouldn’t have been any worries about James limiting Dončić, but it’s clear that he isn’t going to come in and syphon usage. This is Luka’s team, which is a great sign for fantasy managers.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
2 months ago
Any concerns about the return of LeBron James limiting Reaves can be put to rest. His production may look different, but he’s going to continue to be featured heavily on offense. LeBron had 12 assists and and Luka Dončić had 10, and while it has only been one game, it seems like Reaves is going to take a hit in assists. However, he’s still going to see plenty of shot attempts, and he likely won’t continue to only have on assist.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
For the third game in a row, and for the sixth time this season, Ayton was able to record a 20-point double-double. He has had an excellent year, and the debut of LeBron James didn’t negatively impact his usage. Ayton has been active on the glass, and they’re feeding him the ball. Both are signs that this level of production will continue, and that this lineup can continue to have success.
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
2 months ago
It has been a scorching hot start to the year for George, and after scoring a season-high 33 points on Sunday, he surpassed that mark for a second straight game. George showed plenty of flashes through his first two seasons in the league, but he is currently averaging career-highs in both points and assists per game. His field goal percentage has still been rough, but that wasn’t an issue in this game, though that isn’t something fantasy managers should get used to.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
2 months ago
Markkanen’s streak of 40-point games comes to a close after two, but he has scored at least 30 points in four straight games. His scoring tear has lasted all year in what has been a drastic improvement over his 2024-25 output. Markkanen is one of six players averaging at least 30 points per game this season and as the best scorer in Utah, that should continue moving forward.
UTA • Center • #11
2 months ago
Nurkić continues to provide solid value as the starting center in Utah. This was his third double-double of the year and the fifth straight game he has finished with at least 10 boards. Of course, it’s the assists and steals that set him apart, and he is averaging 6.3 dimes and 3.3 swipes over his last three games. Nurkić’s role as a starter should be safe moving forward, yet he’s still available in 55 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
Obviously, LeBron’s season debut after missing time with sciatica is the most significant change to the Lakers’ lineup. However, it isn’t the only one. Hachimura is also back after missing the November 15 win over the Bucks. Due to the availability of James and Hachimura, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James head to the bench. While LaRavia is guaranteed to be in the rotation, Bronny is not.
Source: NBA Lineups
UTA • Small Forward and Power Forward • #20
2 months ago
Anderson will be back after a four-game absence, but he has only made three appearances this year. Even when healthy, he hasn’t been a large part of the rotation. He should be left on the waiver wire.
Source: Andy Larsen
UTA • Power Forward • #0
2 months ago
Hendricks will be back after a four-game absence. Kyle Filipowski is out, so Hendricks should see plenty of minutes off the bench, though he hasn’t been able to take advantage of the opportunities he has gotten this year. Cody Williams will likely lose out on minutes with Hendricks back.
Source: Andy Larsen
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
The Lakers will be fully healthy for the first time this season. LeBron will likely replace Marcus Smart in the starting lineup, though Smart should still play a significant role off the bench. Since it will be LeBron’s first game of the year, head coach JJ Redick will likely keep an eye on his minutes. If he’s feeling fine, don’t be surprised if James plays a significant role, though the expectation should be that he plays between 25-30 minutes, which is more than enough time for him to flood the stat sheet.
Source: Shams Charania
UTA • Center • #22
2 months ago
Initially questionable for Tuesday’s game, Filipowski is out with a sprained right (shooting) wrist. His absence could free up a few more minutes for Cody Williams, but only if Kyle Anderson and Taylor Hendricks don’t play. Anderson and Hendricks remain questionable for Tuesday’s game.
Source: Utah Jazz
UTA • Power Forward • #0
2 months ago
Hendricks has missed Utah’s last four games, most recently sitting out Sunday’s double-overtime win over the Bulls. He hasn’t been productive enough to merit being rostered in most leagues, but the third-year forward should be in the Jazz rotation if allowed to play against the Lakers.
Source: Andy Larsen
UTA • Center • #22
2 months ago
Filipowski played 21 minutes in Sunday’s double-overtime win over the Bulls, with starting center Jusuf Nurkić logging 38. Filipowski’s potential absence would free up minutes for multiple players, including Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams. Also, Kyle Anderson could pick up some playing time if he’s cleared to return from a back injury.
Source: Andy Larsen
UTA • Small Forward and Power Forward • #20
2 months ago
Anderson has missed Utah’s last four games due to lower back injury management. His availability does not impact fantasy basketball, however, as Slo Mo has not been a lock to play rotation minutes when healthy.
Source: Andy Larsen