143-135
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
41-30|L10: 6-4
Utah
Jazz
21-48|L10: 2-8
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Eastern Conference
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LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
3 months ago
Dončić and Hachimura are officially available for Thursday’s game after being considered probable earlier in the day. Their returns will push Nick Smith Jr. and Jake LaRavia to the bench. While LaRavia can still have some value in deeper leagues, that is not the case for Smith.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
3 months ago
Initially questionable after a one-game absence, Dončić is on track to return Thursday night. If so, he would push Nick Smith Jr. to the bench, and potentially out of the rotation entirely.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #11
3 months ago
Hayes will miss Thursday’s game with a sore left ankle. The good news for the Lakers is that Deandre Ayton (elbow) is back, so he’ll play most of the available minutes at the center position. Hayes’ absence likely means that Jarred Vanderbilt will spend some time at center when Ayton sits.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #28
3 months ago
Hachimura is on the injury report for right groin injury management reasons. It looks like the 27-year-old small forward will return to the starting lineup, though, given his probable listing. Jake LaRavia will likely head back to the Lakers’ bench with Hachimura back.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
3 months ago
Dončić is officially listed as questionable with a leg injury on the Lakers’ injury report. Earlier in the day Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dončić is expected to play against the Rockets Thursday. The 26-year-old point guard missed Tuesday’s game against the Suns, but we expect him to return after just a one-game absence.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
3 months ago
Dončić will return following a one-game absence, and his return should mean reduced roles for Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith and Jake LaRavia. Not counting 2024 when he left early due to injury, Dončić has averaged 36.3 points, 10.3 assists and 6.3 rebounds across three career Christmas games.
Source: Shams Charania
UTA • Power Forward • #0
3 months ago
Hendricks’ offense has prevented him from making an impact for fantasy managers this season, which makes a performance like this one so encouraging. He set a new season high for scoring, which allowed him play a season-high 27 minutes, which led to a new season high for steals. If he can continue to contribute on offense, he’ll get more minutes, which leads to more defensive stats. He’ll look to stay hot against the Pistons on Friday.
UTA • Center • #22
3 months ago
With Lauri Markkanen (groin) and Jusuf Nurkić (rest) sidelined, Filipowski returned to the starting unit for this game. It wasn’t enough for Utah to get a win, but he led the Jazz in scoring and matched his season high for both points and rebounds. Filipowski should shine down the stretch of the season, but his value at this point is tied to the availability of Markkanen and Nurkić. When he is given the chance, he is more than capable of nights like this.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
3 months ago
Luka Dončić’s absence due to a leg contusion meant the Lakers needed more production from their remaining guards. While Smart and Nick Smith Jr. (12 points, one rebound, one assist and one three-pointer) both reached double figures, neither came through with the stat line that would spark intrigue among fantasy managers. It’s safe to leave Smart and Smith on the waiver wire in most redraft leagues.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
3 months ago
Reaves was back on the court after missing three games with a calf injury, and his minutes were restricted. For that reason, the Lakers guard came off the bench in Phoenix. Reaves shot the ball well, but it wasn’t enough to keep his team from getting blown out. The Lakers host the Rockets on Christmas Day, and a continuation of his minutes limit may result in Reaves coming off the bench again.
LAL • Center • #2
3 months ago
After missing two games with a right elbow injury, Ayton was back in the starting lineup on Tuesday. He recorded his 11th double-double, and the three steals were a season-high. Providing fifth-round value in eight-cat formats, Ayton has played consistent basketball in his first season with the Lakers. Not only has his team benefited, but so have those who are rostering the 7-footer.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
With Tuesday’s game getting away from the Lakers, James did not play at all during the fourth quarter. The final stat line was solid, but it was clear the Lakers missed Luka Dončić’s scoring and playmaking. Next up for LeBron and co. is a matchup with the Rockets on Christmas Day, and he’s made a habit of putting on a show in those games. Hopefully, James will be able to share the court with Dončić.
LAL • Power Forward • #33
3 months ago
The Lakers are without Luka Dončić, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Smith and LaRavia have moved into the starting lineup, with the latter offering a higher fantasy ceiling. At best, Smith is worth a roll of the dice in deep leagues, as Austin Reaves is available. However, he’s coming off the bench and will be under a minutes restriction.
Source: NBA Lineups
UTA • Power Forward and Center • #42
3 months ago
The Jazz won’t have Lauri Markkanen or Jusuf Nurkić for Tuesday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. The voids will be filled by Love and Filipowski, who are worth rostering due to Utah’s lack of frontcourt depth.
Source: NBA Lineups
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
With both big men sidelined, Kyle Filipowski should see big frontcourt minutes, while Kevin Love should earn some additional playing time.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
3 months ago
Reaves will return from a three-game absence, and he should be expected to handle a hefty workload with Luka Doncic (leg) out of action.
Source: Khobi Price
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
3 months ago
The Jazz are a young team so even in a blowout, George, the 22-year-old point guard, played 34 minutes. He scored 20 points, which was his lowest output in five games, and was just two rebounds and three assists shy of a triple-double. George’s run of excellent play continues. He’s becoming one of the biggest fantasy steals of the season. The Jazz are back on the floor Tuesday against the Grizzlies.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen returned from a two-game absence due to a groin injury. The Jazz lost by 23 points, but he still played 36 minutes and scored 27 points in the blowout loss. He’s had at least 26 points in five of six games in December so far. Markkanen will be back in action Tuesday against the Grizzlies.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen is back after a two-game absence and will be in the starting lineup. His return means that Kyle Filipowski will come off the bench, but he will still figure prominently in the Jazz rotation.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
3 months ago
Reaves has missed the Lakers’ last three games with a strained calf, but he may return to action on Tuesday. If he can play, Reaves would essentially fill the void left by Luka Dončić, who is out with a leg contusion. If Reaves cannot play, Dalton Knecht would figure more prominently in the rotation, potentially as a starter.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
3 months ago
Ayton is set to return Tuesday against the Suns after missing two games with an elbow injury. Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt will cede minutes to Ayton upon his return. The 27-year-old center remains a reliable starter in standard formats and the Lakers have three games this week.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
3 months ago
Dončić suffered a lower left leg contusion during Saturday’s loss to the Clippers and did not return after halftime. While Dalton Knecht started the third quarter, the Lakers were already without Austin Reaves. If Reaves can play on Tuesday, there won’t be many minutes available to Knecht.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
3 months ago
Ayton has missed two straight games, but it appears he’s on the right track to return on Tuesday. If Ayton is available, Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt could see their roles reduced.
Source: Dave McMenamin
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen has missed Utah’s last two games, but he’ll be back in action against Denver. Kyle Filipowski should head back to the bench, but Filipowski is worth holding in standard leagues given his recent production and Markkanen’s struggles to stay on the court.
Source: NBA Injury Report
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen did not play in Saturday’s win over the Magic, so Kyle Filipowski started alongside Jusuf Nurkić. That would remain the case if Lauri can’t play on Monday. At this point, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hold onto Filipowski, even if he’s asked to come off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
UTA • Power Forward and Center • #42
3 months ago
Love will not play on Monday for rest reasons. With Kyle Anderson absent from the injury report, he may pick up a few rotation minutes. However, there’s no need to roster Anderson.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #33
3 months ago
Inserted into the Lakers’ starting lineup due to Rui Hachimura (groin) being sidelined, LaRavia posted his first double-double of the season. Add in the assists and steals, and this was one of his best performances of the season. Hachimura could also miss Tuesday’s game against the Suns, which would raise LaRavia’s fantasy ceiling in the short term.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
With Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton unavailable and Luka Dončić not returning for the second half, James was left to do most of the heavy lifting offensively. The Lakers’ forward, who turns 41 on December 30, showed that he still has plenty left in the tank, dropping his first 30-point game of the season. And over the last two weeks, LeBron has been close to a first-round player in eight-cat, 12-team formats. The Lakers play three games in Week 10, starting with the Suns on Tuesday.
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
3 months ago
George’s streak of games with at least 30 points ended at three, but the 22-year-old point guard still had 27 points in the overtime loss to the Magic Saturday. He was clutch in overtime with a four-point play that put the Jazz up by one with four seconds only to lose on a Desmond Bane game-winning jumper. The Jazz have four games in Week 10, beginning with a matchup with the Nuggets on Monday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
3 months ago
Dončić suffered a left leg contusion during the second quarter of Saturday’s game. While he finished out the half, the decision was made during the intermission that the Lakers’ star was done for the night. Dalton Knecht started the third quarter, and his viability as a streamer moving forward depends on the availability of both Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Source: Brett Siegel
LAL • Power Forward • #33
3 months ago
Already without Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, the Lakers will also be without Rui Hachimura for Saturday’s game. LaRavia has been moved into the starting lineup, and he’s worth streaming in deep leagues due to the Lakers’ lack of healthy options. Also, look for Jarred Vanderbilt to figure more prominently off the bench.
Source: NBA Lineups
UTA • Small Forward and Power Forward • #20
3 months ago
Anderson is a late addition to the injury report and will not be available. His absence likely means that Kevin Love will be part of the rotation, especially with Lauri Markkanen also out. However, there’s no need to roster Love in most leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward • #28
3 months ago
Hachimura has been downgraded after initially being listed as questionable. His absence will likely open up a starting spot for Jake LaRavia, who has been productive in seven starts this season. Dalton Knecht should also play a larger role off the bench.
Source: Law Murray
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen was initially doubtful for this game and has now been downgraded to out. This will be a second straight absence for Markkanen, which means Kyle Filipowski will start once again, even with Jusuf Nurkic back.
Source: Utah Jazz
LAL • Power Forward • #28
3 months ago
Hachimura could miss a game for just the second time this season, which would likely allow Jake LaRavia to get the starting nod in place. In seven starts this season, LaRavia is averaging 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
Source: Law Murray
LAL • Center • #2
3 months ago
Ayton will miss a second straight game with a sore right elbow. While Jaxson Hayes started Thursday’s win over the Jazz, he only played 22 minutes, with Jarred Vanderbilt logging 25 off the bench. With the Clippers having Ivica Zubac in their starting lineup, Hayes may pick up a few more minutes on Saturday.
Source: Ryan Ward
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen did not play in Thursday’s loss to the Lakers and appears likely to miss a second straight game. Kyle Filipowski should remain in the starting lineup, and he is worth streaming when allowed to start, whether it’s for Markkanen or Jusuf Nurkić.
Source: NBA Injury Report
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
3 months ago
George had his third consecutive game with at least 30 points against the Lakers Thursday. The 22-year-old point guard was excellent, draining five three-pointers for the third straight game as well. George has been a fantasy steal this year as one of the most improved players in the league. The Jazz finish up the week with a game against the Magic on Saturday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
While Luka Doncic will garner the most headlines for his 45-point triple-double with five steals, LeBron was pretty solid in this game too. The soon-to-be 41-year-old small forward had 28 points and was just three rebounds shy of a triple-double himself. James and the Lakers finish up a two-game week Saturday against the Clippers.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
3 months ago
Dončić was relentless against the Jazz on Thursday. The 26-year-old point guard dropped haymaker after haymaker on his way to 45 points in the victory. Dončić also had 11 rebounds and 14 assists on his way to a triple-double. He joined Cade Cunningham as the only players since steals became official to have a 45-point triple-double with five steals. Dončić only had one turnover in the contest, leaving managers in nine-category leagues nothing to complain about with his performance.
LAL • Power Forward and Center • #14
3 months ago
No surprise here, as Kleber was listed as probable on Wednesday. Deandre Ayton (elbow) has been ruled out, but Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt will be the most likely beneficiaries from a fantasy standpoint. Kleber could see some run off the bench, but it likely won’t amount to much production for fantasy managers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen’s absence with the first unit should free up a starting spot for Kyle Filipowski. Fresh off a 25/9 performance in his last game out, Filipowski has streaming value for Thursday’s slate. He’s started three of Utah’s last five games and posted at least 20 points and nine rebounds in each of his last two starts.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard • #7
3 months ago
While Austin Reaves’ absence with a strained calf has freed up additional minutes on the perimeter, Vincent has benefited in terms of fantasy value. Fantasy managers can afford to leave him on the waiver wire if he’s available on Thursday.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Power Forward and Center • #14
3 months ago
Even with Deandre Ayton (elbow) ruled out, Kleber is unlikely to get the run needed to affect fantasy basketball if he plays on Thursday. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Center • #2
3 months ago
Ayton is dealing with a sore right elbow, forcing his absence for Thursday’s game. Jaxson Hayes has been the replacement in the past, and that should be the case against the Jazz. He’s only worth a look in deep leagues where there’s a need for blocks and a high field-goal percentage.
Source: Dave McMenamin
UTA • Center • #11
3 months ago
Nurkić was given the night off on Monday, resulting in Kyle Filipowski moving into the starting lineup. Filipowski will return to the bench if the Jazz rotation is whole, but there’s a chance that he gets another start. Lauri Markkanen (groin) is listed as questionable for Thursday night.
Source: Ben Anderson
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen is listed on the injury report due to right groin injury management, even though Thursday’s game is not part of a back-to-back. With Jusuf Nurkić absent from the injury report, Kyle Filipowski could remain in the starting lineup if Markkanen sits.
Source: Ben Anderson
UTA • Center • #22
3 months ago
A season-high 38 minutes allowed Filipowski to produce some of his best work of the season. In his minutes, efficient shooting both inside and outside the arc helped him set a new high in points on the season, which was only the third-most on the Mavs on Monday. Filipowski’s high-scoring performance came with Jusuf Nurkic (rest) on the sideline for Monday’s contest, but when Nurkic returns, the versatile forward will likely head back to the bench to play a more reduced role.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Lauri Markkanen was great against the Mavs on Monday. He dominated the glass, tied a season-high in assists, and set a new season-high in steals, all while finishing as one of two Jazz players to score at least 30 points. About the only thing that didn’t go well for the veteran forward was his three-point shooting. Otherwise, he had a strong performance and continues to put up some of the best numbers of his career.
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
3 months ago
George was electric in the overtime thriller on Monday. On the heels of a career-high 39-point game, he logged a nearly identical line against the Mavericks — he drained five three-pointers, made double-digit free throws, and pitched in as a facilitator and rebounder. George has been one of the league’s most improved players this season, resulting in stellar fantasy numbers. He’ll have a chance to keep his streak of 30-point games alive on Thursday when they face the Lakers.
UTA • Small Forward • #28
3 months ago
Utah has made two changes to its starting lineup for Monday’s game. Filipowski will start because of Jusuf Nurkić (rest) getting the night off. The other change is Sensabaugh, whose promotion comes at the expense of Svi Mykhailiuk. While he hasn’t been particularly productive as a defender, Sensabaugh can offer solid offensive value in this role.
Source: NBA Lineups
UTA • Center • #22
3 months ago
According to Jazz head coach Will Hardy, the team’s training staff recommended a night off for Nurkić, so he will not be available on Monday. The void will be filled by Filipowski, who has performed relatively well this season when moved into the starting lineup. He’s worth adding for Monday’s five-game slate.
Source: Andy Larsen
UTA • Power Forward • #20
3 months ago
Sidelined by a stress reaction in the fourth metatarsal of his left foot, Niang has yet to appear in a game this season. According to the Jazz, it will be at least two more weeks before he has the opportunity to play. Niang’s continued absence does not directly affect fantasy basketball, but it does leave more minutes available for some of Utah’s younger frontcourt players.
Source: Utah Jazz
LAL • Center • #2
3 months ago
Ayton finished Sunday’s victory with his tenth double-double of the season, halfway to his total for the entire 2024-25 campaign. So far, the move to Los Angeles has gone well for the 7-footer, who has been close to a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. As long as Ayton remains healthy, he’s well-positioned to offer reliable fantasy value.
UTA • Center • #11
3 months ago
Nurkić will get Monday night off, which means that Kyle Filipowski moves into the starting lineup. On track to be a “silly season” hero later in the year, Filipowski is worth streaming, especially on a five-game night.
Source: Ben Anderson
UTA • Center • #11
3 months ago
With Memphis playing Friday’s game without its best rebounder, Zach Edey, this was an excellent opportunity for Nurkić to put up a high number in the rebounds category. His 17 boards matched the veteran center’s season-high, and he finished with his sixth double-double. While Nurkić’s fantasy value is ranked outside the top-200 over the last two weeks, he’s a helpful option for managers needing rebounds. Add in the seven assists, and Friday’s was a good night to have Nurk on your roster.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Back in the lineup after sitting out Sunday’s blowout loss to the Thunder, Markkanen helped Utah end its five-game losing streak to the Grizzlies. After a slow start to the season in the rebound category, Markkanen has grabbed at least eight boards in five straight games. Averaging 8.4 rebounds per game, he has been a top-50 player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Utah is finished with its Week 8 slate and opens a three-game Week 9 on Monday against the Mavericks.
UTA • Power Forward and Center • #42
3 months ago
In his last three games entering Friday, Love totaled 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field. Simply put, no one outside of the Jazz locker room expected the veteran forward to be as productive as he was in Memphis. Love recorded a season-high point total and matched his previous high in three-pointers. As fun as it was to watch him put on an offensive clinic while also grabbing eight rebounds, one game does not make Love a player worth rostering in most fantasy leagues. Especially with the Jazz off until Monday.
UTA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #3
3 months ago
George was rolling during the first half of Friday’s game, scoring 27 points. While a combination of improved defending from the Grizzlies and foul trouble conspired to keep the guard scoreless in the third quarter, he would finish with a career-high 39 points. Add in the assists, percentages and low turnover count (three), and this was an excellent night for George. The significant improvement that he’s made has lowered Isaiah Collier’s fantasy value, but the second-year guard did dish out eight assists in 24 minutes off the bench.
UTA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #23
3 months ago
Markkanen is back in Utah’s starting lineup after an illness kept him out for the team’s recent loss to the Thunder. His return will give the Jazz an elite three-level scorer at the forward position and the team’s leader in points per game. Kyle Filipowski will head back to the bench to help Utah’s depth.
Source: NBA Lineups