142-111
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
42-30|L10: 7-3
Washington
Wizards
17-50|L10: 1-9
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Eastern Conference
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WAS • Center • #00
about 1 month ago
Marvin Bagley is now in Dallas, so Vukčević was the next man up with Alex Sarr (ankle) unavailable. The 7-footer’s performance was somewhat underwhelming, especially after Wizards head coach Brian Keefe felt the need to pull Vukčević from the game after an uninspired start to the third quarter. Vuk was able to get back into the game, but he only logged 20 minutes. Even on nights when Sarr isn’t available, there’s little to be gained from rostering Vukčević.
WAS • Small Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Like his teammates, Riley got off to a slow start on Saturday. But the Wizards were able to make Saturday’s defeat more respectable, thanks in part to their rookie wing. After scoring 20 points in a win over the Pistons on Thursday, Riley recorded a new season-high on Saturday and has reached double figures in five straight. Unlike Kyshawn George, Riley feels like a safe bet to play significant minutes the rest of the season. Don’t hesitate to pick him up if he’s sitting on the waiver wire.
WAS • Small Forward • #9
about 1 month ago
For fantasy managers with their eyes on Champagnie as a potential “silly season standout,” Saturday’s performance was a mixed bag. The overall stat line was nice, with one exception: playing time. On a day when the Wizards were without Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, Champagnie played 22 minutes. All three could be back for Sunday’s game against the Heat, so Saturday may represent a missed opportunity for Champagnie managers.
WAS • Small Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr are out for Saturday’s game, opening up three spots in the starting lineup. The resulting voids are being filled by Riley, Watkins and Vukčević, with the former being the most valuable fantasy option.
Source: NBA Lineups
WAS • Center and Power Forward • #20
about 1 month ago
Sarr is dealing with a sore right ankle, and Saturday’s game is the first of two games in as many days for the Wizards. Tristan Vukčević and Anthony Gill will have to handle the center responsibilities in Sarr’s absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #18
about 1 month ago
A right knee contusion will keep George out of Saturday’s game, which is the first of two in as many days for the Wizards. Will Riley, Justin Champagnie and Jamir Watkins should all receive more opportunities, with the first two being the superior options for fantasy managers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Coulibaly will sit out the first game of Washington’s back-to-back to end Week 16. With Kyshawn George also out, the Wizards will rely even more on Justin Champagnie and Will Riley. Both players are worth streaming and should also have value during the silly season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Power Forward and Center • #3
about 1 month ago
With the Wizards likely focused on doing all they can to avoid losing their 2026 first-round pick, which is top-8 protected, to the Knicks, Davis not making his debut for the team until next season would be an unsurprising development. It was reported in mid-January that Davis’ left hand injury wouldn’t require surgery to repair the ligament damage. Will he go through with the procedure now that it’s reportedly been decided that Davis won’t play this season? For fantasy managers who have been stashing Davis in an IL spot, it’s time to move on.
Source: Chris B. Haynes
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić suffered a strained left hamstring during Thursday’s win over the 76ers, exiting during the second quarter. Rui Hachimura started the third quarter, but Austin Reaves’ minutes restriction may have been the reason for that. Depending on how comfortable the Lakers are with Reaves playing starters’ minutes as he works his way back from a strained calf, it will influence who starts for Dončić.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Shooting Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Johnson has been out since spraining his left ankle during a January 29 win over the Bucks. Bub Carrington has been the replacement in the starting lineup, and he’s worth streaming until that changes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Center and Power Forward • #20
about 1 month ago
Sarr is on the injury report after playing 18 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Pistons. If he’s unable to play, the Wizards will rely more on Tristan Vukčević at the center position. Vukčević would be a risky streaming play in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #18
about 1 month ago
George was limited to 18 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Pistons, and there was no injury announced beforehand. Fantasy managers certainly shouldn’t move on from George yet, but they should watch his playing time. Will Riley is one player whose opportunities will likely increase as the Wizards look to strengthen their chances of holding onto their first-round pick.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Coulibaly is one of three Wizards’ starters on the injury report for Saturday’s game, which is the first of two in as many days for Washington. If he’s unable to play, Will Riley and Jamir Watkins will take on added importance in the rotation. Riley is worth picking up now, as his opportunities have increased and should continue to do so.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić suffered the left hamstring injury in Thursday’s win over the 76ers, and McMenamin notes that there is optimism the injury is not serious. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief for now, but the extent of Dončić’s injury is still unknown. Until we get more clarity on the situation, the Lakers will fill his vacated minutes by committee with Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard logging some additional minutes.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
While LeBron and the Lakers ratcheted up their defensive intensity early in the fourth quarter and rallied for the win, turnovers were an issue on Thursday. As a team, the Lakers committed 22 turnovers, and James was responsible for eight of them. He did record a double-double against the 76ers, but the category-league value took a significant hit because of the field-goal percentage and turnovers. And if Luka Dončić (leg) has to miss time, the Lakers will need more from their 41-year-old star.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves remains on a minutes restriction, and the Lakers did an excellent job of managing his workload on Thursday. The guard was available in crunch time, and he finished with an efficient 35 points in 25 minutes of play. Luka Dončić exited Thursday’s game during the second quarter with a left leg injury, and an absence for him would make Reaves’ production even more essential for the Lakers. However, when he returns to the starting lineup — for Dončić or someone else — depends on when the Lakers decide to lift Reaves’ minutes limit.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić left Thursday’s game during the second quarter, appearing to grab his left hamstring before exiting. The Lakers have officially listed the injury as left leg soreness, but more will be learned about its severity on Friday. Rui Hachimura started the third quarter, and whether he remains there if Dončić misses time will likely depend on how much longer Austin Reaves will be under a minutes restriction.
Source: Dave McMenamin
WAS • Point Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Cooper was one of the reserves who benefited from the Wizards’ apparent decision to cut the playing time of a few of their starters. Not only did he log a career-high 34 minutes, but Cooper hit double figures for the first time as an NBA player. There’s no need for fantasy managers to add him, but don’t be surprised if he’s logging extended minutes after the All-Star break as Washington looks to avoid losing its top-8 protected lottery pick.
WAS • Small Forward • #
about 1 month ago
If how Wizards head coach Brian Keefe handled the playing time in Thursday’s win is an indication of what’s to come, Riley will be an attractive “silly season” option. While starters Alex Sarr (12/6/1/0/1 with two three-pointers) and Kyshawn George (8/3/3 with one three-pointer) were limited to 18 minutes, the rookie out of Illinois played 29 off the bench. And he was productive, enjoying one of his best performances of the season. Washington plays its last game of Week 16 on Saturday against the Nets.
LAL • Guard • #10
about 1 month ago
The Lakers haven’t been a successful three-point shooting team this season, but the addition of Kennard off the bench should help with that. With Austin Reaves back healthy, the Lakers don’t have as much of a need for Vincent as a reserve, but Kennard should have a place in the rotation. Fantasy managers shouldn’t pay this any mind, though this will be a helpful addition for the Lakers.
Source: Shams Charania
WAS • Center • #00
about 1 month ago
Vukčević has been out for nearly a month with a hamstring injury. With the Wizards trading Marvin Bagley III and new addition Anthony Davis out due to injury, Vukčević will likely slide into the rotation. There’s no need to roster him in fantasy leagues, but keep an eye on the third-year center. As long as he doesn’t hit his 50-game limit as a two-way player, there may be times later in the season when Vukčević plays quality minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
The 2024 first-round pick was traded to Washington during his rookie year after being drafted by Milwaukee. He’ll be on the move once again and try to make things work in Dallas. The Mavs seem to be shifting towards a tank for this season, so Johnson could play big minutes down the stretch of this year, which could lead to some fun production during silly season.
Source: Shams Charania
WAS • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Exum was ruled out for the rest of the season in November, and he’s on an expiring deal. Exum was included to make the deal work, but he may not ever suit up for Washington. He’ll enter free agency next summer.
Source: Shams Charania
WAS • Point Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Russell has been out of the rotation for most of the season in Dallas, and now he’ll join the rebuilding Wizards. It is unlikely that he is given any meaningful minutes, unless the Wizards feel he isn’t going to help them win too many games. Russell could certainly be a buyout candidate, which may be the only path for him to make an impact this season.
Source: Shams Charania
WAS • Shooting Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Hardy has been an electric scorer at time since he was drafted in the second round in 2022. He’ll now get a fresh start on a rebuilding team in Washington, and he could get a chance to play big minutes down the stretch of this season. However, he likely isn’t part of the Wizards’ plans for the future, so he may not find a long-term home in Washington.
Source: Shams Charania
WAS • Power Forward and Center • #3
about 1 month ago
The firsts include the Thunder pick in 2026 and a protected Warriors pick in 2030. Davis is set to be re-evaluated in late February, but managers shouldn’t expect to see him play much down the stretch as the Wizards look to improve their lottery odds. However, Davis joins Trae Young and a talented young core in Washington, and they should add another top pick this summer. Davis will form an elite defensive tandem down low with Alex Sarr that should allow Washington to return to the postseason as early as 2027, assuming they plan to keep him around.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
With Tuesday’s game being the first for Reaves since Christmas Day, he was on a minutes restriction. Coming off the bench, the Lakers’ guard logged 21 minutes in his first game back. Reaves didn’t have the best night shooting the ball, but he was able to get to the foul line. Based on how Lakers head coach JJ Redick handled the rotation, Jake LaRavia could be the odd man out once Reaves’ playing time is no longer restricted. Reaves started the second half, replacing LaRavia (18 points, five rebounds, one steal and one three-pointer). However, LaRavia heading to the bench isn’t set in stone, especially with Marcus Smart (6/3/1/1) being the player who moved into the lineup when Reaves went down in December.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić’s points total on Tuesday was his lowest in nearly a month, but the game being a blowout had more to do with that than anything the Nets may have done defensively. Regarding per-game value, he has been a top-5 player over the past two weeks. Getting Austin Reaves back in the fold should only help Dončić from a spacing standpoint as the returnee shakes off the rust after missing more than a month with a strained calf.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
The Lakers ended their annual Grammys road trip with a 5-3 record, blowing out the Nets on Tuesday. With the game getting out of hand by halftime, the team was able to give its stars a little more time on the bench. James played 30 minutes, and he wasn’t put under too much stress in his time on the floor. He should be well-rested for Thursday’s game against the 76ers, the first of two home games the Lakers will play to conclude Week 16.
WAS • Small Forward • #
about 1 month ago
For the first time in his NBA career, Riley has reached double figures in three consecutive games. However, the rookie wing has only made 40 percent of his shot attempts over the past two weeks. And with Riley’s production being limited on most nights outside of points and three-pointers, he doesn’t have much room for error in terms of his fantasy value. Riley isn’t a must-stash player ahead of the “silly season,” but he is worth watching.
WAS • Center and Power Forward • #20
about 1 month ago
Back in the lineup after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Kings, Sarr had his hands full with Karl-Anthony Towns. The second-year center finished one rebound shy of a double-double, but he had just one steal and no blocked shots. Marvin Bagley, who started on Sunday, chipped in with 11 points, six rebounds and one assist in 16 minutes off the bench. Bagley is only worth a look on nights when the Wizards don’t have Sarr, whose fantasy value should hold steady the rest of the season.
WAS • Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
After having his double-digit scoring streak end at eight games over the weekend, Carrington started a new streak on Tuesday. If there was a negative for the Wizards’ point guard from a fantasy standpoint, it’s that he recorded just one assist. At a minimum, Carrington should remain in the starting lineup until Tre Johnson can return from his sprained ankle. And even if he is used in a reserve role, playing time should not be an issue for Bub the rest of the way. He’ll be worthy of a look for the “silly season.”
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves is back after sitting out the last 18 Lakers games with a calf injury. Marcus Smart will likely remain in the starting lineup Tuesday as Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters Reaves will come off the bench and be on a minutes restriction. Despite Reaves’ return, Smart should have a significant role against the Nets on Tuesday.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James will return following a one-game absence, but his availability has no impact in the realm of fantasy hoops.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Power Forward • #16
about 1 month ago
The backup big man has seen increased run as of late, but he’s not on the radar in fantasy leagues due to the availability of Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley III.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Power Forward • #16
about 1 month ago
Gill has taken on a larger role over Washington’s last two games, but he has mostly been an afterthought in the rotation this year. With Alex Sarr and Marvin Bagley both healthy, Gill’s status won’t impact Washington’s rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James missed Sunday’s game against New York, but his status for this game won’t alter the Lakers’ rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Center and Power Forward • #20
about 1 month ago
Sarr missed Sunday’s game against the Kings, but he’ll be back to take on New York. Marvin Bagley was productive as a starter in Sarr’s stead and scored 15 points without missing a shot. Bagley will return to the bench with Sarr back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
WAS • Shooting Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Johnson injured his ankle on Thursday and will now miss a third straight game since then. Bub Carrington should remain a starter in his place, where he has been a decent source of points, assists and triples, even if he struggled in their last game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves has missed the last 18 games for the Lakers but has been questionable ahead of their last couple of games. He could make his long-awaited return against Brooklyn, which would push Marcus Smart to the bench. Reaves will likely have his minutes managed, so Smart should still play a significant reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
Ayton only attempted six shots on Sunday, but he made the most of his opportunities, knocking down all six of them. The production wasn’t on par with what he did in Friday’s win over the Wizards, but the Knicks are a far better team than Washington, so greater resistance was expected. Over the past two weeks, Ayton’s limited production outside of points and rebounds has weighed down his fantasy value. Even if he doesn’t score 28 points as he did on Saturday, doing more as a defender will help preserve Ayton’s value.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
If Sunday’s visit to Madison Square Garden was James’s last as an active NBA player, he had a solid night at the office. For those in leagues that include turnovers, the 41-year-old committed just one, a step in the right direction given recent performances. LeBron has averaged 3.3 turnovers per game over the past two weeks, and the limited defensive production has also lowered his fantasy value. The good news for him and the Lakers is that they play three games in Week 16 without a back-to-back.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
The NBA’s leading scorer, Dončić, has scored at least 30 points in six of his last seven games, missing out on a 30-point streak due to a measly 29-point effort against the Cavaliers on Wednesday. He finished Sunday’s defeat two assists shy of a triple-double and has been the top-ranked player in fantasy basketball over the past two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Lakers play three games in Week 16, starting with the final game of their road trip on Tuesday against the Nets.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Given the high-profile nature of Sunday’s game, there was hope that Reaves would be able to return after missing 18 games with a strained calf. Unfortunately, after going through his pregame workout, the Lakers’ guard could not play. While there is hope that Reaves will be able to play on Thursday, Redick noted that the guard needs to have “100 percent confidence” in his calf before returning. Reaves is considered day-to-day, and Marcus Smart will remain in the starting lineup until that changes.
Source: Law Murray
WAS • Small Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Riley’s opportunities to contribute began to increase in early December, but there may be a little more room for him to show his offensive skill with Tre Johnson (ankle) currently out. The 21st-overall pick in June’s draft, the former Illinois wing had the most productive night of his rookie campaign on Sunday. Riley recorded new highs in points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers. The Wizards play four games in Week 16, and Riley is worth keeping an eye on for those seeking silly season value.
WAS • Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
The Wizards were without Alex Sarr for Sunday’s game, opening up a place in the starting lineup for Bagley. And he had a good night, not missing a shot and recording a complete stat line. Given Sarr’s youth, he’s unlikely to be in a position where the Wizards use any excuse to shut him down. For that reason, it’s challenging to trust Bagley as a potential silly season standout fully. But, like Sunday, there will be nights when he’s worth streaming.
WAS • Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
When discussing Wizards players who could potentially have added value during the silly season, Johnson’s name rarely, if ever, comes up. And with good reason. Sunday’s game was the first in which he played more than 20 minutes. Johnson made the most of his 27 minutes, recorded a season-high point total, and dished out four assists. One game doesn’t suddenly put him on the list of players worth targeting for the post-deadline portion of the season. However, his performance against the Kings may have earned Johnson another shot at extended minutes.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Initially listed as questionable with a calf injury, Reaves will remain out as he hasn’t played since December 25. The 27-year-old shooting guard’s return may not be far off, but Marcus Smart is in line for another start Sunday, though he’s not worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James will not be available for Sunday’s game after initially being listed as questionable. His absence won’t affect fantasy basketball, and there may have been even fewer minutes available to the second-year guard due to Austin Reaves’ potential return from a strained calf.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
James’ availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is on the back end of the Lakers’ rotation on most nights, if he plays at all. And with Austin Reaves (calf) potentially returning, the chances of Bronny playing decrease even more.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves has been out since Christmas Day, but that could change during the Lakers’ lone trip to Madison Square Garden. Marcus Smart has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but the production has not been consistent enough to merit being rostered in most 12-team leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James struggled in Wednesday’s blowout loss, but he was able to get back on track in this game. He was far more efficient, though it didn’t turn into a great outing because of how dominant Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton were and how lopsided the score was. Still, it was good to see LeBron bounce back, especially since he has been quieter in recent weeks after a strong start to January. Next up on the schedule is a trip to New York on Sunday, which will be game seven of this eight game road trip.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić got off to an unreal start to this game, and he ended up entering halftime with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. This was the second time in Dončić’s career that he recorded a triple-double in a single half, joining Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook as the only players to do it multiple times in the play-by-play era, per Stathead. He has been fantastic all season, and this performance was one of his best. He’ll look to keep it going in New York on Sunday to wrap up the week.
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
It has been a rough stretch for Ayton recently, but the Wizards didn’t have an answer for him in this game. This was Domin-Ayton at his finest. Across his five games prior to this game, he had scored a total of 33 points. He fell one point shy of matching his season high for scoring, though that hasn’t been typical for him. Ayton’s role has been inconsistent, which has contributed to his production following the same trend. He’ll look to stay hot in New York on Sunday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić twisted his ankle during Wednesday’s loss to the Cavaliers. The 26-year-old point guard was able to return and finish the game, but wound up on the injury report as questionable. Dončić will play Friday against the Wizards and should be without restriction.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves hasn’t played since Christmas Day, but he was upgraded to questionable ahead of this game. However, he won’t make his return yet, which means Marcus Smart will get another start. Reaves’ next chance to play will be against the Knicks on Sunday.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day, but he could be back to take on Washington. Marcus Smart has been starting in his place, but with Luka Doncic (ankle) also questionable, there is a scenario where Reaves returns and Smart starts in place of Luka. Eventually, Smart will be pushed to a reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
The Cavs’ lifted court resulted in an injury scare for Dončić and the Lakers; he twisted his ankle on the uneven surface while hopping backwards after shooting a three-pointer. He was able to return to finish the game, but there is a chance he sits out against Washington. In that scenario, Gabe Vincent will likely slide back into the starting unit in his place.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
The good news for Ayton and those who have him on their fantasy rosters is that he didn’t miss a shot. The bad news is that he wasn’t much of a factor otherwise, recording four rebounds and a blocked shot in addition to his 10 points. With LeBron James being 41, the Lakers need more from Ayton. And so do those who have him rostered.
