De'Anthony Melton

Melton’s final stat line wasn’t much to write home about, but his role may expand for Friday’s game against the Spurs. Stephen Curry left Wednesday’s game with an abdominal injury and is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday. If Curry misses time, Melton will have a larger role, whether he moves into the starting lineup or continues to come off the bench.

Melton was one of four Warriors to make at least four three-pointers in Monday’s blowout victory. With Brandon Williams suffering a hamstring injury in the first quarter, Melton is one Warrior whose minutes may increase if Williams misses time. Currently a player who should be rostered in deep leagues, some managers in 12-team leagues may be willing to roll the dice on Melton in the short term.

With Stephen Curry getting the night off, Melton started Sunday’s game and played 28 minutes. Unsurprisingly, the one-time fantasy basketball darling recorded a stat line that reminded folks why he remains a popular deep-league option. Melton’s six three-pointers were the most he’s made in a game since December 9, 2022, when he hit eight as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. With Curry expected to play Monday against the Suns, Melton will head back to the bench.

Golden State’s bench made the difference on Friday, outscoring the Lakers’ bench 50-7. Melton scored 13 of his 16 points in the second quarter, shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He needed just 21 minutes to record his final stat line, showing why Melton can add value for category-league managers despite coming off the bench. The Warriors play one more game this week, hosting the Clippers on Sunday.

Melton didn’t start Saturday’s game, but Stephen Curry’s and Brandin Podziemski’s absences gave him more opportunities. Melton took advantage, scoring 25 points, the most he’s scored in a game since 27 against the Wizards on March 16. Add in the rebounds, assists and steals, and Saturday night was a good one for fantasy managers who slotted Melton into their lineups.

Focusing on honing one’s craft during the offseason, rather than rehabbing from an injury, can make a significant difference for a player. That was the case for Melton this offseason, despite procedures on both thumbs. Last summer was spent recovering from a torn ACL, while a back injury was the issue in the summer of 2024. A healthy Melton can be a factor in fantasy basketball, especially category leagues, whether he starts or comes off the bench. His injury history puts him in “late-round flier” territory in drafts, but Melton can still be a steal for managers.

Melton averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game last season in 23 minutes per game. His three-point shooting fell off in a big way, though, as his 29 percent three-point shooting percentage was the worst of his career since 2019. Nevertheless, the Warriors are opting to bring Melton back as point guard depth off the bench.

Melton was one of the few players to come off Golden State’s bench and find production. He logged 28 minutes and converted half of his 10 field-goal attempts in that time, leading him to finish as the Warriors’ third-leading scorer on the evening. Melton also rebounded well from the guard position and nearly landed a double-double in the process. For the eighth-year veteran, he played relatively well in his first season back from an ACL tear. He averaged 12.3 points in his 49 regular-season appearances but struggled with his three-point efficiency. Perhaps being another year removed from the injury will pay off for him next season, potentially leading to more fantasy production.

Melton’s scoring is inconsistent, but he is capable as this was his fifth game with at least 20 points since the beginning of March. The 27-year-old point guard chipped in with a little bit of everything against the Kings, adding four rebounds and five assists to his 21 points. Melton also made four three-pointers, which he hadn’t done since February.

Melton is back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. His return likely pushes LJ Cryer to the bench. However, the rookie guard may remain in the rotation since Seth Curry is out.

Melton missed Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs with a left thumb strain and is on the injury report as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers. LJ Cryer started and had 17 points in 23 minutes in Melton’s absence Wednesday. It could play out similarly if Melton is ruled out again.

Melton will be unavailable for the first leg of this back-to-back. Gary Payton II has a good chance to replace him in the starting unit, with LJ Cryer and Pat Spencer taking on extra minutes off the bench.

Melton is back after sitting out Friday’s win over the Wizards. His return will push Will Richard to the bench, and the rookie is questionable with a sore left heel.

Added to the Warriors’ injury report on Friday afternoon, Melton is now out. Given the team’s lack of depth, they’ll need even more production from Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos. Pat Spencer should also figure more prominently in the rotation, but he does not offer the same upside as Podziemski or Santos.

Melton is a late addition to the injury report due to left knee injury management, which doesn’t bode well for his availability. Golden State’s available scoring options are sparse, which means Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski could be leaned on for their scoring if Melton is ultimately ruled out. Pat Spencer could see additional playing time, too.

Melton gave the ball away four times on Wednesday but took it back as many times, in one of his most productive defensive performances of the season. He also attacked the glass hard for a team-high in rebounds and contributed a bit as a passer to help offset some of his shooting struggles. Still, Melton produced enough as a shot-maker to score in double figures for the seventh time in March. All in all, Wednesday’s performance can be considered a nice bounce-back from Monday’s.

Melton was upgraded from probable to available ahead of Monday’s tipoff. With Melton active, the Warriors will have one of their most productive scorers over this recent stretch of games. He’s averaging 16.3 points per game during March and will have a good chance to produce against the Mavericks.

Melton had a good night despite the Warriors being on the wrong end of a blowout, recording his second 20-point game in his last four outings. He has provided 10th-round value in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break, shooting 41.4 percent from the field. If Melton can clean up the shooting, he becomes a far more valuable fantasy player. The Warriors play four games in Week 22, starting with the Mavericks on Monday.

Melton will play both games of the Warriors’ back-to-back, having logged 23 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Pistons. While he’ll be in the starting lineup, the Warriors may look to limit Melton’s workload. Still, he should be rostered in deep leagues.

Melton is questionable as he continues to manage a knee injury. He started and had 14 points in 23 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Pistons, but could sit out the second game of the back-to-back Saturday against the Hawks.