DFS Alerts
Rodney McGruder starting for Justise Winslow tonight
McGruder will enter the starting lineup for tonight’s game against Atlanta in place of Winslow. He may only be a starter in name only, so buyers beware here, though taking a shot on a minimum-priced player in tournaments can never be criticized if it allows an upgrade elsewhere. Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson, and Dion Waiters will now take over the primary ball handling responsibilities in the absence of Dragic and Winslow and are the primary targets on Miami. We had Richardson listed as an elite value play prior to this news, and he now becomes close to a must play with all the extra minutes and usage to go around in Miami’s rotation.
Other tagged players: Justise Winslow
Norman Powell starting again; DeMarre Carroll active but not expected to play
Carroll is reportedly available off the bench for the Raptors tonight against Cleveland, but is ultimately not expected to play. He will instead play tomorrow against the Warriors. Norman Powell will draw the start at small forward once again in Carroll’s place. Powell is certainly in tournament punt consideration after performing well in his previous spot start, but has a much more difficult matchup with the efficient Cavaliers’ defense in this contest.
As reported by: @Raptors Other tagged players: DeMarre Carroll Justise Winslow (wrist) and Goran Dragic (ankle) ruled out
Winslow and Dragic will not play in tonight’s game against Atlanta. The news of Dragic being ruled out was expected, as he was listed as doubtful earlier in the day with a sprained ankle, but Winslow is certainly a surprise scratch. Josh Richardson is expected to draw the start at point guard once again, but it has yet to be confirmed who will start in place of Winlsow, though James Johnson would be the most logical choice for the Heat. Richardson, Tyler Johnson, and Dion Waiters will now take over the primary ball handling responsibilities in the absence of Dragic and Winslow. We had Richardson listed as an elite value play prior to this news, and he now becomes close to a must play with all the extra minutes and usage to go around in Miami’s rotation.
As reported by: tim Reynolds Other tagged players: Goran Dragic Dewayne Dedmon (knee) ruled out for Wednesday; Danny Green (groin) questionable
Dedmon is expected to miss the Spurs’ next two games after leaving last night’s game with a left knee sprain. In his absence, David Lee is likely to benefit the most from additional playing time. Green has been listed as questionable for tomorrow night’s game against Sacramento, but has told reporters that he fully expects to play. If Spurs coach Gregg Popovich decides to hold him out of tomorrow’s contest, Jonathon Simmons will likely draw the start at shooting guard after starting the second half Monday in Green’s place.
As reported by: Paul Garcia Other tagged players: Danny Green DeMarre Carroll listed as a game-time decision for tonight
Carroll will reportedly be a game-time decision for tonight’s game against Cleveland. He is expected to rest one game of the Toronto’s upcoming back-to-back set, but Raptors coach Dwayne Casey has yet to decide if it will tonight or tomorrow versus Golden State. Norman Powell will likely draw the start at small forward if Carroll does rest this evening. Powell is certainly in tournament punt consideration after performing well in his previous spot start, but has a much more difficult matchup with the efficient Cavaliers’ defense in this contest.
As reported by: Josh Lewenberg J.R. Smith (ankle) ruled out; Richard Jefferson starting in his place
Smith will not play in tonight’s game against Toronto with a sore right ankle that also kept him out of the Cavaliers’ previous game. The Cavaliers are hopeful Smith will be able to suit up for tomorrow’s contest against the Pacers. Richard Jefferson will draw the start in Smith’s place over Mike Dunleavy, who started at shooting guard in Smith’s most recent absence. Even though Jefferson is “starting”, expect Iman Shumpert to get extended run off the bench in an effort to lock down DeMar DeRozan. Shumpert would be the preferred punt if choosing between the two. However, look for Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and Lebron James to soak up the extra usage that’s now available in the starting unit.
As reported by: Scott @ WFNY Other tagged players: Richard Jefferson Rajon Rondo (ankle) downgraded to questionable for tonight
Rajon Rondo was probable for tonight but has been downgraded to questionable. With Michael Carter-Williams already ruled out, Isaiah Canaan would likely start in his place. Canaan is a viable punt option that is scoring dependent. If Rondo is ruled out Jimmy Butler will become a mandatory play in all formats while Dwyane Wade would become an elite option in GPPs. Look for another update regarding the status of Rondo later today.
As reported by: Sean Highkin Other tagged players: Isaiah Canaan, Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade Tyson Chandler (personal) practices today; has a chance to play on Wednesday
Tyson Chandler was able to practice with the team today and could play on Wednesday but has not been confirmed. Alex Len would likely return to the bench if Chandler returns. Len would lose considerable value off the bench. Chandler would be a strong tournament option that will likely have very little ownership after missing four games.
As reported by: Paul Coro Other tagged players: Alex Len Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams uncertain for Wednesday
Dirk Nowitzki is dealing with an Achilles injury and did go through shootaround last night before ultimately being ruled out. He was seen in practice today but did not get an upgrade on his status. Deron Williams continues to deal with his nagging injuries and does not look good for tomorrow. J.J. Barea will likely continue to start and play well in his place but his price has spiked to a point where he is no longer a must play. If Nowitzki misses again, Harrison Barnes will likely start at PF but his salary has spiked to the point where it’s tough to play him as well without seeing it as a risky proposition.
As reported by: Eddie Sefko Other tagged players: Deron Williams, J.J. Barea, Harrison Barnes E'Twaun Moore (toe) probable for Wednesday
Moore was ruled out after the game started last night and Buddy Hield started in his place. Hield was not able to take advantage of the start but Langston Galloway was the primary bench contributor for the Pelicans. Galloway played more minutes than Tim Frazier as well and was considerably cheaper. Look for another update regarding Moore and if he will start once he returns. Moore was playing well before he went down so there is a chance he returns to the starting lineup.
As reported by: Daniel Sallerson Other tagged players: Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway Gary Harris (foot) expected to miss about 4 weeks
Gary Harris has really been injury prone this season. He started with a groin injury and is now out about 4 weeks due to a foot injury. Will Barton is on the cusp of his return and will likely start once he does return. Barton has been a solid fantasy contributor this season and would be an elite option against the Suns. Look for another update tomorrow regarding the Nuggets’ situation.
As reported by: @Nuggets Other tagged players: Will Barton Jae Crowder (ankle) ruled out; Al Horford (concussion) game-time decision for Wednesday
Jae Crowder was able to get some shots up today in practice but he will not be playing against the Mavericks on Wednesday. Marcus Smart will likely continue to start in his place and has been averaging 31.5 DKFP in his last three starts. Smart is a viable play in all formats but since salaries have not been released for Wednesday it’ll be tough to judge if he has a lot of tournament upside left. Al Horford sounds closer to doubtful for Wednesday but nothing official has been noted about him. Kelly Olynyk will continue to start in his place but finally put up a dud last night. He played 35 minutes which is really good for his outlook if Horford is out again. His price will likely continue to spike but ownership could be reduced on a large slate coming off a poor performance.
As reported by: A. Sherrod Blakely Other tagged players: Al Horford, Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk Rodney Stuckey won't play tomorrow; could return Friday
The Pacers veteran guard went through a full practice and is looking to return to action on Friday against Phoenix. He won’t be a viable DFS option unless injuries give him a bigger role.
As reported by: Mark Montieth on Twitter
Zach LaVine and Shabazz Muhammad both questionable for tonight
Minnesota Head Coach Tom Thibodeau stated that Lavine and Muhammad were both 50/50 as to whether they would play tonight or not. Nemanja Bjelica has excelled with those two out and his value would take a hit if one of those two were able to play against the Hornets today. We’ll update you on their status when more news comes in.
As reported by: Kyle Ratke on Twitter Other tagged players: Shabazz Muhammad, Nemanja Bjelica Andre Drummond questionable for Wednesday
Drummond did not practice today with a sprained ankle and his status for tomorrow’s game is up in the air. The Pistons take on the Knicks and Aron Baynes would be a great value option once again if Drummond can not play. We’ll update the big man’s status tomorrow after the morning shootaround.
As reported by: Rod Beard on Twitter Other tagged players: Aron Baynes