Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Logs 28 minutes in victory
    Braun closed Tuesday's 112-97 victory over Minnesota in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals with 10 points (4-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal over 28 minutes.

    Advice: Braun continues to play meaningful minutes for the Nuggets, scoring double-digits for the second straight game. After failing to play more than 19 minutes during the first eight postseason games, he has now played 25 and 28 minutes respectively in each of the past two games. After reeling off three straight victories, the Nuggets now sit one win away from a trip to the Conference Finals. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:48 pm
     
  • Serviceable in spot start
    Alexander-Walker amassed 14 points (5-12 FG, 4-8 3Pt), two rebounds, five assists and two blocks across 39 minutes during Tuesday's 112-97 loss to the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Alexander-Walker moved into the starting lineup Tuesday, replacing Mike Conley who was ruled out due to an Achilles issue. While he was far from spectacular, Alexander-Walker cobbled together a serviceable performance, contributing on both ends of the floor. Now trailing 3-2 in the series, Minnesota will hope Conley is cleared to return for Game 6. If that's not the case, expect to see Alexander-Walker running with the starters again. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:41 pm
     
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker scores 14 points Tuesday
    Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished Tuesday’s 112-97 loss to Denver with 14 points (5-of-12 FGs), two rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and four 3-pointers in 39 minutes.

    Advice: Due to Mike Conley (Achilles) sitting out Game 5, Alexander-Walker was moved into the starting lineup. While he did finish with a minus-13, the overall stat line was solid. NAW made four of his eight 3-point attempts, and his five assists were countered by one turnover. Alexander-Walker’s place in the rotation for Thursday’s Game 6 depends on Conley’s availability; clearly, he will return to the bench if the Timberwolves’ starting point guard can play. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:26 pm
     
  • Alec Burks hits five 3-pointers, scores 18 points
    Alec Burks finished Tuesday’s 121-91 win over the Pacers with 18 points (6-of-11 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, and five 3-pointers in 23 minutes.

    Advice: Injuries have thrust Burks into the Knicks’ rotation, and the veteran wing has taken advantage of his opportunity. He’s scored at least 14 points in each of the series’ last three games, giving New York much-needed production. While Burks scoring 20 points in Sunday’s Game 4 defeat did not matter much, that wasn’t the case in Game 5. The Knicks effectively run a seven-man rotation, so Burks won’t lack playing time or opportunities to shine. He’s shown that there’s still something left in the tank. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:14 pm
     
  • MIN starting NAW, Edwards, Jaden, Towns, Gobert
    Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert will start Tuesday’s Game 5 against the Nuggets.

    Advice: The Timberwolves are without Mike Conley, who injured his right Achilles tendon on the final play of Sunday’s Game 4 defeat. Alexander-Walker moves into the starting lineup, which also means even more opportunities for Edwards to serve as the primary playmaker. Jordan McLaughlin and Monte Morris could enter the rotation, as Minnesota will need them to help navigate Conley’s absence. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:04 pm
     
  • Gets starting nod
    Alexander-Walker is in the starting five for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Nuggets.

    Advice: Alexander-Walker will replace Mike Conley (Achilles) in the starting lineup Tuesday. Alexander-Walker averaged 11.5 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.3 minutes across his previous 10 starting appearances this season, which all came during the regular season. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:04 pm
     
  • Craig Porter Jr. (ankle) doubtful for Game 5 Weds.
    Craig Porter Jr. (left ankle sprain) is doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Celtics.

    Advice: Porter has not played in a game since injuring his ankle during the Cavaliers’ regular-season finale. His absence has not impacted the rotation, but Cleveland is in an unenviable position ahead of what could be the final game of their season. Starter Donovan Mitchell (calf) and critical reserve Caris LeVert (knee) are questionable for Game 5, with the latter starting Game 4 for the former. If both are sidelined, Porter would be needed if he is available. Rotoworld Yesterday, 2:41 pm
     
  • Another absence coming
    Jerome (ankle) is out for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Celtics.

    Advice: Jerome hasn't played since Oct. 27 while recovering from right ankle surgery. There is no indication that Jerome is nearing a return to action. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:40 pm
     
  • Unlikely to play Wednesday
    Porter (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Celtics.

    Advice: Porter is expected to miss his 12 straight game Wednesday due to a left ankle sprain. While Porter's upgraded status suggests he's nearing a return, Cleveland being down 3-1 to Boston could mean the series will be over before the rookie guard can suit up again. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:37 pm