Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Joel Embiid posts 39/13/2/1/1 line in Game 6 loss
    Joel Embiid played 40 minutes in Thursday’s 118-115 loss to the Knicks, tallying 39 points (12-of-25 FGs, 13-of-13 FTs), 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and two 3-pointers.

    Advice: While Embiid’s production tailed off during the fourth quarter, last season’s MVP was a warrior in this series. He played through a left knee that did not look fully healed, and a case of Bell’s palsy didn’t help matters, either. Health has been the story throughout Embiid’s career, with availability being the most significant issue. The productivity will be there, so The Process will remain an early first-round pick in most fantasy drafts in the fall. However, the emergence of Victor Wembanyama knocks Embiid down a peg to where he may no longer be a lock to come off the board within the first five picks. Rotoworld Yesterday, 9:27 pm
     
  • Obi Toppin scores 21 in series-clinching win
    Obi Toppin was outstanding in Thursday’s 120-98 win over the Bucks, finishing with 21 points (8-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), eight rebounds, two assists, one block, and three 3-pointers in 24 minutes.

    Advice: The Pacers are off to the second round after eliminating Milwaukee in six games, and Toppin was a massive factor in Game 6. A double-digit scorer in the series’ final four games, the fourth-year forward scored a team-high 21 points in Game 6. Toppin’s production was critical, as Indiana’s starting frontcourt struggled with fouls. Pascal Siakam (19/7/4/1 with one 3-pointer) and Myles Turner (5/5/1/0/1) were whistled for four fouls, while Aaron Nesmith (15/3/1 with three 3-pointers) picked up five. Indiana’s depth was a significant factor in the first round, and that could also be the case in the second, whether they get New York or Philadelphia. Game 1 is on Monday night. Rotoworld Yesterday, 6:44 pm
     
  • Top scorer off bench in Game 6
    Toppin posted 21 points (8-15 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and one block over 24 minutes in Thursday's 120-98 win over Milwaukee in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

    Advice: Toppin gave Indiana a much-needed lift off the bench, leading all Pacers in scoring while connecting on a team-high-tying trio of threes and ending two rebounds shy of a double-double in just under 25 minutes on the second unit. Toppin has been stellar off the bench this postseason but posted his best outing of the playoffs thus far in the series-clinching victory. Toppin concluded the first-round series by surpassing the double-digit scoring mark in four straight outings. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:11 pm
     
  • Brook Lopez finishes season with 20-point night
    Brook Lopez logged 31 minutes in Thursday’s 120-98 loss to the Pacers, accounting for 20 points (7-of-12 FGs, 6-of-9 FTs), five rebounds, and one assist.

    Advice: While Lopez thoroughly outplayed Myles Turner in Game 6, it didn’t matter because Indiana had a far superior bench. The veteran center shot 50% or better from the field in all six games, scoring at least 20 points in three. To say this was a brutal ending for a team with championship ambitions would be an understatement. Lopez isn’t a “sexy” fantasy target, based on his Yahoo ADP of 69.7, but he once again exceeded expectations. The veteran center finished the regular season as a top 50 player in 9-cat formats while sitting just outside the top 60 in 8-cat. He’ll likely come off the board in the 6th round of standard league drafts, but Lopez is a relatively safe bet to exceed that. Rotoworld Yesterday, 6:06 pm
     
  • Joel Embiid (knee) available for Game 6 Thursday
    Joel Embiid (left knee injury recovery) is active for Thursday’s game against the Knicks.

    Advice: As expected, Embiid will play as the 76ers look to extend this series to a decisive seventh game. Should he encounter any flare-ups with the knee, Paul Reed would be the next man up in the rotation. Rotoworld Yesterday, 5:33 pm
     
  • Available for Game 6
    Embiid (knee) is available and starting in Game 6 against the Knicks on Thursday.

    Advice: This is not a surprise considering the situation the 76ers are in, as Philadelphia must win this game to force a decisive Game 7. Embiid is averaging 31.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in the first-round series against the Knicks. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:33 pm
     
  • Available for Game 6
    Robinson (ankle) will be available for Thursday's Game 6 matchup with the 76ers.

    Advice: Robinson logged 25 minutes in his return Tuesday, so he should see a similar workload in Game 6. With Robinson back in the mix, Precious Achiuwa will likely be out of the rotation. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:32 pm
     
  • Mitchell Robinson (ankle) active for Game 6 Thurs.
    Mitchell Robinson (left ankle sprain) is available for Thursday’s game against the 76ers.

    Advice: Robinson was not wearing a walking boot on his left foot when he arrived at the arena, which was the first sign he would play. The Knicks’ backup center has officially been cleared to play in Game 6, ensuring New York has both of its preferred options in the middle. Isaiah Hartenstein remains the starter. Rotoworld Yesterday, 5:31 pm
     
  • Officially deemed questionable
    Harris (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Friday's Game 6 against the Cavaliers.

    Advice: Harris was already deemed a game-time decision for Game 6, so his questionable injury label isn't surprising. If the 29-year-old guard is ruled out, Caleb Houstan, Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black are all candidates to receive increased playing time. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:48 pm