Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Russell Westbrook plays 9 minutes in Game 6 loss
    Russell Westbrook shot 2-of-7 from the field and 2-of-3 from the foul line in Friday’s loss to the Mavericks, scoring six points with one rebound, one assist, and one steal in nine minutes.

    Advice: In what could be his final game as a Clipper, Westbrook offered little value in Game 6. Tyronn Lue needed more scoring, especially with P.J. Tucker starting, which led to Los Angeles effectively going with a six-man rotation. Westbrook entered the season with a Yahoo ADP of 109.3, a generous placement for a veteran point guard whose role would be limited. Give Russ credit for willingly taking a step back after the Clippers added James Harden, but his days as a consistently relevant fantasy option may have ended. Westbrook has a player option for the 2024-25 season and will be, at best, a late-round pick in deep leagues. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:16 pm
     
  • Norman Powell scores team-high 20 points in Game 6
    Norman Powell finished Friday’s 114-101 loss to the Mavericks with 20 points (6-of-14 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs), four rebounds, and two 3-pointers in 36 minutes.

    Advice: Powell played a series-high 36 minutes in Game 6, hitting the 20-point mark for the first time since he scored 21 in Game 3. The Clippers playing without Kawhi Leonard resulted in more opportunities for Norm, even if he remained in a reserve role. Powell was once again one of the NBA’s most productive bench scorers, but his fantasy value will remain capped as long as the Clippers have Paul George and Kawhi Leonard on the wings. Powell is under contract for two more seasons, and unless George were to opt out and leave, his place within the Clippers’ rotation is unlikely to change in 2024-25. He’s worth selecting with a late-round pick, but Powell is most valuable on nights when the Clippers are shorthanded on the perimeter. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:13 pm
     
  • Closes game Friday
    Anthony accumulated nine points (4-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one steal across 19 minutes during Friday's 103-96 win over the Cavaliers in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

    Advice: Anthony closed the game Friday, providing the Magic with some much-needed floor spacing. With Gary Harris (hamstring) unavailable, Anthony slid into a larger role. That could stick for Game 7 should Harris remain sidelined. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:19 pm
     
  • Limited in Game 6 victory
    Ingles accumulated two assists over eight minutes during Friday's 103-96 win over the Cavaliers in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

    Advice: Ingles played just eight minutes in the win, serving as more of a cheerleader than a player. Now in the twilight of his career, Ingles provides the team with a much-needed veteran presence. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:17 pm
     
  • Quiet in start
    Morris registered two points (1-7 FG, 0-4 3Pt), eight rebounds and two assists across 27 minutes during Friday's 103-96 loss to Orlando in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

    Advice: Morris played 27 minutes as the starting power forward in the Game 6 loss. The Cavaliers will be hoping Jarrett Allen can overcome his rib injury and get back on the floor for a must-win Game 7 on Sunday. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:06 pm
     
  • Logs 12 minutes Friday
    Thompson posted two points (1-3 FG), two rebounds and one block across 12 minutes during Friday's 103-96 loss to the Magic in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

    Advice: Thompson played as the primary backup behind Evan Mobley, something that Cleveland fans may be hoping will not happen again. Other than providing additional size, Thompson rarely has much of an impact on the court in the late stages of his career. Jarrett Allen (ribs) will almost certainly be doing everything possible to make it back for Game 7. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:04 pm
     
  • Doubtful to return
    Kleber is doubtful to return to Friday's Game 6 against the Clippers due to a right shoulder sprain, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

    Advice: Barring a quick, surprising turnaround, Kleber is unlikely to return to Friday's contest. Given the nature of the injury, a return for a potential Game 7 on Sunday could be up in the air as well. In Kleber's absence, Derrick Jones could see some extra minutes providing depth at power forward. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:48 pm
     
  • Maxi Kleber (shoulder) doubtful to return Friday
    Maxi Kleber (right shoulder sprain) is doubtful to return to Friday’s game against the Clippers.

    Advice: Kleber fell hard on his right shoulder on a shot attempt after colliding with Clippers wing Amir Coffey. The veteran forward did stay in the game to shoot his free throws but was subbed out on the ensuing Clippers possession. Kleber’s absence means an increase in minutes for Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:46 pm
     
  • Marcus Morris Sr. struggles in spot start Friday
    Marcus Morris Sr. shot 1-of-7 from the field in Friday’s Game 6 loss to the Magic, scoring two points with eight rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes.

    Advice: Cleveland was without Jarrett Allen (ribs) for a second straight game, with coach JB Bickerstaff deciding to go big in Game 6. Unfortunately for the Cavs, the lineup change did not have the desired effect on either end of the floor. Morris grabbed a team-high eight rebounds but shot the ball poorly, and Cleveland still allowed 15 offensive rebounds. Isaac Okoro, who moved to the bench after starting Game 5, finished Friday’s loss with four points, one rebound, one assist, and two blocks in 24 minutes. Morris or Okoro will start Sunday’s Game 7 if Allen cannot play. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:37 pm