Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Not close to full health
    Antetokounmpo disclosed last Friday that he was "not close" to returning to the Bucks lineup before the team was eliminated from the playoffs May 2 after the team's 120-98 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the first-round series, Jamal Collier of ESPN.com reports. "I did all the tests I had to do, these like protocols you have to follow and have to check the boxes," Antetokounmpo said. "I wasn't even close at checking the boxes."

    Advice: Though head coach Doc Rivers had suggested last week that Antetokounmpo was close to being available to play after missing the final three games of the regular season with a left soleus strain, Rivers' comments may have been an act of gamesmanship. Antetokounmpo ultimately missed all six playoff contests, and his absence likely would have extended into the Eastern Conference semifinal round if the Bucks had advanced, as the 29-year-old estimated that he was running at about 30 or 40 percent speed. He should be closer to full health by the end of May, but Antetokounmpo likely won't have a full offseason to rest up, as he had previously expressed a desire to play for the Greek national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Greece will have to first earn a spot in the Olympics through a qualification tournament that will take place in the first week of July, so confirmation on whether Antetokounmpo is healthy should come shortly before that time. Rotowire.com Today, 1:52 pm
     
  • Quiet again Wednesday
    Nesmith totaled six points (2-7 FG, 2-6 3Pt), one rebound, two assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 loss to the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Nesmith managed just six points in the loss, continuing his disappointing postseason. While he does provide the Pacers with a reliable defensive asset, his inability to score on a consistent basis remains a concern. The series will now head to Indiana, where the Pacers will look to secure their first win. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:36 pm
     
  • Obi Toppin contributes 20 points in Game 2 loss
    Obi Toppin accounted for 20 points (7-of-10 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 20 minutes in Wednesday’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks.

    Advice: Indiana heads home trailing two games to none, but they should be encouraged by Toppin’s play in the Big Apple. After scoring 12 points in Game 1, he tallied 20 more in Game 2 and has reached double figures in six straight. Toppin’s play on Wednesday helped the Pacers on a night when they got little from Myles Turner (six points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot). Indiana’s bench dominated the first two games, outscoring New York by a 46-12 margin in Game 2. The series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday night. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:34 pm
     
  • Pascal Siakam scores 14 points in Game 2 loss
    Pascal Siakam shot 7-of-18 from the field and 0-of-2 from the foul line in Wednesday’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks, scoring 14 points with nine rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in 36 minutes.

    Advice: After shooting 73.2% from the foul line during the regular season, Siakam has been even worse in the playoffs. He missed both attempts in Game 2, falling to 16.7% (1-of-6) for the series. Add in the six games against the Bucks, and Siakam is now 7-of-28 (25%) for the postseason. The Knicks potentially losing OG Anunoby to a hamstring injury will impact how they defend Siakam, with Precious Achiuwa taking on the responsibility down the stretch of Game 2. Regardless of who’s defending Spicy P, he must be much better at the foul line. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:22 pm
     
  • Won't play Thursday
    Wade (knee) won't suit up for Thursday's Game 2 matchup with Boston.

    Advice: Wade has been out of commission for two months now, and with no positive updates to speak of, it's safe to assume he's still not close. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:41 pm
     
  • Rough shooting effort Tuesday
    Tatum totaled 18 points (7-19 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks over 35 minutes during Tuesday's 120-95 victory over the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: The Celtics cruised to a 25-point win in the series opener, but Tatum's shooting struggles can't be overlooked, as he had a rough outing and struggled to get things going offensively. The fact that he still came close to reaching the 20-point mark while also posting a double-double goes to show just how immensely talented he is, as he can post above-average numbers even when he has a down night by his standards. Tatum will aim to deliver a bounce-back performance in Game 2 on Thursday. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:58 am
     
  • Double-doubles in Game 1 loss
    Mobley accumulated 17 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and one block in 32 minutes during Tuesday's 120-95 loss to the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Mobley continues to play as Cleveland's starting center due to Jarrett Allen (ribs) being sidelined, but his numbers have not suffered. Mobley recorded his third double-double across his last four appearances Tuesday, and he should continue to operate as a reliable two-way threat in Game 2 on Thursday, especially if Allen can't suit up again. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:52 am
     
  • As advertised in Game 1 win
    Holmgren totaled 19 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals over 31 minutes during Tuesday's 117-95 victory over the Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Holmgren produced on both ends of the floor, scoring 19 points with five combined steals and blocks. After a stellar rookie season, Holmgren is looking to cement himself as an elite center despite his age. The Thunder will be hoping for a repeat performance Thursday before heading to Dallas for Games 3 and 4. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 10:40 pm
     
  • Closes Game 1 loss
    Lawson closed with three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 3Pt) and one rebound in five minutes during Tuesday's 117-95 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Lawson played five minutes of garbage time as the Mavericks were dismantled by the Thunder down the stretch. Dallas will attempt to reverse the result in Game 2 on Thursday, hoping to head home with the series locked at 1-1. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 10:31 pm