Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Another double-double
    Lively contributed 11 points (4-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 12 rebounds and one steal across 22 minutes during Friday's 122-84 victory over the Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

    Advice: Lively has been coming off the bench, but he's made a substantial impact on both ends of the court. The rookie out of Duke owned the paint and was a massive factor in the rebounding battle that saw the Mavericks dominate the contest. Lively is the first rookie to record multiple double-doubles in the NBA Finals since Magic Johnson in 1980. Rotowire.com Friday, 9:11 pm
     
  • Kristaps Porzingis (leg) a DNP-CD in Game 4 loss
    Kristaps Porzingis (left posterior tibialis dislocation) did not play in Friday’s 122-84 loss to the Mavericks.

    Advice: Porzingis was cleared to play after sitting out Game 3. However, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said during his pregame availability that he would only play in “very specific instances,” so the chances of KP seeing action were slim. With Game 4 getting out of hand by the end of the first quarter, there was no reason for Mazzulla to consider inserting Porzingis. Game 5 is on Monday night, with Porzingis’ availability impacting Al Horford and Xavier Tillman if he’s allowed to play. Rotoworld Friday, 8:30 pm
     
  • Dereck Lively II records another double-double
    Dereck Lively II shot 4-of-5 from the field and 2-of-4 from the foul line in Friday’s 122-84 win over Boston, amassing 11 points, 12 rebounds, one steal, and one 3-pointer in 22 minutes.

    Advice: After offering minimal offensive production in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals, Lively’s output picked up in Dallas. The rookie center recorded double-doubles in both games, and he hit his first 3-pointer (regular season or playoffs) in Game 4. While Lively logged 22 minutes before both coaches cleared their respective benches, starting center Daniel Gafford (seven points, four rebounds, and one blocked shot) played ten. While the order of the rotation won’t change for Game 5 on Monday, Lively projects to be the better option for DFS players. Rotoworld Friday, 8:19 pm
     
  • Available to play
    Porzingis (lower leg) is available to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against Dallas on Friday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: After missing Game 3 with a left posterior tibialis dislocation, Porzingis was able to warm up without any setbacks and will play through his questionable tag Friday evening. However, coach Joe Mazulla admitted that Porzingis isn't close to 100 percent and that the Celtics will use him sparingly and only if necessary. Rotowire.com Friday, 4:12 pm
     
  • CLE unlikely to entertain ‘core four’ trade offers
    According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Cavaliers are not expected to entertain any trade offers for their “core four” players.

    Advice: While the team is still searching for a new head coach, there have also been questions regarding constructing the Cavaliers’ roster for next season. There has reportedly been interest in Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, but according to Fischer, the team has no plans to move anyone. That “core four” includes Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, with the latter flourishing while Allen was sidelined during the postseason with a rib injury. The fantasy ceilings of Garland, Allen, and Mobley were limited this season, and that likely remains the case in 2024-25 if Cleveland sticks with the same starting lineup. Rotoworld Thursday, 4:54 pm