Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Matt Ryan (elbow) out Monday vs. Sacramento
    Matt Ryan (right elbow soreness) has been ruled out of Monday’s tilt with the Kings.

    Advice: Ryan will miss a ninth straight game, and there’s no timeline for his return. Ryan averaged 22.9 minutes per game before his extended absence, but his playing time was largely the result of multiple injuries across the depth chart. With New Orleans getting back to full strength, Ryan is unlikely to see that much run when he’s back on the court. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:20 pm
     
  • Chris Duarte (knee) questionable Monday vs. Pels
    Chris Duarte is questionable for Monday’s matchup with the Pelicans due to left knee soreness.

    Advice: Duarte sat our Saturday against Denver, but he started each of his last four appearances before that absence, averaging 4.5 points and 2.3 boards across 17.3 minutes. Even if he’s ultimately available Monday, his recent usage and production aren’t too appealing, and he belongs on the waiver wire in all but the deepest leagues. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:15 pm
     
  • Davion Mitchell (illness) off injury report Monday
    Davion Mitchell (illness) is off the injury report ahead of Monday’s matchup with the Pelicans.

    Advice: “Off-Night” has averaged just 11.5 minutes across his last six appearances, so fantasy managers shouldn’t pay much attention to his availability for Monday’s In-Season Tournament matchup with New Orleans. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:10 pm
     
  • Questionable for Monday
    Duarte (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Pelicans.

    Advice: Duarte did not play in the team's last game after starting the previous four games, but he wasn't given an injury tag. Duarte is now listed as questionable for Monday's In-Season Tournament quarterfinal with left knee soreness, which could be an explanation for him not being featured against the Bulls. Then again, Duarte posted averages of 4.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 17.3 minutes per game over those four starts, so the team may have just been trying out a new rotation. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:40 pm
     
  • Available Monday
    Murphy (rest) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Monday's In-Season Tournament quarterfinal matchup against the Kings.

    Advice: Murphy made his season debut on Friday against the Spurs and got the night off on Saturday for rest purposes, but he will be available for Monday's game against the Kings. Murphy scored 18 points across just 22 minutes in his season debut and he will be an important piece for the Pelicans moving forward, but his minutes will likely remain limited for the next few games. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:24 pm
     
  • Will play Monday
    McCollum (chest/rest) is off the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Kings.

    Advice: McCollum wasn't available for Saturday's game after not being cleared for air travel until later in the weekend. The 11th-year pro will play in his third game since returning from a 12-game absence due to a small pneumothorax in his right lung. In the two games since his return, he has averaged 19.5 points, 6.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 33.0 minutes per contest. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:11 pm
     
  • Light role in return
    Murray (back) played 23 minutes and finished with eight points (3-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt), five rebounds and one assist in Saturday's 123-117 win over the Nuggets.

    Advice: Making his return from a four-game absence due to joint irritation in his lower back, Murray took back his spot in the starting five, but he wasn't particularly effective during his time on the court and saw his playing time suppressed as a result. Murray may need a few games to shake off the rust, but he should eventually reclaim a steady 30-plus-minute role. However, expect some inconsistency with his production, which has been a familiar refrain through Murray's first two seasons in the league. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:08 pm
     
  • Still out
    Ryan (elbow) is out for Monday's game against the Kings.

    Advice: Ryan missed seven straight games with a calf injury and will now miss a second consecutive game due to right elbow soreness. It may be difficult for Ryan to carve out a role when he returns, especially now that Trey Murphy and CJ McCollum are back in the lineup. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:00 pm
     
  • Delivers double-double in return
    Smith (back) posted 10 points (5-10 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block in 21 minutes off the bench in Saturday's 129-101 win over the Magic.

    Advice: Smith had missed the Nets' previous six games with a lower-back sprain, but he returned with a vengeance Saturday, coming through what was perhaps his best fantasy line of the season. The 26-year-old may not have a path to see his playing time increase much further unless Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Thomas or Mikal Bridges miss time moving forward, but Smith should be well-positioned to hold down a rotation spot for the foreseeable future while Ben Simmons (back) is without a clear timeline to return to action. Smith profiles best as a streaming option for steals and assists in deeper leagues. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 4:59 pm