We got nine games on this Wednesday slate with some pretty fluid movement when it comes to player statuses that will impact who is and isn't a solid value option for tonight's slate. With that said, let's take a look at players who are not yet ruled out and should be on our radar right now.
Onyeka Okongwu – C, ATL
Clint Capela is doubtful to play tonight for the Hawks and Okongwu is coming off 38 minutes against the Clippers which saw him go for nine points, 10 rebounds and two assists. He has seen 30+ minutes just one other time this season and that was 34 minutes against the 76ers back in late December when he finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal.
Dennis Schroder – PG, BOS
Marcus Smart has been ruled out tonight for the Celtics which should move Schroder into the starting lineup. DS is already firmly in the Celtics rotation and in 19 games as a starter this season, he is averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists over 35.5. minutes. It should be noted that there were starts in there where Boston was missing at least one of their top two plays in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum – but Schroder is definitely a nice value given his upside.
Rajon Rondo – PG, CLE
So, Rondo is currently questionable to play tonight which is obviously a big of a red flag here. BUT should Rondo be ruled in tonight, then I have interest. In the three games with Cleveland, Rondo has finished with 24, 26 and 22 fantasy points while having played 17, 29 and 20 minutes.
Chuma Okeke – PF, ORL
Both Wendell Carter and Mo Bamba have been ruled out tonight for the Magic. Okeke started against the Wizards the other night when Carter was out of the lineup and finished with eight points, six rebounds, five assists, one block and three steals over 34 minutes.
Robin Lopez – C, ORL
Same reasons as Okeke above here. Lopez was playing 30 minutes a night as the starter when Bamba was out earlier this season and putting up some real solid numbers. In five games as a starter this season, he is averaging 14.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.0 blocks over 31.6 minutes per game.
San Antonio Spurs
As we stand right now, the Spurs could be getting back Derrick White, Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell. Should those three continue to be ruled out, though, then we can continue to take looks at Lonnie Walker and Joshua Primo as value plays tonight in a great spot against the Houston Rockets.
Cedi Osman – SF, CLE
Cedi has played 30 minutes in two of the last three games and has gone for at least 20 FP in four of the last five games. The Cavaliers wing rotation is a bit limited right now and we know that Osman can have his moments of breaking a slate. Real GPP play.
Player News
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Zach Edey will undergo surgery to re-stabilize his left ankle.
Charania’s report indicates that Edey re-sprained the same ankle that forced him to miss some time last season. It came during an offseason workout, and he is expected to miss time to start next season. Edey secured the starting center spot for Memphis late last season after playing an inconsistent role for most of his rookie year. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo could opt to use Brandon Clarke as the starting center if he’s healthy, or he could use a smaller starting lineup with Jaren Jackson Jr. to start next season. The Grizzlies’ PR team announced that a preliminary timeline will be provided after he has the surgery, but as of now, the expectation is that he won’t be available for opening night.
De’Aaron Fox (finger) has been cleared for on-court work and will be ready for the start of next season.
Fox underwent season-ending surgery on his left pinkie finger in mid-March, about six weeks after being traded to the Spurs from Sacramento. He recently told Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle that he’s been cleared to resume on-court activities, which have included some 5-on-5 play. Also, Fox hopes to ink a contract extension with the Spurs this offseason. With one year remaining on his current deal, the point guard will be eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $229 million on August 3.
NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Mannix said recently that Sam Hauser could be a trade candidate this offseason if the Celtics decide to shed salary.
The cost of contending for championships has gotten steeper, especially with the salary cap rules instituted in recent years. For the Celtics, the Achilles tendon rupture suffered by Jayson Tatum may impact how the front office approaches this offseason. If the team decides that a group that won’t have Tatum for most of the season can’t be a factor in the East, the decision could be made to shed salary. And Hauser, whose four-year, $45 million extension goes into effect next season, may be a prime candidate to be moved. “Hauser, to me, is the most likely candidate to go, just because you have (Baylor) Scheierman there to effectively fill his role,” Mannix said. “I think they’d love to find a home for Jrue Holiday, just because of the contract and where they are as a team. (Kristaps) Porzingis, who knows? I don’t think they want to take on contracts that go on longer than Porzingis’ deal, but he’s certainly available.” Hauser being traded would make Scheierman worth a look in deep fantasy leagues next season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Knicks are interested in talking to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd regarding the team’s head coaching vacancy.
Multiple names have been mentioned in the aftermath of the Knicks’ decision to fire Tom Thibodeau after he led the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. One who has been mentioned prominently is Kidd, who is under contract with the Mavericks. His connection with Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson may be a factor, as the captain has repeatedly credited the coach with his development as a professional. However, Dallas would need to grant the Knicks permission to speak with Kidd. And if a deal were to be made, New York does not have much draft capital to give up as compensation. Also mentioned in connection with the opening are Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Stein also reported that Houston would quickly deny permission to speak with Udoka if the Knicks were to make that request.
Obi Toppin provided a boost off the bench with 17 points (6-of-9 FGs), five rebounds, two assists and five three-pointers in Game 1 against the Thunder on Thursday.
Toppin has been solid throughout this postseason, but he hasn’t had many big scoring nights. However, after he had 18 points in the Game 6 clincher over the Knicks, he added 17 more to kick off the Finals, with 15 of those points coming from beyond the arc. If Toppin is able to continue to make an impact off the bench like he did in this game, there should be more wins coming for the Pacers.
Aaron Nesmith recorded a double-double on Thursday with 10 points (3-of-9 FGs), 12 rebounds, one assist, one block, three three-pointers and five turnovers in Game 1 against the Thunder.
Indiana dominated on the glass in this game, but it wasn’t just because of the bigs. Nesmith was the leading rebounder in this game and was one of three Pacers to grab at least 10 rebounds. However, they lost the turnover battle 24-6, and Nesmith contributed five of those. The only player with more was Myles Turner, who coughed it up six times. Indiana won this game and still has things to clean up, which is an encouraging sign for them moving forward in this series.