Let’s hop right to it.
Lakers: I’ve avoided writing about this team because, frankly, they’re boring and as a long time JJ Redick fan it makes me sad. LeBron James is showing some signs of age. I’d guess they reduce his minutes at some point benefiting Cam Reddish, Max Christie, and Dalton Knecht. Knecht is my favorite add of them as Reddish has a long history of being mid and Christie is young and inconsistent. Austin Reeves is also missing time at the moment but should be back soon. Really, I don’t like watching this team and most of the time I’m asleep during their games, so apologies for the lack of insight. The rotation is steady, though, which we can appreciate. Just keep an eye on LeBron’s minutes.
Random Note:
It’s going to be really tough to keep tabs on the rotation for the Wizards, Nets, and other teams that are clearly not trying to win. I wouldn’t count on many players from a team like this. The Raptors likely will join this list, and maybe even the Sixers if they decide to just let Joel Embiid rest for a season. Utah and Portland from the West will be trying to lose from here on out also.
Pelicans: Hey, look who’s almost healthy now! Looks like there’s a solid six man rotation, all of whom are fantasy viable. Herb Jones jumped right in at over 30 minutes. Yves Missi has been the starting center and had 26 last night. I haven’t mentioned Trey Murphy either; he’s a lock for 30 per night. Zion Williamson isn’t walking on that court any time soon, so this looks to be the rotation for a while. Thank you, Pelicans, for giving me some much needed clarity.
Suns: In a shocking turn of events, the Suns have some injuries. Kevin Durant this time will be out a couple weeks with an ankle sprain. Jusuf Nurkic is kinda on the same timeline and will be reevaluated after another week. Mason Plumlee has a plum chance (good pun!!!!) to play his 26 minutes and some production here. Grayson Allen ran for 30 minutes and should continue to, probably for the rest of the season. Keep an eye on Bol Bol here. Not that he’s going to get a lot of time, but he’s fun to watch. Tyus Jones is a lock for 32 minutes. They’re very orderly with him, four 8 minute stretches daily. Very mindful, very demure.
Hornets: The Charlotte preferred starting five: LaMelo Ball- Calf Strain, Brandon Miller – Playing 32-per-night, Miles Bridges – out, knee, no timetable, Tre Mann -Back injury, day to day but no plans to return and Mark Williams – just returned for ten minutes, ramping up. Vasilije Micic is a solid fill in for the guards here, and Cody Martin logged 26 uneventful minutes last night. Seth Curry hit for 18 in 18 minutes, but they clearly are hoping for other guys to take that spot when healthy so I’d ignore. Nic Richards played 23 minutes if that’s your thing. Maybe, just maybe, they need to look at the training staff in Charlotte?
Warriors: Steph Curry (knees) and Draymond Green (calf) are sitting for now which leads to a super fun minutes shakeout! Andrew Wiggins 33, Brandon Podziemski 36 (!!!!!), Jon Kuminga 33, Kevon Looney 26 (Trayce Jackson Davis is struggling, Looney looks like the starter), Buddy Heild 26. You do what you will, I just provide the information here.
Rockets: Keep an eye on Jalen Green minutes going forward. He played 34 last night, but the Rockets are good and he might not be. They have other options, so I’d sell on Green if I could. If you can’t, well, sorry about that at least Christmas is coming.
Bulls: Coby White is sitting with multiple lower body issues and Patrick Williams is still sitting yet crazily, he’s providing the same impact as when he plays! Julian Phillips has started the past two but had limited impact in his 27 minutes. He’s not the story. The story is Matas Buzelis. With increased minutes he’s increased his production, but still can’t pass or defend at an NBA level. I’d avoid, but wouldn’t blame you if you scoop him up. If/when the Bulls trade some pieces, he’ll get more burn. Ayo Dosunmu is a direct beneficiary with 34. If you were hoping for more Josh Giddey minutes, and if you’re a Bulls fan you probably aren’t, he only had 24 as he was benched for the fourth quarter. That’s three less than Dalen Terry, if you’re keeping track at home.
That’s all folks! Thanks for reading and have a good weekend.
