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Fantasy Week 13 | NBA Week 13

Spurs, Heat both trying to snap losing streaks

Sat Jan 18 12:21pm ET
Field Level Media

The Miami Heat, still in the middle of a Jimmy Butler controversy, are set to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday afternoon.

On the surface, the Spurs, at two games below .500, and the .500 Heat are similar.

Both teams entered this weekend just outside playoff position. And both teams are on losing streaks -- three games for Miami and two for San Antonio.

But while the Spurs are led by 21-year-old superstar Victor Wembanyama, the Heat -- from a spiritual standpoint -- are getting dragged down by the 35-year-old Butler, who has asked to be traded.


The Heat suspended Butler for seven games for what they termed "conduct detrimental to the team."

On Friday, Butler returned and produced 18 points, three rebounds and two assists in a 133-113 loss to the visiting Denver Nuggets.

It was hardly a vintage performance for a six-time All-Star, who just last season averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Was Butler's low stat line on Friday due to rust from not having played since Jan. 2?

Was it a lack of effort for a player who has said he has lost his "joy" for the game?

Or is Butler declining due to his age and the 956 regular-season and playoff games he has played during his 14-year NBA career?

Butler offered few clues on Friday as he answered "no comment" when asked if the situation could be fixed.

He did say it felt good to play with his teammates again.

"These guys are cool -- they're my friends," Butler said. "My beef was never with them."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, usually very friendly with the media, was a bit terse with some of his answers on Friday.

"I know what storylines you're looking for," Spoelstra said to a reporter. "I'm not feeding into that. We got our asses kicked (by Denver). From a defensive standpoint, it wasn't good enough, and that's three straight games."

Spoelstra also said that his "methods are none of your business."

Meanwhile, the Spurs are coming off two straight home losses to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Mitch Johnson, who is San Antonio's interim coach, is preaching patience.

"I think our guys are trying to make plays," said Johnson, who has stepped in for Gregg Popovich, who is out for the season due to health reasons.

Wembanyama has faced the Heat twice so far, and Miami won both times. In those two games, he averaged 18.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

But after winning NBA Rookie of the Year last season, Wembanyama is even better in the current campaign. He is averaging 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a league-leading 4.1 blocks per game.

At point guard, the Spurs are led by Chris Paul, who is nearly twice as old as Wembanyama. Paul, who turns 40 in May, is averaging 9.6 points and leads the team in assists (8.2) and steals (1.4).

The presence of Paul helps explain why the Spurs are so improved after finishing 22-60 in each of the past two seasons.

"He's seen everything on a basketball court," Johnson said of Paul. "To have someone like Chris, who probably has a better solution than I do ... is worth its weight in gold."

Player Notes
Evan Mobley Sat Jan 18 9:50am

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game against Minnesota. After missing 32 games last season, the 23-year-old has been sidelined for just two contests during the 2024-25 campaign. Not only that, he's also had the best year of his career, averaging 18.6 points with 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 42.1% from deep. If Mobley doesn't suit up, Max Strus could find himself back in the starting lineup, with Dean Wade sliding over to the four spot. Georges Niang would presumably also see more action, giving all three players a bump in fantasy potential on Saturday. However, Mobley's absence will likely benefit Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen the most.

Zaccharie Risacher Sat Jan 18 9:40am

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (adductor) remains out heading into Saturday's meeting with the Celtics. The 19-year-old, who wasn't available in the win over the Bulls because of an adductor strain, has been inconsistent for fantasy managers this season, averaging 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds. He's also shot just 28.1% from behind the arc. Until he's back on the floor, De'Andre Hunter (foot), who is probable, will likely fill the void in the lineup. Hunter played well in two starts this season, averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers. That will still apply even if he comes off the bench.

Paul George Sat Jan 18 9:40am

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (groin) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Fantasy managers are used to seeing him on the injury report. However, there's a chance his current ailment, groin tightness, keeps him off the floor versus the Pacers. Without question, Philly needs George out there, considering Joel Embiid (knee) will miss more time. In addition, Caleb Martin (hip) won't suit up, and Guerschon Yabusele (knee) is questionable. With that said, if George doesn't play, Tyrese Maxey should get as many scoring opportunities as he can handle, with players like Kelly Oubre Jr., Jeff Dowtin Jr., Justin Edwards, and Eric Gordon on tap for a bump in fantasy production.

De'Andre Hunter Sat Jan 18 9:30am

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (foot) is probable for Saturday's game in Boston. The 27-year-old was sidelined for recent meetings with Phoenix and Chicago due to foot soreness. Fortunately, it appears a two-game stint on the shelf is all that is needed for him to get back out there for the matchup with the Celtics. Jalen Johnson (shoulder) has a chance to return for this one. However, Hunter will still likely draw the start in place of Zaccharie Risacher (adductor), who remains out with an adductor strain. With that in mind, the Celtics have allowed 108.4 points per game this season, the sixth-best mark in the National Basketball Association, meaning anyone on the offensive end for the Hawks may not be as productive as usual. Still, Hunter is a capable fantasy starter for redraft managers, although his DFS value is limited because of the tough matchup on the horizon.

Nikola Vucevic Sat Jan 18 1:30am

Bulls' C Nikola Vucevic recorded a double-double, scoring 40 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a 123-125 loss to the Hornets on Friday, Jan. 17.

Nikola Jokic Sat Jan 18 1:30am

Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 133-113 win over Miami on Friday, Jan. 17.

Ja Morant Fri Jan 17 7:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (foot) won't suit up versus the Spurs on Friday. The 25-year-old had 21 points, 12 assists, and two steals when the Grizzlies and Spurs met on Wednesday night, the first of back-to-back contests between the clubs. However, he popped up on the injury report due to foot soreness. Without Morant in the equation, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are the favorites to lead the way offensively. But Scotty Pippen Jr., who will presumably enter the starting lineup, Jaylen Wells, and Santi Aldama are all worth streaming.

Jusuf Nurkic Fri Jan 17 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (illness) won't play on Saturday in Detroit. The 30-year-old has missed the last five games because of an illness, although it's been reported the Suns are looking to move him. But with no teams interested in his services, at least at the moment, there's a chance he'll remain on the roster. However, Nurkic likely won't see playing time, even if he's cleared to play in the near future, considering Nick Richards, Mason Plumlee, and Oso Ighodaro are above him on the depth chart.

Trae Young Fri Jan 17 7:20pm

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (rib) is expected to play on Saturday versus the Celtics. He has been dealing with a rib contusion, keeping him off the floor for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls. Keaton Wallace got the start in that one and finished with a game-high 27 points. However, with Young likely to return against Boston, Wallace probably won't be as productive, assuming he's active.

Bradley Beal Fri Jan 17 6:40pm

Phoenix Suns forward Bradley Beal (ankle) is doubtful ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Pistons. The veteran tweaked his ankle and wasn't available versus the Wizards on Thursday. But it appears he'll miss his 11th game of the 2024-25 campaign on Saturday night. Without him, Ryan Dunn will likely remain in the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old amassing 18 points, 11 rebounds, and one block against Washington. With double-digit scoring performances in the last four games, Dunn deserves starting consideration from fantasy managers for the meeting with Detroit.

Jamal Murray Fri Jan 17 6:40pm

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (knee) is upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. Murray was listed on the injury report with left knee inflammation, but that isn't going to stop him from playing on Friday. The 27-year-old continues playing big minutes as he's averaging 35 minutes per game coming into Friday's contest. He won't be asked to shoulder as big of a workload on offense with Nikola Jokic (elbow) back in the mix. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Murray active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Nikola Jokic Fri Jan 17 6:30pm

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (elbow) is officially active ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. The superstar big man is back in the mix after missing Wednesday's game due to sprained elbow. There is no word on Jokic being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his full workload on Friday. DeAndre Jordan will head back to his role of backup center and playing minutes in the teens, which keeps him off the fantasy radar. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Jokic active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Kyrie Irving Fri Jan 17 6:20pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (back) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Irving appears to be good to go after missing six of the last seven games due to a lingering back issue. There is no word on Irving being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his normal workload on Friday. His return will push Spencer Dinwiddie back to the bench where he won't have as much streaming appeal. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Irving back in their lineups as he'll be asked to do the heavy lifting with Luka Doncic (calf) still sidelined.

Aaron Gordon Fri Jan 17 6:20pm

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. Head coach Mike Malone said that Gordon is active and will come off the bench during this game. Gordon sat out of Wednesday's contest which was the second game of a back-to-back set. The Nuggets have been cautious with Gordon as he works his way back from injury. Peyton Watson is likely to continue to benefit until Gordon is back to 100 percent health. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Gordon active, but he won't be an ideal DFS option with limited playing time.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fri Jan 17 6:20pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (wrist) is uncertain to play on Friday versus Dallas. He hasn't been listed on the league's official injury report, at least not yet. However, after dropping 40 points on the Cavs on Thursday, SGA is now dealing with a sore wrist. For now, fantasy managers should consider him a game-time call. But if Gilgeous-Alexander isn't out there, Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams should both see a bump in scoring chances. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe may also enter the starting lineup, giving one of them upside for fantasy managers.

Josh Giddey Fri Jan 17 6:10pm

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hip) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Giddey has been on the injury report quite a bit lately, but he has played in every game this month. He could be asked to do more on offense with Zach LaVine (illness) uncertain for Friday. Regardless, Giddey offers enough with rebounds and assists to warrant starting in basically all fantasy formats.

Karl-Anthony Towns Fri Jan 17 6:10pm

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) won't play on Friday versus Minnesota. KAT is dealing with multiple issues involving his thumb, a sprain and a bone chip. While he'll play with the chip, he won't get back on the floor until the swelling goes down. Without him, Jericho Sims will get the start. However, Precious Achiuwa, amassing 10 points, six boards, and three blocks from off the bench on Wednesday versus Philadelphia, has a higher fantasy ceiling.

Zach LaVine Fri Jan 17 6:00pm

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. LaVine popped up on the injury report with an illness and is in serious danger of missing this contest. If that happens, Coby White (neck), Ayo Dosunmu, and Julian Phillips should all see increased roles in the rotation. Dosunmu recently returned to the court, but could be an interesting streaming option if LaVine is unable to go. Fantasy managers will have to check back closer to tip-off.

Ayo Dosunmu Fri Jan 17 6:00pm

Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. He made his return to the court on Wednesday after missing 10 games due to a calf injury. He finished with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes of action during that game. The assumption is that he'll get a slightly longer leash on Friday. He could be asked to have a bigger role if Zach LaVine (illness) is unable to play. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel comfortable getting Dosunmu back into their lineups on Friday.

Mark Williams Fri Jan 17 5:50pm

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. As expected, Williams is ready to go after being listed as probable on the injury report. Williams has been playing some excellent basketball recently with two straight double doubles coming into Friday's contest. He finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds during his last game and really has no competition at the center spot. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Williams back into their lineups for Friday's slate.


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