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Fantasy Week 13 | NBA Week 13

Inconsistent squads collide when Lakers battle Heat

Tue Dec 3 7:25pm ET
Field Level Media

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Wednesday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the host Miami Heat appears to be a marquee matchup, but the NBA standings suggest otherwise.

Both teams have struggled to sustain momentum in the season's early weeks, with the Lakers entering at 12-9 and the Heat coming in at 9-10. Each squad sits in a fringe playoff position: Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference, and Miami is seventh in the East.

"We've been good at times, and we've been poor at times," Lakers star LeBron James said. "But that's what to expect with a new system, new coaching staff, new players. ... We're trying to work in new things.

"I wouldn't say, ‘I'll take it.' I never want to say that. But that's our record, and we have to continue to get better on both sides of the floor."


James leads Los Angeles in assists per game (9.1) and ranks second in scoring (22.0) and rebounding (8.0). He turns 40 on Dec. 30 but is determined to play in all 82 regular-season games. The 22nd-year veteran last accomplished the feat during the 2017-18 season, when he finished up his second stint with Cleveland.

Anthony Davis has shined for the Lakers, leading the team in scoring (27.8), rebounding (11.5), blocks (2.0) and steals (1.2). Austin Reaves chips in 16.7 points and 4.8 assists per game, while D'Angelo Russell has added 12.5 points, 4.9 assists.

Russell returned to the starting lineup and led Los Angeles with 20 points in Monday's 109-80 loss at Minnesota.

The Lakers' top 3-point shooters include Rui Hachimura (43.1 percent) and rookie first-round pick Dalton Knecht (41.0 percent).

Los Angeles has lost five of its last seven games, while Miami has dropped two straight and three of its last five. The Heat have never been more than two games below or one game above .500 this season.

Miami, which is just 4-4 at home, may be without star forward Jimmy Butler, who missed Monday's 109-89 loss at Boston due to a knee injury. Butler, who is questionable for Wednesday with right knee soreness, has missed five of the Heat's 19 games this season. He ranks second on the team in scoring (18.9) and third in assists (4.8).

Tyler Herro paces Miami with 23.7 points per game and shares the team lead in assists with Bam Adebayo (4.9).

Adebayo leads the Heat in rebounding (9.8) but is averaging just 15.6 points per game as his scoring continues to regress. He tallied 19.3 points per game last season after averaging 20.4 the year before.

Miami remains confident in its captain, however.

"I don't think he's struggling," Herro said of Adebayo. "He is playing a great brand of basketball. He is impacting the game on the defensive end.

"Bam gets his looks, and he's going to make shots. We know what he's capable of."

Added Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr.: "We're not going to be who we need to be without Bam."

Los Angeles and Miami have an intriguing history together. The Lakers defeated the Heat in the COVID-affected 2020 NBA Finals, and Heat president Pat Riley is a former Lakers player and coach.

Meanwhile, Miami has not won an NBA title since James left in the summer of 2014 after he led the Heat to two championships in four years.

Player Notes
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.

Coby White Fri Jan 17 5:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (neck) is officially available ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. As expected, White will continue to play through his neck issue. The 24-year-old has looked fine in each of the last two games, so fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about this issue slowing him down. White could be asked to play a bigger role with Zach LaVine (illness) uncertain for this game. Regardless, fantasy managers should make sure to get White in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Brandon Miller Fri Jan 17 5:40pm

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (wrist) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Miller appears to have suffered a wrist sprain during Wednesday's game. As a result, Miller won't play on Friday, so his next chance to get on the court will be on Monday. The loss of Miller is going to be tough to fill given Miller is playing over 30 minutes per game. The expectation is that the Hornets are going to use a committee approach to help fill the void. Cody Martin, Nick Smith, and Josh Okogie should all see more minutes on Friday. Out of the three, Martin is the best streaming choice and could be worth a look while Miller is out.

Jimmy Butler Fri Jan 17 5:30pm

According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler will return tonight against the Denver Nuggets after serving a seven-game suspension. Butler is expected to be in the starting lineup after serving a suspension Miami imposed. The 35-year-old has made it clear that he wants to be traded making it a challenging situation. DFS managers may want to stay clear of Butler, as there is no telling how many minutes the disgruntled forward will play this evening.

Mike Conley Fri Jan 17 5:30pm

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley will move into the starting five ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Fellow guard Donte DiVincenzo (toe) is out on Friday, which is why Conley is getting the starting nod. The veteran guard has been mainly playing off the bench since the beginning of January. Conley is averaging 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 24 minutes per game this season. The 37-year-old has finished with nine points or less in each of his last five games. He might offer low-end streaming appeal as a starter, but he's unlikely to be a viable fantasy option going forward.


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