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Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander among MVP finalists

Sun Apr 20 11:39pm ET
Field Level Media

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder are the finalists for this season's Most Valuable Player award, the NBA announced Sunday.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a league-best 32.7 points per game while starring for an Oklahoma City squad that produced the best regular-season record (68-14) in the league.

Jokic enjoyed his best all-around statistical season by averaging a triple-double -- 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game.

Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists but is a long shot to win the award this time.


The NBA also announced finalists for several other awards. Players have to play in at least 65 games to be eligible for awards.

The Defensive Player of the Year honor is wide open after San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama sustained a season-ending blood clot. He played in just 46 games.

The finalists for the award are Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Most Improved Player candidates are Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers and Daniels.

Rookie of the Year finalists are Stephon Castle of the Spurs, Zaccharie Risacher of the Hawks and Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The finalists for Sixth Man of the Year are Malik Beasley of the Pistons, Ty Jerome of the Cavaliers and Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics.

The Clutch Player of the Year finalists are Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jokic.

The Coach of the Year finalists all guided their teams to the playoffs. Kenny Atkinson's Cavaliers had an Eastern Conference-leading 64-18 record. Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka's team went 52-30, the second-best record in the West, and J.B. Bickerstaff took the Pistons from an NBA-worst 14-68 record last season to 44-38 this year.

Player Notes
Max Strus Mon Mar 16 9:00am

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) returned for his season debut Sunday and finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes against Dallas. The veteran wing looked comfortable immediately, knocking down six three-pointers on efficient shooting and potentially earning a larger role as his conditioning improves. His return could squeeze minutes for Keon Ellis and Jaylon Tyson, while Sam Merrill may also face added competition once healthy. Strus shapes up as a three-point streaming option with upside if his workload climbs during the fantasy playoffs.

Seth Curry Mon Mar 16 8:50am

Golden State Warriors guard Seth Curry (adductor) will be re-evaluated in about a week after suffering a mild left adductor strain, an injury that is expected to keep him out multiple games. The veteran sharpshooter has appeared in only four contests this season and has not held a consistent role, so his absence is unlikely to shift the rotation. Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton (knee) should continue handling most of the backcourt minutes, while Pat Spencer, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II remain deep-league options only if injuries thin the guard group further.

Kawhi Leonard Mon Mar 16 8:40am

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Spurs after turning his left ankle late in Saturday's contest. If the two-time Finals MVP sits, Bennedict Mathurin could see more scoring chances after producing 24 points with six rebounds and one block in 35 minutes off the bench last game. Darius Garland may also shoulder more offensive responsibility, while Derrick Jones Jr. could absorb extra wing minutes. Mathurin looks like a points streamer with some upside, though his minutes and role could still shift depending on how the Clippers set their rotations.

Al Horford Mon Mar 16 8:40am

Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford (calf) will miss at least the next week after imaging revealed a minor right calf strain, with a recheck scheduled before a potential return. Quinten Post could remain in the rotation after starting and posting 22 points with four three-pointers and three blocks in 36 minutes in his last outing, though his role may shrink once Draymond Green (back) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are fully available. Post is more of a deep-league flier for blocks and occasional threes, while Gui Santos could continue seeing steady frontcourt minutes while Horford is out.

Santi Aldama Mon Mar 16 8:30am

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) will undergo a season-ending arthroscopic procedure to address lingering right knee discomfort after missing extended time down the stretch. The 25-year-old enjoyed a career year, producing 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 27.9 minutes across 43 appearances. Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks should continue seeing expanded roles, with Prosper recently scoring 17 points with three three-pointers in 22 minutes and Hendricks adding five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes. Both profile as deep-league streamers, while GG Jackson II (foot) could also factor in once healthy.

Isaiah Collier Mon Mar 16 8:20am

Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (knee) did not return to Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings after suffering a right knee contusion, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes. With the second-year guard likely to miss time on a shorthanded, development-focused roster, Bez Mbeng could see a steady run after logging 33 minutes with modest counting stats in his last outing. Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams may also see added usage. Collier remains a hold in deeper leagues, while Mbeng profiles as a speculative deep-league assist and steals streamer if he draws a start

Drew Eubanks Mon Mar 16 8:20am

Sacramento Kings center Drew Eubanks (thumb) is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, and he is likely to miss most of the remaining schedule. Maxime Raynaud should continue handling starting duties after delivering eight points and 12 rebounds in 29 minutes last game, putting him on the radar as a rebounds streamer. Dylan Cardwell chipped in seven rebounds in 16 minutes and could earn a larger role as he ramps up following his recent return. Raynaud is the safer add for now, while Cardwell is a name to watch in deeper leagues if his minutes climb.

Cody Williams Mon Mar 16 2:00am

Jazz's F Cody Williams scored 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting in a 111-116 loss to Sacramento on Sunday, Mar. 15. Williams is owned in only 15.8% leagues.

DeMar DeRozan Mon Mar 16 2:00am

Kings' F DeMar DeRozan recorded a double-double, scoring 41 points with 11 assists in a 116-111 win over the Jazz on Sunday, Mar. 15.

Aaron Nesmith Mon Mar 16 2:00am

Pacers' F Aaron Nesmith scored 32 points on 10-of-14 shooting in a 123-134 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday, Mar. 15. Nesmith is owned in only 14.3% leagues.

Dejounte Murray Sun Mar 15 8:30pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Mavericks and could miss time depending on how he responds at shootaround. If he sits, rookie guard Jeremiah Fears could see more minutes after posting nine points with three three-pointers and one rebound in 13 minutes off the bench last game. Fears is a speculative deep-league streamer for managers needing points and threes. Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson would likely take on more playmaking responsibilities.

Alperen Sengun Sun Mar 15 8:20pm

Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun (back) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Lakers and could miss a second straight game due to low back pain. His absence would open frontcourt minutes, with Dorian Finney-Smith logging 27 minutes as a spot starter last game, finishing with four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, while Clint Capela produced nine points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocks in 22 minutes. Capela looks like a solid defensive streamer for managers needing blocks, while Finney-Smith is more of a deep-league option due to his limited offensive role. Kevin Durant could also see a slight usage bump if Sengun sits, with more scoring responsibility likely falling on his shoulders.

Michael Porter Jr. Sun Mar 15 8:00pm

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his third straight absence as he continues to recover from a right ankle sprain. Danny Wolf should continue seeing a larger role after producing 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer in 27 minutes as a starter in the last game. Wolf looks like a solid streaming option. Ziaire Williams and Josh Minott could also see more opportunities after combining for 23 points and five three-pointers, though both remain riskier fantasy plays due to fluctuating roles.

Jeremy Sochan Sun Mar 15 7:40pm

New York Knicks forward/center Jeremy Sochan (illness) is available for Sunday's matchup against the Warriors after sitting out Friday. The 22-year-old has played only limited reserve minutes recently, including a three-minute outing March 11 against Utah when he posted four points, one rebound, and one steal. With Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson healthy, Sochan remains buried in the frontcourt rotation. His limited role caps his fantasy value, making him a low-impact option outside of very deep leagues.

Quinten Post Sun Mar 15 7:10pm

Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks and could see a larger role with Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all sidelined. Post logged seven points, three rebounds, and one three-pointer in 12 minutes last game and may see additional frontcourt opportunities alongside Omer Yurtseven. The opportunity is there, but Post remains a low-end fantasy option best suited for deeper leagues needing rebounds or blocks. Gui Santos should also continue seeing heavy minutes with the shorthanded Warriors.

Devin Carter Sun Mar 15 7:00pm

Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (calf) will remain sidelined Sunday against the Jazz, leaving the Kings thin at point guard with Russell Westbrook (foot) and Malik Monk (ankle) also unavailable. That should keep Killian Hayes in line for extended minutes as Sacramento's only healthy traditional point guard. Hayes posted 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and could see a similar opportunity again. He remains a low-end fantasy streamer, but the available minutes make him worth consideration in deeper formats. DeMar DeRozan could also see more on-ball creation.

Malik Monk Sun Mar 15 7:00pm

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against the Jazz, marking his third straight absence as he continues to deal with ankle soreness. With Monk, Russell Westbrook (foot), and Devin Carter (calf) all unavailable, Killian Hayes and Nique Clifford should continue seeing backcourt minutes. Hayes remains a low-end fantasy streamer due to inconsistent production, while Clifford has been contributing across multiple categories despite inefficient shooting, including 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 35 minutes last game.

Russell Westbrook Sun Mar 15 6:50pm

Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (foot) will not play Sunday against the Jazz as he sits out the second game of a back-to-back, though he is expected to return Tuesday. His absence should open more minutes for Killian Hayes, who could handle primary point guard duties with Malik Monk (ankle) and Devin Carter (calf) also sidelined. Hayes had 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and profiles as a low-end fantasy streamer with opportunity on his side. DeMar DeRozan may also take on more ball-handling responsibility.

Josh Hart Sun Mar 15 6:40pm

New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Warriors after missing the team's previous two contests. His return should push Landry Shamet back into a reserve role while restoring Hart's usual workload on the wing. Hart has remained a steady fantasy contributor when active, averaging 12.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last five games. His rebounding from the wing and across-the-board production make him a solid hold in category leagues, while Shamet likely loses most of his short-term streaming appeal.

Karl-Anthony Towns Sun Mar 15 1:00pm

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. He didn't play in Friday's matchup with Indiana due to knee soreness, but the Knicks haven't listed him on the injury report for Sunday's game. Mitchell Robinson made a massive impact as a starter on Friday night, finishing with 12 points, 22 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He will return to a reserve role on Sunday, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to repeat his effort from Friday's game. In the teams' earlier meeting this season, Towns racked up 17 points and 20 boards, and with the Warriors set to play without Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), he might be in for another dominant outing.


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