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Fantasy Week 7 | NBA Week 7

Clippers introduce Raptors to new arena, aim for fourth consecutive win

Sat Nov 9 9:30am ET
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Norman Powell has embraced his turn as the Los Angeles Clippers' go-to scorer and gets a chance to show his productive form against his former team when the Toronto Raptors pay a visit Saturday to Inglewood, Calif.

Without Kawhi Leonard, who has not played this season because of a knee injury, and Paul George, who departed in free agency to the Philadelphia 76ers, Powell has averaged a career-best 25.7 points per game this season.

Powell scored a team-high 31 points in a 107-98 victory on the road against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. James Harden posted 22 points and Ivica Zubac added 13 points with 15 rebounds.

It was the third time Powell reached 30 points in a game this season as the Clippers extended their winning streak to a season-best three games.


Powell was averaging 19.6 points over the first 42 games of the 2020-21 season with the Raptors when he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

"I'm trying to be the best basketball player that I can be and that comes with the work," Powell said. "The opportunity is here and there's more on my plate, especially early on with Kawhi being out."

"I'm just focused on the next play and making sure the play that I'm making is gonna benefit the team."

After their one-game road trip to Sacramento, the Clippers return to their new arena, where they have won two consecutive games after losing the first four in the $2 billion building. Los Angeles defeated the San Antonio Spurs and 76ers at home earlier this week.

The Raptors arrive in the Los Angeles area after losing the first two games of their five-game road trip. After facing the Clippers on Saturday, they will take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Toronto fell 122-107 at Sacramento on Wednesday despite RJ Barrett scoring 23 points and Davion Mitchell contributing 20. Chris Boucher added 17 points off the bench, while Immanuel Quickley (pelvic contusion), Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture), Garrett Temple (back) and Kelly Olynyk (back) remained out.

The Raptors led 93-89 through three quarters by shooting 54.4 percent from the floor and holding the Kings to 42.9 percent. But they were overwhelmed 33-14 in the fourth quarter when they shot 30 percent, while Sacramento shot 60 percent.

"Although we're not getting the wins we may want right now, we're paying very well," Barrett said. "We're going into the fourth quarter in Sacramento, a hostile environment, with the lead so we're doing something right in these games. ... We're doing the right things and we just have to learn how to sustain that over the course of 48 (minutes)."

In his first full season with his hometown Raptors, after a trade from the New York Knicks last December, Barrett has taken charge with averages of 25.7 points, 7 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

Second-year player Gradey Dick averages 20 points per game, while Jakob Poeltl is chipping in 15.0 points with a team-best 11.4 rebounds. Barnes averaged 19.3 points over the first four games before his injury.

Rookie reserves Jonathan Mogbo (hip) and Ja'Kobe Walter (shoulder) both were injured against the Kings. While Mogbo was listed as probable on the game injury report, Walter aggravated a previous shoulder injury at will be out at least a week.

Player Notes
Paolo Banchero Sat Dec 7 11:40am

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) has missed the last 20 games. However, the 22-year-old is moving in a positive direction, recently beginning "light movement workouts" while "getting shots up." He was having a stellar year before tearing his oblique back in October, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 34.4% shooting from behind the arc, all the highest of his career. Banchero wants to return before the end of 2024. But it appears he has some hurdles to clear, so fantasy managers shouldn't be as optimistic. In the meantime, Franz Wagner should continue to benefit from a production standpoint while Banchero is sidelined. Goga Bitadze may also remain in the starting lineup, with Wendell Carter Jr. sliding over to the four spot.

Julian Champagnie Sat Dec 7 1:00am

San Antonio's F Julian Champagnie scored 30 points on 8-of-16 shooting in a 113-140 loss to the Kings on Friday, Dec. 6. Champagnie is owned in only 45.5% leagues.

LeBron James Sat Dec 7 1:00am

Lakers' F LeBron James recorded a triple-double, finishing with 39 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 132-134 loss to Atlanta on Friday, Dec. 6.

Gary Payton II Fri Dec 6 9:00pm

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (knee) has received the green light to play on Friday against Minnesota. He has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of tip-off. The defensive specialist will play despite dealing with knee inflammation. The 32-year-old has been limited to 12.5 minutes per game this season, averaging 4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Fantasy managers should have far better options available to them.

Jonathan Kuminga Fri Dec 6 8:50pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga will make a third consecutive start on Friday versus Minnesota. With Draymond Green (calf) back in the fold, it looked likely that the 22-year-old would have to relinquish his starting role, but Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has decided to integrate Green back into the team as a member of the second unit. Kuminga is fresh off a career night after racking up 33 points on 13-for-22 shooting in Thursday's 99-93 win against Houston. He has averaged 15.8 points with 4.3 rebounds in six total starts this season.

Lauri Markkanen Fri Dec 6 8:40pm

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) will not suit up for Friday's meeting with Portland. He has been ruled out for low back injury management purposes. Svi Mykhailiuk will fill in for Markkanen in the starting lineup. This is an interesting move, as the Jazz have so far used the Ukrainian in only four games this season. He's averaged 4.3 points in 12.3 minutes. With Markkanen unavailable, Brice Sensabaugh and Johnny Juzang should also have more opportunities to play. The latter has built up momentum ahead of Friday's action by scoring 10-plus points in back-to-back games.

Andrew Wiggins Fri Dec 6 8:40pm

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (ankle) will play on Friday against Minnesota. This is the second leg of a back-to-back for the Warriors, and Wiggins was initially listed as questionable for the game. However, he's good to go for the meeting with his former team. Wiggins is coming off one of his best offensive outings of the season, as he shot 9-for-15 from the field en route to 23 points in Thursday's 99-93 win over Houston.

Stephen Curry Fri Dec 6 8:30pm

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) will be in the lineup on Friday against Minnesota. The former MVP returns to action after sitting out Thursday's game against Houston because of a knee issue. Curry went close to a triple-double in his last outing against Denver, but he faces a difficult matchup on Friday. The Timberwolves have limited opposing point guards to 43.5 percent shooting from the field, allowing the fifth-fewest points per 48 minutes to the position.

Draymond Green Fri Dec 6 8:30pm

Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (calf) will return to work on Friday versus Minnesota. The veteran has missed the first two games of the week with a calf issue. Green continues to do a little bit of everything for the Warriors, averaging 8.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists across his last five appearances. His return on Friday is bad news for Jonathan Kuminga's fantasy value. He's set to land back on the bench despite going off for a career-high 33 points in Thursday's 99-93 victory over Houston.

Kyle Kuzma Fri Dec 6 8:10pm

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (ribs) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets, marking his fourth straight absence due to a sprained left rib. With Kuzma struggling to match his strong numbers from last season, this injury adds to his challenges. He's averaging 27.4 minutes, 15.8 points, and 5.6 rebounds per game this year, and his next opportunity to play will come Sunday against Memphis. In the meantime, Bilal Coulibaly, Carlton Carrington, and Johnny Davis are expected to step up and fill the void.

Corey Kispert Fri Dec 6 8:10pm

Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to a left ankle sprain. This will mark his second consecutive game missed. With multiple players on the injury list, younger players like Carlton Carrington, Johnny Davis, and Jared Butler are expected to see increased playing time. Kispert has been averaging 27.8 minutes per game, so there will be plenty of minutes available for others to step up. His next chance to return is set for Sunday's matchup against Memphis.

Malcolm Brogdon Fri Dec 6 8:00pm

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran guard had been playing well, recording two double-doubles in his last seven games, so his absence is a setback. He is dealing with inflammation in his left hamstring, and fantasy owners are hoping it's not a long-term issue. With Brogdon sidelined, Carlton Carrington is expected to see an increased role. Brogdon's next opportunity to play will be Sunday against Memphis.

Jaden Hardy Fri Dec 6 8:00pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (ankle) has been listed as doubtful on the injury report ahead of Saturday's encounter with Toronto. Hardy is battling a right ankle sprain and has logged only 10 total minutes across the previous two games. His role has been minuscule lately, so the Mavericks' rotation won't change much without Hardy on Saturday. Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes will continue to play big roles off the bench, especially with Naji Marshall (illness) still sidelined at the weekend.

Kyshawn George Fri Dec 6 7:50pm

Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to a sprained left ankle. This will be George's second consecutive game missed. In his absence, Carlton Carrington, Johnny Davis, and Jared Butler are expected to see more playing time. George has been a bit inconsistent this season but has averaged 26.2 minutes per game as part of the young Wizards squad. His next opportunity to return will be Sunday's game against Memphis.

Naji Marshall Fri Dec 6 7:50pm

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) will not be ready to return to the lineup on Saturday against Toronto. An illness will keep him out of action for a fourth straight game. Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie have larger roles in the rotation with Marshall out. Both players have enjoyed strong stretches lately. Grimes has averaged 16.7 points for the month with 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals, while Dinwiddie has produced 16.0 points with 3.7 assists in December.

Davion Mitchell Fri Dec 6 7:40pm

Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell (hip) is listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks due to right hip stiffness. This injury could cause him to miss his first game of the season. While his scoring has been modest at 6.8 points per game, his value lies in his playmaking and defense. Averaging 5.2 assists per game, Mitchell is an important part of Toronto's rotation, distributing the ball and setting up plays. If he's unable to play on Saturday, Jamal Shead could see more playing time and step up in Mitchell's absence.

Scoot Henderson Fri Dec 6 7:40pm

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson (quadriceps) will remain out of the lineup for Friday's matchup against Utah. He's sitting out a fourth consecutive contest after the team initially listed him as questionable for Friday's game. Portland's starting backcourt of Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe should be in for another busy night, with Dalano Banton seeing additional action off the bench due to Henderson's absence. Banton is a streaky scorer but appears to be in a good spot on Friday, as the Jazz have the leakiest defense in the Western Conference, with 118.6 points allowed per contest.

Ausar Thompson Fri Dec 6 7:40pm

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (groin) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the New York Knicks due to left adductor soreness. Thompson missed Wednesday's game against the Celtics due to illness, and now his groin issue is putting his availability for Saturday in doubt. In his five games this season, Thompson has averaged 15.2 minutes, 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. If he's unable to play, Ron Holland and Simone Fontecchio are likely to see more minutes off the bench. Fantasy managers will be hoping Thompson can stay healthy and consistently contribute moving forward.

Isaac Okoro Fri Dec 6 7:40pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (knee) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup against Charlotte. The three-and-d wing hurt his left knee in Thursday's game against Denver and might have to sit out the meeting with the Hornets entirely. If that's the case, Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and Dean Wade should share Okoro's minutes. LeVert is the best fantasy option of the three. He had his second-best offensive outing on Thursday with 21 points and six assists.

Marcus Smart Fri Dec 6 7:30pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Boston Celtics. Smart reportedly sprained his right ankle during the Grizzlies' game against the Kings, and his availability for Saturday's contest is now in doubt. If Smart is unable to play, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jake LaRavia could see an uptick in playing time off the bench. Smart has been averaging 21.5 minutes per game, with 9.8 points and 1.5 steals, but his most significant impact for Memphis comes on the defensive end. He's also been playing well recently, especially with his playmaking, registering five straight games with five or more assists. Fantasy managers should check back for updates on his status.


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