3 days agoLos Angeles Clippers forward
P.J. Tucker is expected to exercise his $11.54 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Tucker had a miserable time in L.A., making only 30 appearances across the regular season and playoffs. He even requested a trade publically midseason, resulting in a $75k fine from the NBA. However, Tucker is unlikely to fetch a similar salary on the open market, making this a no-brainer decision for the veteran. Considering how things have worked out for him with the Clippers since Tucker arrived in town in the
James Harden trade, it would probably suit both sides if they parted ways at the first opportunity.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto
3 days agoBoston Celtics forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) has told The Athletic he expects to recover at a "historic rate." The Latvian big man suffered a right soleus strain in Game 4 of the first-round matchup against Miami on April 29. There isn't a specific timeline set for Porzingis' return, and he also said at the weekend that he isn't "super close yet," but Boston is hoping to see him again in the Conference Finals. With Porzingis out,
Al Horford is set to play a huge role against Cleveland's well-equipped frontcourt in the second round. The series kicks off on Tuesday.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Jared Weiss
3 days agoDallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has signed a multi-year extension with the team. "We are excited to have Coach Kidd continue to lead our team throughout the coming years with this well-earned contract extension," said Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont. "Kidd led our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, and we are looking forward to his leadership in continuing to build and grow this already great franchise." Kidd has compiled a 140-106 regular-season record with the Mavericks. Dallas announced the extension just a few days after Kidd had been strongly linked with the freshly vacant Los Angeles Lakers coaching position. Before joining the Mavericks in 2021, Kidd worked in Los Angeles for two years as an assistant, helping the Lakers to the 2020 championship. He has also held head coaching positions in Brooklyn and Milwaukee, posting a 323-296 career record.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoOrlando Magic guard
Markelle Fultz had an efficient 4-for-6 shooting performance while providing eight points off the bench in Sunday's Game 7 loss to the Cavaliers. He finished with eight points across 13 minutes of action, completing his line with one rebound and one steal. Fultz started the season well, but he quickly landed on the shelf with a knee problem, which ended up ruining his campaign. The former first-overall pick was limited to only 48 appearances in the regular season, averaging 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. After being a regular starter throughout his career, the Magic had Fultz in the first unit only 18 times in 2023-24. Fultz had a career year just a season ago, but the 2023-24 campaign leaves quite a few question marks hanging over his head. The 25-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoOrlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac couldn't provide a spark off the bench as the team's season ended with a Game 7 loss to Cleveland on Sunday. Isaac was back in the second unit following
Gary Harris' return to action. He contributed only two points in 18 minutes and had two rebounds with one assist. It was an awful finish to the series from Isaac, who was held scoreless in Game 6. However, he showed his full potential through the first five games of the matchup. The 26-year-old averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 21.4 minutes. Isaac is an outstanding defensive presence when he's healthy. In 2023-24, he once again had some injury problems but managed to play in 58 regular-season games, his most since 2018-19.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoOrlando Magic center
Wendell Carter Jr. made a mark under both baskets in Sunday's Game 7 against Cleveland. He provided 13 points with 5-for-10 shooting and snagged three steals as the Magic's season ended with a 106-94 loss. The big man from Duke, who shot 2-for-4 from outside, also recorded seven rebounds and one assist in 35 minutes. After struggling initially, Carter Jr. had a strong finish to the series. In a sense, it summed up his entire campaign, as the Magic center was fairly inconsistent in 2023-24. Carter Jr. averaged 11.0 points and 6.9 rebounds in seventh year in the NBA. He was a double-double machine only a couple of seasons ago, so the 25-year-old should have plenty of potential to do better in 2024-25.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoChristopher Bell knew his car was losing speed and grip on Sunday night at Kansas Speedway. The Joe Gibbs Racing car took the pole on Saturday but never truly had that late-run speed needed to win on Sunday. Bell only led five laps but did net seven stage points when he finished fourth in Stage 1. The No. 20 Toyota slipped to 12th after Stage 2. Late in the race, Bell was losing huge chunks of time before the caution came out. That final caution preserved a sixth-place result ultimately. Bell heads to Darlington on Sunday where he ran well early but faded out of the top 10 in last year's Spring race.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: NASCAR.com
3 days agoMichael McDowell endured an up and down night in the Front Row Motorsports Ford. However, he ended up tenth when all was said and done on Sunday night. The AdventHealth 400 needed to go into overtime which caused McDowell to lose a few positions. It did seem like the Toyota cars had more on the throttle. However, the No. 34 car kept it together long enough for a nice result. McDowell started eighth but missed out on any stage points (11th in Stage 1, 15th in Stage 2). Darlington looms this upcoming weekend where McDowell had accidents in both races last year.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: NASCAR.com
3 days agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Alek Manoah got rocked in his first start of the season against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. Manoah allowed seven runs (six earned) in just four innings, giving up six hits and walking four while striking out six. He showed glimpses of his former self, but overall it was a lackluster performance for the big righty. The Jays have already committed to Manoah for at least one more start, but he will have to be much better to instill confidence that they can keep rolling with him. Fantasy managers should not consider starting Manoah until he can consistently deliver good outings, and he can be dropped outside of the deepest of leagues.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoTampa Bay Rays shortstop
Jose Caballero went nuts on the basepaths on Sunday, swiping four bags in a 7-6 win over the New York Mets. Caballero didn't actually get a hit in this one, going 0-for-2 with three walks and three runs scored to go with the four steals. He now has 13 stolen bases on the season, putting him fourth in the majors in that category. For his speed alone, he should be rostered in most category leagues.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoHouston Astros closer
Josh Hader was charged with the loss in a 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Hader gave up a homer in the ninth inning of a tie game to
Cal Raleigh to take his third loss of the year. The lefty appeared to be figuring things out heading into this one, with no earned runs allowed in his last four innings pitched, but he can't seem to find his consistency this season. His ERA rises to 6.14 and his WHIP to 1.43, although he does have 24 strikeouts in 14 ⅔ IP. He also still only has three saves, which has to be the biggest disappointment for fantasy managers.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoBaltimore Orioles outfielder
Anthony Santander had a big day at the dish in Sunday's 11-1 drubbing of the Cincinnati Reds. Santander finished the day 3-for-4 with a homer, two runs scored, and five RBI. The 29-year-old put the finishing touches on the offensive outburst, hitting a three-run homer in the ninth. Santander desperately needed the big game, as his triple slash line heading in was a dreadful .200/.276/.392 with only five homers. It's been a step back this year for the veteran, but a day like today could wake him up and turn him back into the four-category contributor that fantasy managers expected when they drafted him.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers designated hitter
Shohei Ohtani continued his ridiculous pace on Sunday, smacking a pair of homers in a 5-1 win over the Atlanta Braves. Ohtani went 4-for-4 with the aforementioned two homers, two runs scored, and three RBI. The big performance makes the two-time MVP's stat line even more incredible, with a .364 AVG, 30 R, 10 HR, 25 RBI, and seven SB rounding out the five-category beast's contributions. Ohtani could end the year with some ridiculous numbers if he can keep up a pace anywhere close to his current one, something that just might be possible for someone of his caliber.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoDetroit Tigers starting pitcher
Tarik Skubal dominated the New York Yankees on Sunday, striking out 12 while allowing just two runs over six innings. Skubal allowed just six hits and didn't walk a batter in this one, taking a tough-luck no-decision. The 27-year-old has been brilliant this season, going 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 0.77 WHIP along with 53 strikeouts in 42 ⅔ IP. He is a frontrunner for the A.L. Cy Young and should be considered a fantasy ace.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoSan Francisco Giants outfielder
Jorge Soler (shoulder) was unavailable on Sunday due to a "shoulder thing," according to manager Bob Melvin. Soler was out of the starting lineup on Sunday, but the shoulder injury is a new development. It explains why the slugger wasn't used in the ninth inning with the Giants down one run. The injury doesn't sound like a major concern, but fantasy managers should check Soler's status before Monday's game and remove him from lineups if he isn't starting. With the Giants having seven games next week, including a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies, this would be an inopportune time for Soler to be hurt.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: Shayna Rubin
3 days agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher prospect
Mason Black will make his major league debut on Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Black, San Francisco's No. 7 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, has performed well at Triple-A this season, pitching to a 1.01 ERA and 0.90 WHIP to go with 29 strikeouts in 26 ⅔ IP. With
Blake Snell (groin) still on the mend, Black could see at least a few turns through the rotation. If he can perform well, the Giants could keep him around even when Snell returns. He shouldn't be in fantasy lineups for Monday's start, but adding him in deeper leagues and sticking him on the bench to see what happens isn't a bad idea.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: Shayna Rubin
3 days agoDallas Mavericks guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) returned to practice on Sunday. The veteran sniper got hurt in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Clippers, spraining his right ankle. Dallas had no trouble finishing off the Clippers in six games, but Hardaway Jr. will make a welcome return if he's ready to go for the second round against the Thunder on Tuesday. The 32-year-old was among the league's most prolific bench scorers in the regular season, averaging 14.4 points in 26.6 minutes.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Grant Afseth
3 days agoDallas Mavericks forward/center
Maxi Kleber (shoulder) will be re-evaluated in three weeks. He was initially expected to miss the rest of the postseason after Kleber suffered a separated shoulder in Friday's first-round clincher against the Clippers. It now looks like Kleber could be back for the Western Conference Finals if Dallas gets past Oklahoma City in the second round. In the meantime,
P.J. Washington,
Daniel Gafford, and
Dereck Lively II will share the frontcourt minutes. The Thunder have struggled in the rebounding department this season, putting the three in a position to have a productive series.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Tim MacMahon
3 days agoDenver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (calf) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the 27-year-old managed to suit up for Game 1 on Saturday night, it appears the calf injury impacted his play. He finished that one with 17 points, a significant decline from his scoring contributions in the previous series versus the Lakers. In all fairness, the rest of the roster struggled, so Murray and company could turn things around in Game 2.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoIndiana Pacers point guard
Tyrese Haliburton (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Game 1 of the second-round series against the Knicks. He landed on the report ahead of Game 4 against Milwaukee in the first round with lower back spasms. However, Haliburton didn't have any trouble playing through the issue, suggesting he will be good to go for the series opener against the Knicks on Monday. Indiana's young star has been a bit inconsistent with his postseason performances, registering 16.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.3 assists with poor 29.6 percent shooting from deep.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoFree-agent wide receiver
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is scheduled to visit the Chargers on Monday. The 29-year-old had six trips to the end zone in 2020 while still a member of the Green Bay Packers. Since then, he hasn't come close to that mark. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with Kansas City by posting career-lows in catches (21), receiving yards (315), and touchdowns (one). Valdes-Scantling's most notable contribution last season came in the postseason, with the 2018 No. 174 overall pick pulling in a 16-yard touchdown throw from
Patrick Mahomes in the Chiefs 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Nonetheless, MVS will likely find work this season. But it will be difficult to tell how things will look from a fantasy standpoint until he inks a deal, although he could get looks from
Justin Herbert if he signs with Los Angeles, considering the team no longer has
Keenan Allen or
Mike Williams on the roster.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ari Meirov
3 days agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Javier Assad continued his strong campaign during Sunday's start against the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander allowed only four hits over six scoreless innings during Sunday's win. The 26-year-old struck out four hitters while walking three batters during this outing. The Brewers got a few baserunners, but could never do anything with them. Assad has done a great job of limiting the damage throughout this season. He'll carry a 1.66 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 31/12 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoChicago White Sox starting pitcher
Garrett Crochet looked sharp on the mound during Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The southpaw struck out six batters over six innings of work while allowing only one run. The 24-year-old only allowed three hits and didn't walk anyone during this outing. He'll carry a 5.31 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 53/9 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Cleveland Guardians.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher
Nick Pivetta (elbow) is expected to come off the injured list and start on Wednesday. The right-hander will draw a tough assignment against the Atlanta Braves. Pivetta has been sidelined since early April due to a flexor strain in his elbow. The 31-year-old looked good during a recent rehab start. The organization believes he's ready to return but he won't be a recommended streaming option during his first start back.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Gabrielle Starr
3 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher
Joe Kelly could be asked to pitch in a higher leverage role for a few weeks. The organization recently placed closer
Evan Phillips (hamstring) on the injured list. It sounds like the timetable for Phillips is around two weeks, so the Dodgers will need someone to step up for a few weeks.
Daniel Hudson and
Blake Treinen figure to be the primary options, but Kelly should be in the mix too. Fantasy managers might want to wait and see how the Dodgers play this situation before grabbing one of these relievers.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Kirsten Watson
3 days agoTexas Rangers outfielder
Wyatt Langford (hamstring) will be placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday, according to manager Bruce Bochy. The rookie outfielder was forced to exit early during Saturday's game due to a left-leg issue. After further evaluation, Langford has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The organization believes that Langford will miss three or four weeks of action.
Ezequiel Duran started in his place on Sunday and figures to have an increased role going forward. Fantasy managers might want to check the waiver wire to see if Duran is still available.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Evan Grant
3 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher
Daniel Hudson is expected to see a larger role in the bullpen going forward. The team was forced to place closer
Evan Phillips (hamstring) on the injured list prior to Sunday's game. He's expected to miss at least two weeks of action, which should open up a role for Hudson in high leverage spots.
Blake Treinen is also an option for the ninth inning, so possibly they split up the role. Fantasy managers might have to wait and see what Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts does with his bullpen.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Kirsten Watson
3 days agoCleveland Cavaliers forward
Evan Mobley played much better on Sunday in the postseason win over Orlando. Mobley had trouble offensively in Game 6, finishing with three points. However, he turned things around in Game 7 to help his team advance to the semi-finals, amassing an 11-point, 16-rebound double-double. Mobley wasn't as impactful on the scoring end during the seven-game series versus the Magic. But he shined on the defensive end, amassing 23 blocks. The Cavs will take Monday off before starting the series with the Celtics on Tuesday night. Mobley met Boston just once during the regular season, only scoring four points. While he should play better, the entire roster could struggle throughout the series.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoOrlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs struggled in Sunday's loss to the Cavaliers. The 22-year-old had one of his best offensive performances in Game 6, finishing with 22 points. However, he fizzled in Game 7, ending the afternoon with only 10 points off 2-for-14 shooting from the field. Although Suggs added nine boards, four assists, and one steal, he had five turnovers. But overall, Suggs showed signs of growth during the 2023-24 campaign and finished by averaging a career-high 12.6 points. He also shot 39.7% from deep, a significant upgrade from last season. While constructing the roster around
Paolo Banchero and
Franz Wagner is the team's priority moving ahead, Suggs should hold a stable spot in the rotation.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoOrlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner struggled in Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 22-year-old had 26 points in the Game 6 win on Friday night. However, he fizzled on Sunday, ending the afternoon with just six points off 1-for-15 shooting from the field. He had struggled on the road during this series, but his performance in Game 7 couldn't have gone much worse. With Orlando done, the team can make moves this offseason. But the roster should continue to be built around Wagner and
Paolo Banchero, with both players expected to improve even more in 2024-25.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
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