

Mon Mar 2 10:30pm ET
Field Level Media
Trae Young has managed to earn an ejection before ever even stepping on the court for his new squad.
Young, set to make his debut for the Wizards on Thursday night against the Utah Jazz, was ejected on Tuesday night for leaving the bench area in Washington's 123-118 loss to the Houston Rockets.
The four-time All-Star, acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in early January, stepped onto the court Tuesday to protest a non-call against Tari Eason in the third quarter and was issued a technical foul and ejection.
Eason was also ejected.
Young has been nursing MCL and quad injuries since before the trade. He last played Dec. 27, scoring nine points and dishing 10 assists in a 128-125 loss to the New York Knicks.
A career 25.2 points per game scorer (while tossing 9.8 assists), Young announced on social media earlier in the day that he was targeting Thursday for his return.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center P.J. Washington (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hornets after sitting out the team's last three contests due to a left ankle sprain. Dallas remains shorthanded, so Washington's status carries real fantasy weight. If he sits, Max Christie and Khris Middleton would see added opportunity. Christie delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, four triples, and two steals in 35 minutes last game, making him the preferred streamer. Middleton logged modest production in 25 minutes and remains a deeper-league option with a limited ceiling.
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks for left calf injury management, the first leg of a back-to-back set before Wednesday's matchup in Boston. White is averaging 18 minutes per game with a 34 percent usage rate in a reserve role, but his absence does not open up viable streaming value. Tre Mann, Josh Green, and Sion James are expected to absorb extra minutes, yet none produced meaningful lines last game. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller should continue dominating usage.
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (thumb) is probable heading into Tuesday's meeting with Miami. He's been dealing with a pinky issue for most of the campaign. Yet, the 26-year-old is on the injury report because of a right thumb sprain. Claxton has had a decent season, averaging 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. However, he's seen a drastic reduction in minutes since the start of the year. With that said, Claxton is still a reliable fantasy performer, although he is expected to continue surrendering minutes to Day'Ron Sharpe moving ahead.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (finger) won't play on Tuesday in Charlotte. He injured his finger during Friday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and wasn't available for Sunday's meeting with OKC. Marshall was playing well before the injury, averaging 19.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in the month of February. Fantasy managers will be need to wait and see if he can return on Thursday against Orlando. While he's out, Brandon Williams, Khris Middleton, Max Christie should get extra scoring opportunities, that is unless Cooper Flagg (foot) and P.J. Washington (ankle) are active.
Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will miss Tuesday's game against the Knicks, sidelined for a second straight contest due to a left thumb sprain. His next opportunity to return comes Thursday versus Minnesota. In his absence, Jakob Poeltl should continue handling increased frontcourt responsibility after posting 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 26 minutes last game. Sandro Mamukelashvili logged seven points and three rebounds in 16 minutes but remains a deeper-league option. Poeltl is the clear fantasy beneficiary, especially in category formats.
According to Clemente Almanza of USA Today, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) won't suit up for Tuesday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls due to abdominal strain management. The Thunder are exercising caution and will hold him out for the first leg of their back-to-back set. After missing nine consecutive games, Gilgeous-Alexander has returned in strong form, scoring at least 30 points in each of his two appearances since coming back. He is expected to return on Wednesday against the Knicks. With SGA sidelined on Tuesday, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Jared McCain should see increased opportunities in the backcourt.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (foot) is doubtful for Tuesday's meeting with Charlotte. It appears there's a chance he'll be back for this one. However, fantasy managers should anticipate another absence. The former Duke Blue Devil has been sidelined for seven games because of a midfoot sprain. Although the Mavs aren't really playing for much, Flagg is looking to take home the Rookie of the Year award, so he has plenty of motivation to return. With that in mind, Max Christie, Khris Middleton, and Brandon Williams are projected to be the team's top performers, assuming P.J. Washington (ankle) isn't available and Flagg gets ruled out.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (groin) will miss Tuesday's matchup against the Pistons, marking his fourth straight absence due to a right groin strain. His next chance to return will come Sunday against Boston. James Harden is expected to shoulder more of the offensive load, making him the primary fantasy beneficiary. Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson should see steady minutes, but both remain fringe streaming options. Merrill logged 15 points with four triples in 27 minutes last game, while Tyson added nine points in 28 minutes.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will not play Tuesday against the Bulls, and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) is also sidelined for injury management. Both have a chance to return Wednesday versus New York. With Hartenstein out, Jaylin Williams is a strong streaming option after posting 30 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, five triples, one steal, and one block in 36 minutes during his last start. Chet Holmgren, who delivered 19 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 28 minutes against Dallas, should also see elevated responsibility. Williams offers short-term upside, while Holmgren gets a usage boost in all formats.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (head) is available to suit up against the Golden State Warriors on Monday. Dunn left Sunday's win over the Pelicans after taking an inadvertent elbow to the back of his head and did not return. However, he has since been cleared to play in tonight's contest. The 31-year-old veteran guard is averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals across 27.7 minutes in 59 games this season. His minutes could be significantly reduced with Darius Garland (toe) reportedly set to return in the near future.
Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (illness) is out, and forward Julian Reese will start Monday against the Rockets with Tristan Vukcevic (thigh) and Alex Sarr (hamstring) also sidelined. Washington's frontcourt is depleted, opening immediate opportunity. Reese, a 22-year-old Maryland product, should see a meaningful run in his NBA debut and profiles as a deep-league streamer for rebounds and hustle stats. Gill had been hovering around 27 minutes in a steady reserve role, so with him out, there's a clearer path to consistent minutes for whoever steps into those frontcourt opportunities. Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly could also see added usage in a thin lineup.
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center John Collins (neck) will not play Monday against the Warriors after the issue resurfaced on the second night of a back-to-back, per Justin Russo. Collins is averaging 19.6 usage in 27.7 minutes per game and leaves a meaningful frontcourt gap. Darius Garland is set to make his team debut and could absorb a chunk of Collins' workload, while Kawhi Leonard may see a slight usage bump. Nicolas Batum logged 20 minutes with 9 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three triples Sunday, but he remains a low-ceiling deep-league option.
Boston Celtics forward/center Neemias Queta (rest) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup with the Bucks after erupting for a career-best 27 points and 17 rebounds in Sunday's 114-98 win over Philadelphia. This is a scheduled breather. Nikola Vucevic is expected to slide into the starting role after producing 11 points, 12 rebounds, three triples, and one block in 21 minutes last game, making him a strong short-term streamer in all formats. Luka Garza could re-enter the rotation as the backup option. Queta is still worth holding in category leagues, but be ready for some ups and downs in his minutes and role from game to game.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is active for Monday's matchup against the Boston Celtics. The two-time MVP will return after missing 13 consecutive contests due to a right calf strain. Given the extended absence, he will likely operate under a minutes restriction during his first game back. Still, it shouldn't take long for Antetokounmpo to regain his usual form. In 30 appearances this season, he has averaged 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting a career-best 39.5% from three-point range. Even with a capped workload on Monday, fantasy managers should expect his production to trend back towards an elite level in the coming games.
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on Monday. The Mavs waived the 28-year-old veteran guard on Friday after he was traded twice before the trade deadline. He is expected to provide his new team with backcourt support behind Jamal Murray. Jones is averaging 3.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 15.8 minutes per contest across 56 games with Phoenix and Dallas so far this season.
Washington Wizards center Tristan Vukcevic (thigh) won't play on Monday versus the Rockets. The 22-year-old has appeared in the last three games, starting all of them. However, he's logged 22 minutes or less in each of those contests. The Wizards play four times this week, so there's a good chance he'll be back on the floor at some point. If Anthony Gill (illness) can shake off the questionable tag, he'll likely get the start, giving him enhanced value on a four-game night. On the other hand, Washington will need to run smaller than usual if Gill can't suit up, with Will Riley, Jaden Hardy, and Justin Champagnie in line for more action.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is reportedly targeting a Friday return against Dallas, according to Bill Simmons, after missing the entire season with a torn Achilles. Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.5 triples across 72 games last season and would immediately reclaim a featured role if cleared. Tatum's usage should ramp quickly, cutting into Sam Hauser's and Baylor Scheierman's minutes while easing the burden on Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Managers should prepare to activate him, though efficiency and workload may fluctuate early.
Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (knee) will play on Monday versus Houston. The 2024 No. 24 overall pick missed two of the Wizards' last six games. While he'll be out there on Monday, he may get the night off on Tuesday in Orlando. George played well against the Rockets back in November, finishing that one with 16 points, nine assists, seven boards, two steals, and one block. Although it's hard to imagine he'll be as productive this time around, the upside is there.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Cameron Johnson (ankle) is unavailable for Monday's matchup with the Utah Jazz. Johnson is dealing with right ankle inflammation after he exited Sunday's 117-108 loss to the Timberwolves in the fourth quarter and did not return due to the injury. With Johnson on the shelf, Tim Hardaway Jr. becomes the most promising fantasy option after logging 36 minutes with 17 points and three triples on Sunday. Bruce Brown could also qualify as a decent streaming option with added minutes on his plate for this evening's contest.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (knee/quadriceps) is set to make his debut with his new team on Thursday against the Utah Jazz. The 27-year-old star guard has been out of action since Dec. 27 due to a right MCL sprain and a right quadriceps contusion. He sustained the injuries while still playing for the Hawks. Across 10 games this season, he has averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 28.0 minutes per contest. Young will likely be on a minutes restriction in his debut, but once he gets fully acclimated and back to full strength, he should quickly reestablish himself as a high-end fantasy contributor.
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