Bruno

Fernando

Fernando was waived by Atlanta on July 30, and he didn’t wait long for a new opportunity. He had a minimal impact for the Hawks in 45 games last season, and he’s off the fantasy radar to begin the 2024-25 campaign.

Fernando averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist through 45 games with Atlanta last season. The reserve big man posted solid stats in his pair of spot starts but shouldn’t be depended on as a legitimate season-long fantasy option.

Clint Capela is getting a rest day before they start the Play-In Tournament next week. Unsurprisingly, Fernando will move into the starting unit in his place, though Mouhamed Gueye will also take on extra minutes off the bench at center.

With Atlanta locked in as the 10th seed in the East, there’s no reason for Capela to suit up for this game. Bruno Fernando should start in his place, with Mouhamed Gueye likely filling out the other center minutes. Quin Snyder has closed with his young guys over the last two games, so even if the rest of the starters are playing, they won’t see a full workload.

Capela was initially questionable for Friday’s game against Minnesota, but he played despite the Hawks not having anything to play for. That’s also the case for Sunday’s game, so there’s no guarantee the veteran center does not play. If Capela sits, Bruno Fernando’s playing time will increase. He would be worth adding in active fantasy leagues.

Much like their last game, Atlanta opted to close the game out with their bench to get them some more experience. That allowed Fernando to be part of the closing unit, though it didn’t impact his minutes much, since he has been playing a large role since Onyeka Okongwu went down. OO will remain out for a few more weeks, so unless the Hawks go on a miracle run, Fernando will be the backup center until they’re eliminated. Fernando has been solid, but even if he plays really well, it is unlikely that he turns into a player that impacts fantasy basketball next season.

Absent from the initial injury report, Capela was added about an hour after its release. Whether or not he plays against the Timberwolves likely depends on the result of Thursday’s game between the Bulls and Pistons. Chicago would lock up the 9-seed with a victory, removing all meaning from Atlanta’s game on Friday. If Capela sits, Bruno Fernando will move into the starting lineup, with Mouhamed Gueye likely serving as his backup.

If Murray or Hunter are sidelined, more playing time could be available for Kobe Bufkin and Garrison Mathews, while Johnson’s absence frees up some additional frontcourt minutes for Bruno Fernando. Trae Young is questionable, so he would presumably absorb the majority of Murray’s vacated minutes.

Okongwu initially injured his toe just before the All-Star break and suffered a flare-up after appearing in two games in mid-March. Given the updated timeline, Okongwu will not be of service to fantasy managers; the unstated goal is to get him back on the court in time for the Play-In Tournament. Bruno Fernando will remain the backup center and is worth a look in deep leagues.

Okongwu will miss a fourth straight game on Thursday, and he has only played twice since the All-Star break. There’s no indication of when he will return, which makes Bruno Fernando a safe streaming option on Thursday and Saturday if you need some defensive stats.