Charlotte

Hornets

Friday’s game will be the third that Mann has missed due to his back injury. Vasilije Micic, already impacted by LaMelo Ball’s injury, should play significant minutes on Friday. KJ Simpson and Nick Smith Jr. may also move into the rotation, but they’re unlikely to provide the production that would make them viable streaming options.

According to the Hornets, Ball injured his calf during the final sequence of Wednesday’s loss to the Heat. With Tre Mann also out, Vasilije Micic and Seth Curry should play more on Friday. Micic is worth a look in deep leagues where there’s a need for assists, but Ball’s absence leaves a massive hole in the Hornets’ rotation.

Having struggled with his shot throughout the first month-plus of the season, Salaun had a breakout night on Wednesday. He shot over 50% from the field, and his 3-pointer with just over 42 seconds remaining gave the Hornets a two-point lead. Unfortunately for Salaun, that basket was canceled almost immediately, with Tyler Herro hitting a three that gave Miami the lead for good. Result aside, this was a very encouraging night for Salaun. He’s worth watching, especially with Miles Bridges (knee) sidelined.

Miller didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball before fouling out, but he gave fantasy managers another 20-point night and a full stat line. He’s providing 3rd-round per-game value in 9-cat formats over the last three weeks and is ranked safely within the top-50 in season-long value. Expecting Miller to maintain this production level is reasonable.

Ball has been dealing with a sore right wrist, and it’s fair to wonder if the shot volume has anything to do with it. He put up 35 more shots on Wednesday, surpassing the 30-point mark for the fourth straight game. Given Charlotte’s lack of scorers, Ball will put up many shots, and fantasy managers will take a hit in the field goal percentage category (and turnovers). He’ll make up for that with high numbers in points, rebounds, and assists.

Ball is officially available after the Hornets listed him as probable on the initial injury report. He’ll look to extend his streak of games with 35 points or more to four straight.

Ball doesn’t appear to be in danger of missing Wednesday’s contest after notching three straight games with at least 35 points. The Hornets’ star point guard will have to continue putting up big numbers to keep his shorthanded squad afloat.

Bridges has missed three consecutive contests and it appears like he’s set to miss at least a few more. Tidjane Salaun is among the players who could step into a larger starting role while Bridges is out.

This will be a second straight absence for Mann, and both KJ Simpson and Nick Smith Jr. saw a few minutes off the bench in his place in their last game. However, they both played less than 10 minutes, meaning neither is worth considering for a streaming spot in any format.

Miller didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but fantasy managers should be pleased with the double-double. After recording no more than seven rebounds in any of his first 11 outings, he’s accounted for 21 in the last two games. Given how shorthanded the Hornets are in the frontcourt, they’ll need more rebounding production from Miller. And that will also benefit those who have him rostered.