Chris

Paul

Paul continues to provide valuable leadership for the Spurs, and he finished Monday’s defeat with eight assists. However, the playing time has decreased. Paul has not surpassed 25 minutes in any of his last six appearances and hasn’t played 30 or more since February 25. With Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox out for the rest of the season and Paul’s minutes decreasing, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be shut down at some point. However, CP3 is still playing and can provide value in the rebound and assist categories.

Fox didn’t necessarily have a terrible Sunday night, but fantasy managers likely hoped for a more robust stat line. While he has been a top-50 player since the All-Star break, it’s fair to wonder if having two point guards on the floor for significant stretches limits the fantasy ceilings of Fox and Chris Paul. CP3 played 28 minutes on Sunday, finishing with six points, three rebounds, six assists, one block and two three-pointers. Managers who have Fox rostered should not lose any sleep over his Sunday night, but he boasts a lower fantasy ceiling in this current lineup.

Finishes like Saturday are why the Spurs moved to acquire Fox before the trade deadline. His jumper with 1.8 seconds remaining was the difference in Memphis, as San Antonio pulled out the win despite Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring a season-high 42 points. Over the past three weeks, Fox has provided top-50 value in eight-cat formats. Sharing the court with another point guard, Chris Paul (8/3/8/1 with two three-pointers), has cut into Fox’s fantasy value, but he remains a productive guard to have rostered. The Spurs play three games during Week 18, starting with the Nets on Tuesday.

Paul made history during the first quarter of Thursday’s game, recording his 2,685th career steal. The pilfer placed him second on the all-time list, trailing only John Stockton. Paul finished the victory with a double-double and five rebounds, and the assist category is worth watching with Victor Wembanyama (shoulder) done for the season. With the Spurs needing more scoring from De’Aaron Fox, there should also be more playmaking opportunities for CP3. The 10 assists are the most he’s recorded in a game since January 13, when he reached that number in a win over the Lakers.

Fox made his Spurs debut on Wednesday. While there may have been some concerns about his conditioning since he hadn’t played since Saturday, he logged 37 minutes without trouble. Fox dropped a double-double, with the 13 assists matching his season-high. He only had four double-digit assist games with the Kings this season; playing alongside Victor Wembanyama could make that a common occurrence. Also of note was Chris Paul starting alongside Fox, and he finished with 11 points, four rebounds, nine assists, and three 3-pointers in 30 minutes. If interim coach Mitch Johnson sticks with this lineup, CP3’s fantasy value may not take much of a hit.

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game with a sprained left index finger, Paul is officially available to play. However, his value will take a hit due to the arrival of De’Aaron Fox, who will start in his Spurs’ debut. Paul will remain in the starting lineup, but his time on the ball takes a significant hit with Fox in the lineup. Stephon Castle will come off the bench and loses fantasy value.

Paul is dealing with a sprained left index finger, but Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said he expects the veteran point guard to play. With De’Aaron Fox making his Spurs debut, CP3’s role is worth watching. Do they start together, bumping Stephon Castle to the bench? Or does Paul slide to the second unit, with his fantasy value taking a significant hit? Moving Castle to the bench may be the “easier” choice, but it may not be the right choice for the Spurs lineup.

Acquired from the Kings on Sunday, Fox will be in the starting lineup for his Spurs debut Wednesday night. And, according to Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson, he will not be restricted in any way against the Hawks. Fox’s arrival is bad news for managers who have relied on Chris Paul, as the veteran point guard could be headed to the bench. Paul is on track to play in Wednesday’s game despite having a sprained left index finger.

CP3 is dealing with a left index finger sprain, and he’s in danger of sitting out Wednesday. If he’s unavailable, new addition De’Aaron Fox could be thrust into a big role if he’s able to make his Spurs debut.

Less than 24 hours after the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis mega deal was announced, the next domino falls. Fox’s name has been circulating through the rumor mill consistently over the last week, and he’ll get a new home alongside Victor Wembanyama. Still just 27 years old, Fox and Wemby should be franchise cornerstones for years to come. Fox’s usage and production will almost certainly surge for a less talented team, while Chris Paul’s fantasy value will almost certainly take a hit.