D'Angelo

Russell

Russell combined for 19 points, eight assists and a rebound across his last two games, so Saturday’s performance was a nice bounce back effort. D’Lo’s playing time and production have been sporadic all season, and they’ll be especially unpredictable down the stretch of silly season for the “tanking” Nets.

Tuesday’s game was the second for Russell since the All-Star break, and availability will be a concern for the rest of the season. And with the Nets only two games behind 10th-place Chicago in the loss column, a little more “effort” may be required from the front office to improve the team’s lottery odds. That would be bad news for managers looking to Russell for production during the fantasy playoffs. The Nets only play two more games during Week 18, but they have two back-to-back during a five-game Week 19.

Johnson, Williams and Claxton are the holdovers from the quintet that started Saturday’s loss to the Pistons. Russell and Thomas replace Killian Hayes (whose 10-day contract expired) and Keon Johnson, who will play quality minutes off the bench. Given the unpredictable availability of Russell and Thomas, Keon is worth holding onto in deep leagues.

Russell will be back in the lineup after a five-game absence. Killian Hayes had been starting at point guard with Russell out, but Brooklyn didn’t give him a second 10-day contract. Russell will return to his spot in the starting lineup, but it won’t dramatically impact the rest of the rotation.

Hayes was able to play six games in 10 days for Brooklyn and averaged nine points, three rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 three-pointers per game. He had a pair of excellent performances against the Thunder and Trail Blazers, but he struggled in his return to Detroit on Saturday. Hayes will now be a free agent, and he may be able to find another team to suit up for as the regular season winds down. However, until that happens, managers should leave him on the waiver wire.

On the final day of his 10-day contract, Hayes returned to the city where his NBA career began. The former lottery pick struggled against the team that drafted him, shooting 1-of-6 from the field while providing modest production in the rebound and assist categories. The Nets will have a decision to make regarding Killian. The health of D’Angelo Russell will likely influence the Nets’ decision regarding Hayes. Reece Beekman (3/1/1/3 in 26 minutes) may figure more prominently in the bench rotation if the Nets do not re-sign Hayes and Russell remains out.

Currently on a 10-day contract, Hayes has his best game as a Net on Wednesday. The 7-of-13 night from the field included Hayes shooting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. He’s a career 27.6 percent shooter from three, so fantasy managers need to keep this night in perspective. However, Wednesday’s performance may improve Hayes’ chances of getting a second 10-day, especially if D’Angelo Russell (ankle) remains out.

Russell is set to miss his third straight game with an ankle injury. The 29-year-old point guard left last Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers with the injury. In Russell’s absence, Killian Hayes has taken on a bigger role, but isn’t a recommended streaming option.

Already ruled out for Saturday’s game against the 76ers with a sprained ankle, Russell will also miss Monday’s matchup with the Wizards. His status will be re-assessed after that game, so the Nets point guard may be looking at an extended absence. Recently signed to a 10-day contract, Killian Hayes can absorb most of the minutes that would have gone to Russell. However, he isn’t worth the streaming risk in most leagues.

Russell exited early from Thursday’s loss to Cleveland and will remain sidelined for at least one more game. Brooklyn recently signed Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract, and he made his debut for the team on Thursday, finishing with five points and three assists in 21 minutes off the bench. He may get the chance to slide into the starting unit in place of Russell, but his fantasy impact will be minimal.