Desmond

Bane

Neither Jackson nor Bane is dealing with a severe injury, but the lingering nature of their ailments makes them unlikely to play again this season. Given how Memphis’ season has gone, it’s unsurprising that the team would shut down its two stars. The absences of Jackson and Bane open up significant playing time for Scotty Pippen Jr., Jordan Goodwin, and Trey Jemison during the final week of the regular season.

Memphis isn’t playing for anything other than draft lottery odds, so they do not need to put Bane at risk of further injuring himself. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jordan Goodwin will play plenty during the final week of the regular season. Managers in active fantasy leagues should add them, as they’re available in most leagues.

Two of the three stars in Memphis will once again be sidelined, and managers shouldn’t expect to see them much for the rest of the season. GG Jackson, Jordan Goodwin and Scotty Pippen Jr. should continue to thrive in their absence.

Jackson Jr. was playing too well, so now he will join his co-star on the sidelines for Friday’s game. That will open up a ton of minutes and shots for young guys, which should allow for Scotty Pippen Jr., Jordan Goodwin, GG Jackson and Jake LaRavia to have a chance to provide really strong value.

Bane will miss a third straight game due to a sore back. His continued absence frees up additional minutes for Luke Kennard and Scotty Pippen Jr., who have served as Memphis’ starting backcourt in the last two games. Kennard, Pippen, and Jordan Goodwin are worth streaming while Bane sits, with the former offering a higher fantasy floor.

Given the status of Memphis’ season, there’s little need to have Bane play starters’ minutes if he isn’t completely healthy. The Grizzlies started a backcourt of Scotty Pippen Jr. and Luke Kennard on Saturday against the Magic, and that should remain the case on Monday.

Watanabe’s continued absence won’t impact their rotation, but Bane’s certainly does. He played 40 minutes in their last game, which will now need to be fulled. Luke Kennard should be back, and he will likely take on a lot of those minutes, with Lamar Stevens and Scotty Pippen Jr. also taking on larger roles.

Bane had a career night as a distributor, as he tallied 16 assists. The double-double was his third of the season, and the Grizzlies guard has scored 22 points or more in three of his last five outings. Availability remains a concern for Bane, especially with the Grizzlies well out of playoff contention. However, if the Grizzlies decide not to cut his minutes or shut him down, Bane can be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues.

Bane is back after a one-game absence, and he should replace Jordan Goodwin in the starting unit. LaRavia was able to play in their last game, and he will continue to fill a role off the bench despite dealing with an illness. Stevens will play for the first time since March 10th, and he should also play as a reserve.

While Bane has only missed one game, Stevens has been sidelined since March 10. The former’s availability is far more impactful in fantasy basketball, as Bane has top-25 potential when healthy. John Konchar is doubtful for Monday’s game, so Bane can slide into that spot in the starting lineup if cleared. Stevens will play rotation minutes off the bench if cleared and is worthy of consideration in deep leagues.