Gary

Trent Jr.

Trent hyperextended his elbow during Sunday’s exhibition opener when he ran into a Jalen Duren screen and immediately exited the game. The good news is that Rivers expects Trent to be available for Thursday’s matchup with the Lakers. With Khris Middleton still sidelined, GTJ is worth a look in the late rounds of fantasy drafts, as he may be the replacement in the starting lineup.

Trent injured his elbow on a Jalen Duren screen, heading back to the locker room and eventually being ruled out for the remainder of Sunday’s preseason opener. With Khris Middleton working his way back from offseason surgeries on both ankles, Trent’s fantasy value would have been boosted for the start of the regular season. However, Sunday’s elbow injury changes things, shifting the focus to Taurean Prince (five points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one 3-pointer in 16 minutes).

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported in mid-July that Middleton underwent surgery on both of his ankles. While he is, according to Haynes, making progress in his recovery, the Bucks wing still has not been cleared for 5-on-5 activities. Injuries in recent years have diminished Middleton’s fantasy value, and Saturday’s update does not help matters. Taurean Prince, who appears on track to start regardless of Middleton’s status, and Gary Trent Jr. become players worth taking a late-round flier on, especially in deeper leagues.

GTJ will head to Milwaukee after spending the past four seasons with Toronto. With Malik Beasley gone, Trent Jr. will have an opportunity to compete for the starting shooting guard role. However, even if he comes off the bench, he should be a decent source of 3-pointers and steals.

Trent’s availability is more significant, as he was a fixture in the starting lineup when he was healthy. Gradey Dick is likely headed to the bench, but the rookie will figure prominently within the Raptors’ bench rotation. Brown will also play solid minutes off the bench as Toronto looks to end its season on a high note.

After being listed as questionable on the initial injury report, Trent and Brown did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Nets. If that’s the case on Friday, veteran wing Garrett Temple (36 minutes vs. Brooklyn) would have the most to gain. Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick also benefit, with the former Kansas standouts logging over 30 minutes as starter on Wednesday.

Both wings have been ruled out after initially being listed as questionable to play in this game. Their absences will open up minutes for both Jordan Nwora and Gradey Dick, with one of them likely moving into the starting unit to replace GTJ.

Trent Jr. averaged 20.0 points and 3.1 triples on 45.7% shooting since the All-Star break before Tuesday’s tilt with Indiana, but he came up shy of those marks in the loss. Trent went 0-of-7 from beyond the arc, and was held in check by a Pacers team that has allowed the fewest made three-pointers to opponents this season. Trent Jr. averaged 9.0 points and 1.7 triples on 38.5% shooting in three previous matchups with Indiana, so Tuesday’s offensive performance wasn’t a shocker. He did nab four steals, which partially buoyed his fantasy value. He’ll look to get back on track Wednesday against Brooklyn.

Gradey left Saturday’s game against the Wizards with a groin injury and is working toward playing on Tuesday. Gary Trent Jr., Ochai Agbaji, and Bruce Brown could benefit from the rookie missing more time.

Trent and Brown have been upgraded from questionable to available, with the former set to start. Brown is worth rostering in deep leagues, but GTJ is the player fantasy managers should target first if they need a final-day boost.