Georges

Niang

Cleveland blowing out Brooklyn increased opportunities for some of the team’s reserves, notably LeVert and Georges Niang. LeVert’s 19 points were three shy of his season-high, and he recorded his first complete stat line (including 3-pointers) since November 13. The six triples were a season-high for LeVert, who entered Monday averaging 1.7 per game. As for Niang, he added 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two 3-pointers in 25 minutes. While the stat lines may prompt some to consider adding Niang or LeVert, the nature of Monday’s game had much to do with their production.

Okoro’s return to the lineup coincides with Evan Mobley (ankle) not being able to play. Wade was expected to move to the bench with Okoro back, but he’ll get another start in place of Mobley, with Georges Niang seeing extra minutes off the bench.

Mobley exited early from their last game, which resulted in Georges Niang starting the second half in his place. With Isaac Okoro (knee) expected to be back, there is a chance that Dean Wade remains in the starting lineup instead of Niang if Mobley is sidelined. Regardless of who starts, neither player will be worth streaming.

Mobley only logged 12 minutes against the Heat before leaving the contest with an ankle injury. Georges Niang started the second half for Mobley in that game and could fill-in as a starter ahead of the weekend if Max Strus doesn’t start in his 2024-25 debut.

With Evan Mobley spraining his left ankle during the first half, Niang was inserted into the Cavaliers’ starting lineup to begin the second half. “The Minivan” had a productive night in Miami, with the 15 points being the most in a game for him since November 20 (20 vs. Boston). With Cleveland off until Friday, fantasy managers can afford to wait for a Mobley update before moving for Niang.

Wade will make his return after a six-game absence, and he will be part of the longjam at forward for the Cavs. Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang may lose out on a few minutes, but there won’t be much of a fantasy impact.

Original reports indicated that Wade would remain out for this game, but he has been upgraded to questionable. His absence has allowed Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang to take on extra minutes, but none of these guys have been relevant in standard fantasy leagues this year.

Niang was able to contribute on the offensive end early in this game and scored 11 points in the first half. That was almost the entirety of his production for the entire game, until he was sent to the free throw line late in the fourth quarter. He knocked down two clutch free throws that helped extend Cleveland’s lead and secure the win. Niang is a solid rotation piece that contributes to winning, but he isn’t a great option in fantasy basketball.

This will be a sixth straight absence for Wade, which will open the door for both Georges Niang and Isaac Okoro to see some extra minutes. However, neither player is worth streaming.

Niang came off the bench and only played 22 minutes of the blowout victory, but made 6-of-12 attempts from behind the 3-point line on his way to a 20-point game. He’s certainly on the streaming radar when the Cavaliers are missing multiple players as they did Wednesday.