Isaac

Okoro

Okoro will make a return to the starting lineup with both Donovan Mitchell (groin) and De’Andre Hunter (illness) sidelined. Okoro started twice in February, but wasn’t productive in either stint. He’ll provide defense on the perimeter, but that hasn’t translated to fantasy production throughout his career.

Both players were initially listed as questionable and have now been ruled out. Though the injuries may be legitimate, playing against Brooklyn is likely a factor in this decision, since Cleveland should be able to extend their winning streak regardless. Isaac Okoro will start in place of Mitchell, while Sam Merrill should see a boost in minutes.

Cleveland isn’t playing a back-to-back set, so the latest injuries to Mitchell and Hunter suggest that they may be game-time decisions against Brooklyn. Mitchell’s absence would free up additional playing time for Sam Merrill and Max Strus, while Isaac Okoro could absorb some of Hunter’s vacated minutes if he is sidelined.

Mitchell will get a rest night after scoring 41 points in Cleveland’s comeback win over the Celtics on Friday. He earned a night off, which should allow him to be available for their back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday to start next week. Isaac Okoro and De’Andre Hunter should both play extra minutes with Mitchell sidelined, with one of them likely moving into the starting lineup.

Garland missed Cleveland’s last two games, but he’ll be back in the lineup in a matchup between the top two teams in the East. Isaac Okoro started Cleveland’s last two games but will likely return to playing a role off the bench.

Injured during Friday’s win over the Knicks, Garland did not play in Sunday’s victory over the Grizzlies. Isaac Okoro replaced him in the starting lineup, but Ty Jerome proved more valuable to fantasy managers despite coming off the bench. That’s been the case throughout this season; if Garland remains out, fantasy managers will be better off targeting Jerome than Okoro.

Darius Garland (hip) is unavailable for Sunday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Mitchell will shift into the point guard role, with Okoro promoted to the starting lineup. While he has a low offensive ceiling, Okoro’s defensive ability will be critical due to the presence of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane in the Grizzlies’ lineup.

Initially questionable for Sunday’s game with a left hip contusion, Garland will not play. De’Andre Hunter and Isaac Okoro are potential replacements in the starting lineup, with the former offering a significantly higher fantasy ceiling. Also in line for additional minutes is Ty Jerome, who has been more valuable to fantasy managers than Okoro.

The Cavaliers’ depth will be on display Friday night. Wade has been cleared to return from a right knee bruise that has sidelined him since January 24. Max Strus remains in the starting lineup, and the additions of De’Andre Hunter (via trade) and Isaac Okoro (shoulder injury) limit Wade’s fantasy upside.

Okoro suited up for the first time since January 16 after missing Cleveland’s last 14 games with a shoulder injury. He wasn’t productive in the box score across his 17 minutes, and he has only played 19.6 minutes per game this season, so he may not see his role increase much moving forward. Okoro is a solid defender off the bench for the Cavs, but he isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy formats.