Ja'Kobe

Walter

Walter popped up on the injury report as questionable with a sprained finger, but will ultimately suit up Wednesday. He has a chance to see additional minutes with RJ Barrett (illness) out.

Both players sat out Tuesday’s loss to Boston, but they have a chance to return for the second half of Toronto’s back-to-back set. Davion Mitchell and Ja’Kobe Walter replaced them in the starting five against the Celtics, and they would presumably get starting nods again if Barrett and Dick are on the sidelines.

Walter replaced Gradey Dick in the lineup for Tuesday’s game, and the rookie had a rough afternoon in Boston. While he doesn’t offer consistent fantasy value currently, Walter is a player who stands to be worth the risk later in the season. He’ll look to rebound when the Raptors face the Nets on Wednesday.

Walter moves into the starting lineup with Gradey Dick (hamstring) out Tuesday. The 20-year-old shooting guard has some streaming appeal in Dick’s absence. Mitchell also returns to the starting lineup after missing one game with an illness.

Dick was originally listed as questionable and will sit out Tuesday against the Celtics. Ja’Kobe Walter should start in his place and will be on the streaming radar for fantasy managers looking for 3-point shooting.

Dick is coming off his lowest scoring output of the season in their loss to Atlanta, and there is now a chance that he misses this game. Rookie Ja’Kobe Walter should start in his place if he is sidelined, but he should be considered a low-end streaming option that can knock down some threes.

According to Grange, “Barrett left arena immediately after the game Sunday, missed practice [Monday] and will not travel to Boston with team for game Tuesday afternoon.” No reason was given for his absence, so his status for games beyond Tuesday is unclear. Toronto plays the Nets on Wednesday and the Magic on Friday, so fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Barrett leading up to those contests. While Barrett is out, Bruce Brown and Ja’Kobe Walter should see increased run.

Walter is back after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Grizzlies. His return likely means fewer minutes for Jamison Battle, who does not offer much fantasy value. The Raptors will also have Bruce Brown available, so the three may cancel each other out in this spot.

Walter missed Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies with an illness. A member of the Raptors’ bench rotation, if Walter can’t go once again Sunday, Jamison Battle could see more minutes with Walter out. Neither have much fantasy value either way.

Walter averages 20 minutes per game this season as a 20-year-old rookie. While he could see his role grow as the season goes along, he’s still a member of the Raptors bench rotation. Jamison battle could see more minutes with Walter out Thursday, though he’s not worth streaming.