Jericho

Sims

Sims had been able to play through the thumb injury, but the Bucks opted to fix the issue now to ensure that he will be ready for the postseason. Sims only played a small role off the bench, but it was a critical one to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez as fresh as possible. Now, Giannis and Lopez will likely have to stagger as the center options due to the lack of bigs on the bench.

Lopez’s two blocked shots were welcome, as he has recently been “hit or miss” in that category. His four-block effort against the Lakers on March 13 was sandwiched between zero-block efforts. However, Lopez has averaged 1.9 rejections per game since the All-Star break, which is one reason why he has been a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. While Jericho Sims (four rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in 12 minutes) is playing through a thumb injury that could require surgery, the Bucks may need to rely on Lopez even more down the stretch.

Trent and Sims are available after the Bucks listed both as questionable for Sunday’s game. The former offers a higher fantasy ceiling, but neither is a must-have in most leagues. Regarding Sims, his sprained thumb could require surgery, but he has been deemed healthy enough to play on Sunday.

With Sims still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Thunder, the question is whether or not he can do more damage to the injury through playing. While he has provided solid minutes off the bench, Sims has not done enough to impact fantasy basketball. If Sims has to miss time, Giannis Antetokounmpo may see some action at the center position when Brook Lopez is resting.

Sims has filled out the backup center minutes recently, and he is the only frontcourt player that sees consistent minutes off the bench for Milwaukee. If he is sidelined, Giannis Antetokounmpo may see more time at center when Brook Lopez is off the floor.

Both players were dealt to Milwaukee ahead of the trade deadline, and both Kuzma and Sims will suit up for the Bucks the first time against the Hawks. Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is sidelined, so there should be extra minutes and shots available. Sims’ role is unclear at this point, but Kuzma will have a chance to start.

The Knicks have traded Sims to Milwaukee in a transaction unlikely to impact fantasy basketball. The fourth-year center wasn’t a consistent member of the rotation in New York, with Precious Achiuwa and (more recently) Ariel Hukporti playing more minutes. Maybe the change of scenery turns out to be what Sims needs, but he should not be rostered in fantasy leagues.

Absent from the Knicks’ last two games, Towns fully participated in Saturday’s practice. In addition to the sprain, he’s dealing with a bone chip in that thumb, but surgery will not be required to address that issue. If the Towns cannot play against the Hawks, Jericho Sims will remain in the starting lineup, and reserve Precious Achiuwa will play more minutes off the bench.

Towns has missed two straight, but his participation in practice could mean he’s nearing a return. Hart hasn’t missed a game since December 19, but he’s apparently dealing with a shoulder injury. Both players’ next chance to play will come Monday against the Hawks at Madison Square Garden. If one or both are sidelined, expect Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa to see big minutes in the frontcourt.

Towns won’t face his former team Friday as he’s been ruled out with a thumb injury. The 29-year-old power forward missed Wednesday’s game against the 76ers after injuring his thumb Monday against the Pistons. Jericho Sims will get another start, though Precious Achiuwa is the superior streaming option.