KJ

Simpson

Though there was no ill intent, the foul that Simpson committed on Jaylen Wells resulted in an awkward fall for Wells, who ended up being taken off the court on a stretcher. Memphis hasn’t released an official update on Wells yet, since the injury just occurred. However, Simpson won’t be able to return for the second half because of the play.

Sunday’s start was the sixth for Simpson since the Hornets ruled LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle) out for the rest of the season. While the rookie’s fantasy prospects for next season don’t appear promising, these games allow KJ to show he can potentially serve as Ball’s backup. Sunday’s performance was arguably his best of the season, with Simpson tallying a season-high 18 points. Rostered in two percent of Yahoo! leagues, KJ has provided ninth-round value in eight-cat formats over his last six games.

Simpson has started Charlotte’s last five games, reaching double figures in points on three occasions. During this period, the rookie point guard has averaged 11.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 three-pointers while shooting 39.3 percent from the field. While that has only been good for 13th-round value in eight-cat formats, the opportunity makes Simpson worth a look for deep-league managers desperate for an available point guard. The Hornets end Week 22 at home against the Bulls on Sunday.

Smith Jr. and KJ Simpson led the Hornets in playing time, but it was Smith Jr. who had the better night as a scorer. Simpson turned in nine points on 3-of-12 shooting, while Smith Jr. posted his 19 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including a 3-of-5 mark from downtown and a perfect 2-of-2 from the charity stripe. With LaMelo Ball out for the season and Charlotte eyeing a potential chance at drafting Cooper Flagg, Smith Jr. should see significant minutes down the stretch.

Earlier Friday, it was announced that LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle) is out for the rest of the season. Simpson will replace him in the starting lineup, and the two-way rookie is eligible for every game the rest of the way. He’ll likely retain the role for the foreseeable future, with Damion Baugh potentially getting a few opportunities when he’s active. Baugh is inactive for Friday’s game.

Charania says the procedures will be minor, but Ball will not play again this season. With the Hornets eliminated from postseason contention and LaMelo having played through those issues, it’s unsurprising that he’ll be shut down. Damion Baugh and KJ Simpson will play more down the stretch, with Baugh offering greater potential for managers needing scoring at the point guard position.

Ball is dealing with an ankle injury while Okogie continues to manage a hamstring injury. KJ Simpson, Nick Smith Jr., DaQuan Jeffries and Seth Curry are all candidates to benefit from the vacated minutes.

Ball and Williams are off the injury report after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Thunder. They’ll occupy their usual places in the starting lineup, with KJ Simpson and Jusuf Nurkic heading to the bench.

With LaMelo Ball sitting out the second leg of Charlotte’s back-to-back, Simpson was called up from the G League and immediately slotted into the starting unit. He has started in his last three appearances, but this was also the first time that Simpson played in a game since February. Even if he is productive when he is given the opportunity, the lack of clarity in when he’ll be available to play makes him a headache to roster.

Ball and Salaun were initially questionable for Saturday’s game. While the former is back after a one-game absence, the latter missed the final two games of Charlotte’s road trip. Ball’s return coincides with KJ Simpson being sent to the G League, so Elfrid Payton will take on the backup point guard responsibilities. Salaun will be part of the rotation, but coming off the bench limits his fantasy value.