Linas

Kleiza

The Pacers already have a logjam brewing at point guard between Darren Collison and George Hill, while Paul George should be locked into all the minutes he can handle at shooting guard, as the future of the franchise. Barbosa’s value takes a hit in Indy, while guys like DeMar DeRozan and Linas Kleiza should see more touches in Toronto. Perhaps the biggest impact here is that it likely means the Pacers will no longer be making a run at Chris Kaman.

This is a tough break for fantasy owners, as Johnson looked fine while playing through his illness on Monday. Injuries are seriously hurting Toronto right now, though they basically conceded the season when they drafted Jonas Valanciunas. Linas Kleiza will start in place of Johnson.

The shooting line stinks, but he’s been putting up solid numbers for several games now, and with Johnson ill and Jerryd Bayless out for the season, could be a sneaky add for the rest of the season. He’s averaging 16.5 points and three 3-pointers over his last two games.

Johnson will return after a one-game absence, but may be somewhat limited. Linas Kleiza will start over Johnson and in his start on Wednesday had 15 points and three treys in 28.5 minutes. Kleiza looks to be the stronger play Friday, but Johnson should eventually get his minutes -- and stats -- back soon enough.

Kleiza is averaging 9.6 points, 1.2 threes and 3.9 rebounds this season, but he’s shooting a career-low 40.9 percent from the field. Whether his struggles are due to the Achilles, fatigue or another matter, he’s not providing fantasy value.

If Kleiza hits a few more shots we’re looking at this line in a totally different way, but regardless he’s a borderline play at best heading into the Raptors’ upcoming four-game week. It won’t help if James Johnson returns from whatever he did to upset Dwane Casey, as well.

Forbes has missed two straight games with the injury and will miss his third straight on Friday. This news should have no impact on fantasy owners in standard-sized leagues with DeMar DeRozan, James Johnson, Linas Kleiza and Alan Anderson all healthy.

Henderson is going to score, but doesn’t do much more in terms of fantasy. He’s worth a look in many leagues, but a guy like Devin Harris, Linas Kleiza or Jordan Crawford is probably a better way to use a waiver-wire pickup.

Kleiza was hot earlier this month before suffering a knee injury, but he looks healthy again. He makes for a good pickup, especially if owners are in need of 3-pointers. Just don’t fall in love with him, as he can become a victim of coach Dwane Casey’s unpredictable rotations at any time.

Klieza hit five threes en route to 21 points on Wednesday, and has proven to be a capable scorer and fantasy producer when healthy. He’s certainly worth owning in 12-team formats right now, but owners should plan for Kleiza to take maintenance days off for his knee.