Lonnie

Walker IV

Surprisingly, Walker failed to secure a standard contract after hitting free agency this summer. He ultimately signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Celtics, with the team waiving him at the end of the preseason. Walker’s exit will not impact fantasy basketball.

The Celtics face a hefty luxury tax bill, so it would take a lot for Walker to earn the team’s final standard contract slot. If Walker were to remain, the Celtics would be on the hook for some $11 million in salary and luxury tax payments. If another NBA team does not claim him off of waivers, Walker will join the Maine Celtics in the NBA G League.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla rested his entire starting lineup for Sunday’s game, the second in as many nights for the reigning champions. Walker was one player who was given the opportunity to show what he could do, and the veteran wing player did very well against the Raptors. Boston has an available standard roster spot, but finances may keep it open once the regular season begins. That’s a tough deal for Walker, who can help this (or any) team with his athleticism and scoring ability. He isn’t worth the risk in fantasy drafts, but keep an eye on Walker’s contract status as the preseason approaches its conclusion.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Boston had 14 players on standard contracts for the 2024-25 season, but Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Walker will be on an Exhibit 10 deal. The 2018 first-round pick appeared in 58 games for the Nets last season, averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 3-pointers in 17.4 minutes. Walker shot nearly 39% from three, which could be where he boosts Boston if the minutes are there. However, the Celtics are deep on the perimeter, making it difficult for Walker to achieve fantasy relevance for the reigning champs.

After playing 36 minutes on Saturday, Schroder may be left on the sidelines for the second night of the back-to-back. If that happens, Dennis Smith Jr. should slide into the starting lineup in his place, with Lonnie Walker taking on the backup guard role.

Both players were initially listed as doubtful, and now they have been ruled out for this game. Noah Clowney and Trendon Watford should be the main beneficiaries off the bench, though Lonnie Walker and Jalen Wilson should see extra minutes as well.

Johnson was initially listed as probable, so his availability in this game isn’t a surprise. He should continue to come off the bench, where he logged 20 minutes on Sunday. That isn’t enough time for him to make an impact in fantasy.

DSJ will be sidelined for the fifth time in their last six games. He only played four minutes on Sunday, so his continued absence will not have much of an impact on fantasy basketball, other than opening up a few minutes for Lonnie Walker.

Walker has had some solid stretches this season, but he hasn’t played much over the past few weeks. However, with Cam Johnson and Dennis Smith Jr. out for Monday’s game, Walker was able to see the floor more and ended up turning in a solid line. While he is certainly capable of producing excellent value, Walker’s production moving forward will be entirely dependent on the availability of the guys in front of him. He could be worth streaming if Johnson and DSJ remain sidelined for Wednesday’s rematch, but that isn’t a guarantee. Plus, his minutes could be reduced if the game is slightly closer.

With both players ruled out, Dorian Finney-Smith and Lonnie Walker IV are the biggest beneficiaries from a fantasy hoops standpoint. Both players have a favorable matchup with the Pacers, but DFS is the only one of the two who’s worthwhile in 12-team leagues. Walker IV is best suited for deep leagues.