Luka

Doncic

Doncic’s 35 points were the most he’s had in a game since dropping 45 points on the Bucks on March 13. The 26-year-old point guard went 10-of-21 from the field including four made three-pointers, but also got the foul line 11 times and made all of his free throw attempts. Doncic only turned the ball over twice and hasn’t had more than three turnovers in a game his last seven times out on the court. He’s closing the season on a high note after a rocky middle of the season that included an injury and trade to the Lakers.

Doncic’s three-point shot has been off lately as he’s 7-of-28 from behind the three-point line over his last three games. It’s a testament to his typical usage that he’s still managed to score at least 20 points in all three of those games. The 26-year-old point guard was just four rebounds and one assist away from a triple-double against the Rockets Monday. Doncic hasn’t committed more than three turnovers in a game in any of his last five games. He’ll break out of his three-point slump, but the lower turnover numbers are a legitimate positive trend.

Over the past two weeks, Doncic has provided top-5 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats. While the eight-cat production is unsurprising, Luka’s keeping the turnovers in check has boosted his value in the latter. Averaging 3.8 turnovers per game over the past two weeks, he’s had three or less in four consecutive games, which is his longest streak of the season. If Doncic can continue this trend, fantasy managers looking to close out Week 22 with a league championship will be in an excellent place if they have him rostered.

Doncic wasn’t able to extend his streak of 30-point games to five, but he was still able to provide well-rounded production despite a subpar shooting night. It wasn’t enough to offset the late-game heroics from Chicago, but it was more than enough to make an impact for fantasy managers. The Lakers will wrap up the week in Memphis on Saturday, and then they’ll play four games next week, with a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday. However, Doncic was able to play in this back-to-back for the Lakers, so managers shouldn’t stress, especially with LA fighting for playoff positioning.

Despite playing 38 minutes each in Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, Doncic and James are not on the injury report for Thursday’s game in Chicago. That’s great news for fantasy managers, as the Lakers stars are available. Doncic and James should shoulder their usual workloads as the Lakers look to improve their standing within the Western Conference.

Defensive lapses aside, Doncic finished Wednesday’s victory with a solid stat line. This was the third time in five games he’s only committed three turnovers, and the five-time All-Star finished one steal shy of a complete stat line. Over the past two weeks, Doncic has offered top-10 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, proving slightly more valuable in the former. However, with the Lakers visiting the Bulls on Thursday, Luka is not guaranteed to be available. He sat out the second game of the team’s most recent back-to-back on March 19-20.

While Doncic did not have a great night shooting the ball, he did keep the turnovers in check. After racking up 13 in his two prior appearances, the Lakers guard only had three on Monday. Over the past two weeks, Doncic has been a top-5 player in eight-cat formats and top-15 in nine-cat. The most significant concern for Luka managers during Week 21 is the Wednesday/Thursday back-to-back against the Pacers and Bulls. He has played both ends of one of the Lakers’ last three back-to-backs, so Doncic could only be available for two of the Lakers’ final three games of the week.

Doncic was excellent offensively when he shot the ball Saturday night. The issue was turnovers, as he racked up seven turnovers. The Lakers guard has been responsible for five or more in nine of his last 11 outings. However, this isn’t a significant issue in eight-cat formats or for managers willing to punt turnovers. Also, Doncic has been productive enough across the board to alleviate the impact of the turnovers, providing top-20 value in nine-cat formats during this 11-game stretch. The Lakers hit the road for four games during Week 21, starting with the Magic on Monday.

Doncic and Reaves were initially probable for Saturday’s game, so this was the expected outcome. They’ll occupy their usual places within the Lakers’ starting five, so managers need to have them in their active lineups before tipoff. LeBron James (groin) is a game-time decision, so the Lakers could be back to full strength on Saturday.

Doncic and Reaves are both probable with right ankle sprains after the pair missed Thursday’s game against the Bucks with the same injury. Given the probable listing, both players are expected to play without limitation Saturday.