Marcus

Smart

Poole is back after sitting out Thursday’s game against the Magic, Washington’s second contest in as many nights. His return means Marcus Smart will head to the bench, with the veteran guard’s already-limited fantasy value taking a hit.

Smart did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Kings, as the Wizards relied mainly on Jordan Poole, Bub Carrington and AJ Johnson on the perimeter. Poole is unavailable for Thursday’s game, so rotation minutes will be available to Smart. However, fantasy managers should not expect to see him playing starters’ minutes; he has not surpassed 24 minutes in any of his appearances since being acquired from the Grizzlies in February.

Smart will not be available for Wednesday’s game, freeing up additional rotation minutes off the bench for Jaylen Martin. Some of the minutes that would have gone to Smart may be absorbed by Julian Champagne, who is already in the starting lineup. There isn’t too much to gain from streaming Martin.

Smart will be back after missing Washington’s last two games. Jaylen Martin was able to enter the Wizards’ rotation with Smart sidelined, but he will likely lose out on minutes with Smart healthy and available. Martin wasn’t productive during his time in the rotation.

Smart has missed Washington’s last two games, resulting in Jaylen Martin moving into the rotation. Martin has not been productive enough to merit being streamed in most leagues, so Smart’s return would not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Thursday’s game will be the second that Smart and George have missed with their respective injuries, and the latter’s absence is more impactful on fantasy basketball. Justin Champagnie filled in for George in Wednesday’s win over the 76ers and should remain in the starting lineup, making him a streamable player in deep leagues. As for Smart, his continued absence means more playing time for AJ Johnson, who will likely come off the bench with Khris Middleton returning from a one-game absence.

Smart has missed several games between a finger injury and an illness in March. His absence will likely give AJ Johnson a chance to get a heavy workload off the bench against Philadelphia. Johnson had 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal in 28 minutes in Washington’s last game.

Smart got going after halftime, shooting 5-of-10 from the field to help the Wizards trim a 33-point deficit down to four before losing. While availability issues make the veteran guard difficult to rely on in fantasy basketball, he can provide value when playing rotation minutes. Smart logged 24 minutes on Saturday, which has been his unofficial cap since joining the Wizards. While Washington plays four games during Week 21, there’s also a back-to-back, likely limiting Smart to three appearances.

Smart will sit out the first leg of Washington’s back-to-back due to a finger injury that has forced him to miss time this season. AJ Johnson and Bub Carrington should both take on extra minutes with Smart sidelined.

Poole has been an offensive focal point for the Wizards this season, and that won’t change on Wednesday. His availability is good news for fantasy managers, as Poole has rebounded from a rough 2023-24 campaign. As for Smart, while he will play rotation minutes, the production has not been good enough to merit being rostered in most leagues.