Marvin

Bagley III

It’s a bit of a surprising move for both sides as Valanciunas opts to sign with a rebuilding team, and Washington adds another center to a frontcourt that includes Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley III and just drafted Alex Sarr with the No. 2 pick in the draft. Valanciunas’ minutes were cut in his last season with New Orleans, and his production suffered because of it. It’s unclear what kind of role he’ll have in Washington, but all of the abovementioned players likely get a ding in fantasy value. New Orleans lost Larry Nance Jr. to the Hawks in the Dejounte Murray trade, so the Pelicans may be forced to give big minutes to rookie center Yves Missi right away.

Bagley exited early from Tuesday’s game, and now his return to the lineup this season is in question. Being “week-to-week” with two weeks left doesn’t bode well for his chances of playing again this season. With Richaun Holmes also out, Tristan Vukcevic will fill most of the center minutes. He had 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists in their last game after Bagley’s exit.

Tuesday’s game will be Holmes’s third missed with a toe injury, and his absence will boost Marvin Bagley III’s fantasy value. MBIII will start at center, with Anthony Gill serving as the backup. Gill does not need to be rostered in most fantasy leagues.

Holmes has missed Washington’s last two games, and Marvin Bagley III has replaced him in the starting lineup. Bagley’s fantasy value increases when allowed to start, and he could retain that role even if Holmes is cleared to return. Anthony Gill will fall out of the rotation entirely if both are available.

Once again starting for the injured Richaun Holmes, Bagley got off to a solid start on Sunday, shooting 3-of-4 from the field. He finished with his tenth double-double of the season and second in as many games. Bagley has reached double figures in scoring in all five games he’s played since returning from a back injury, and he should have solid fantasy value for the remainder of the season, especially if Holmes remains sidelined. Another player who benefitted from Holmes’ absence on Sunday was Anthony Gill, who scored a season-high 18 points (7-of-12 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs) with four rebounds and one 3-pointer in 20 minutes. The Wizards play four games in Week 23, beginning with the Bucks on Tuesday.

Bagley came off the bench in his first three games back after an extended absence, but he moved back in to the starting unit for this game with Richaun Holmes sidelined. He kept up his strong play, and he has provided top-50 value since returning to the rotation. If Holmes remains out against Miami on Sunday, Bagley should end the week with another strong performance. However, even if Holmes is back, Bagley could remain in the starting lineup. He will at least see enough minutes off the bench to provide solid value, which will make him worth keeping around.

With Richaun Holmes out, Bagley will make his return to the starting lineup. Their only other center options will be Kuzma and Anthony Gill, so Bagley should play big minutes. He has provided top-75 value over their last three games in just 19.5 minutes per game.

Holmes injured his toe during the first half of Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Nets and did not return after halftime. His absence will push Marvin Bagley III back into the starting lineup, and he is worth rostering in standard leagues. Anthony Gill will assume the backup center responsibilities but is not a worthwhile streamer, especially with 12 games on the schedule for Friday.

Holmes was not on the court to begin the third quarter, with the Wizards announcing his injury shortly after that. That opens the door for Marvin Bagley III to regain the starting center job, and he is worth rostering in standard leagues. Holmes played 12 minutes, going scoreless (0-of-1 FGs) with three rebounds.

Holmes has turned back the clock over the past week regarding fantasy value. He has averaged 11.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks, providing 5th-round per-game value in 8-cat formats. His work on the boards is why the veteran center played the lion’s share of the minutes at center, and the Wizards have won three consecutive games. Marvin Bagley III, who looked like a potential silly season star before being sidelined with a back injury, played 17 minutes off the bench and finished with 16 points and two rebounds. Due to the rebounding and defensive production, Holmes is currently a better fantasy play than Bagley.