Michael

Porter Jr.

Jokic still has a chance to return from his five-game layoff. Denver has gone 2-3 without the star big man since he suffered an ankle injury and he could give them a big lift against the undermanned Bucks. MPJ has been healthy as of late and his absence could lend several reserve wings more minutes.

Over the past two weeks, Porter has provided eighth-round value in eight-cat formats. While that may not be the most impressive production, he has grabbed nine rebounds or more in three of his last five appearances. With Nikola Jokic (ankle) out of the lineup, that’s a category in which Porter can provide added value, which would raise his fantasy ceiling. The Nuggets play three games during Week 21, and Jokic is already out for Monday’s game against the Bulls.

With Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun all sidelined, Denver relied on MPJ more on the offensive end. He delivered his second-straight 20-point double-double and had his highest assist total since December. That was enough for the shorthanded Nuggets to get the win in Golden State after a disappointing loss to the Wizards two days before. MPJ will continue to be productive, but managers shouldn’t get used to 20-point double-doubles. They have three more games this week on this road trip, with the Lakers up next on Wednesday.

Porter recorded his first 20-point game since March 9, which was also his last double-double. The Nuggets forward is up to 13 double-doubles, one shy of his 2023-24 tally, and his average of 18.3 points per game is the highest for MPJ since his second NBA season. If Porter has had an issue since the All-Star break, it has been his shooting. He has made 43.1 percent of his attempts since the break, over seven percentage points lower than his mark for the season (50.9). He’ll look to turn things around during Denver’s four-game Week 20.

In recording his second double-double in three games, Porter’s 15 rebounds were a season-high. However, rebounding has not been the issue for the Nuggets forward since the All-Star break, field-goal percentage has. Shooting 42.4 percent from the field, Porter has provided 11th-round value in nine-cat formats since the break. With his limited defensive production, there isn’t as much margin for error regarding Porter’s fantasy ceiling.

Porter Jr. had his fourth game with at least 28 points in the month of February. The 26-year-old small forward was efficient shooting 10-of-15 from the field including 6-of-7 from behind the 3-point line. Porter Jr. also pulled down nine rebounds. He’s provided third-round fantasy value in February.

Porter’s fantasy value has increased recently, with the combination of efficient scoring and improved rebounding being a factor. Since February 5, he has averaged 21.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.4 three-pointers per game, providing third-round value in nine-cat formats. Porter has corralled at least seven rebounds in six straight, cracking double digits on three occasions.

Gordon and Porter are good to go for the Nuggets’ first game out of the All-Star break. During his pregame availability, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said neither player will be restricted. As a result, Julian Strawther and Zeke Nnaji’s respective values will take significant hits.

With Gordon and Porter Jr. expected to return to their normal roles following the All-Star break, Zeke Nnaji and Julian Strawther could see their roles reduced significantly.

Porter Jr. missed Monday’s game and was initially listed as questionable Wednesday, though he has since been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Julian Strawther could replace him in the starting lineup and would be worth consideration for fantasy managers in need of points and threes.