Monte

Morris

Tyus Jones (and Phoenix’s other starters) did not play on Sunday, so Morris moved into the starting lineup. Playing against the franchise that drafted him in 2017, Morris did what we’ve come to expect, putting up a solid stat line while taking care of the basketball (one turnover). His fantasy value during the regular season will depend on the health of Jones, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, but there will be times when Morris is worth streaming.

Phoenix lacks true PG depth, and Morris’ addition helps to address that issue. Morris is a reliable, long-range threat who shot 39.2% from beyond the arc over the last six seasons.

Morris logged eight minutes before exiting Game 2, finishing with two points (1-of-4 FGs) and one steal. If he cannot play in Game 3 on Friday, Jordan McLaughlin could return to the rotation. However, neither will play enough to merit being added to DFS lineups.

Conley logged 30 minutes in Tuesday’s win over Houston, so his status for the second game of Minnesota’s back-to-back set isn’t surprising. Monte Morris and Jordan McLaughlin should fill in for Conley while he’s out.

McLaughlin serves as Mike Conley’s backup, which limits his fantasy ceiling. A potential absence would free up additional minutes for Monte Morris, who would not be worth streaming in most leagues.

Both players were initially listed as questionable, but they have been cleared to play in this game. Slo Mo should remain in the starting unit with Karl-Anthony Towns still out, while Morris will see a few minutes off the bench. Anderson should be worth streaming still, while Morris should be left on the waiver wire.

Morris’ availability has little impact on fantasy hoops, but the same can’t be said of Anderson’s and Gobert’s statuses. Naz Reid has balled out over his last four outings, averaging 21.8 points, 6.8 boards, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.3 blocks and 4.0 triples across 32.8 minutes. Reid should continue to see an elevated role for as long as Karl-Anthony Towns is out, and his usage should be even heftier if Anderson and/or Gobert are sidelined.

Andreson and Morris are good to go for Saturday, with the former being more impactful in fantasy basketball. Anderson has been Karl-Anthony Towns’ replacement in the starting lineup and will assume that role in Salt Lake City. As for Morris, his return means fewer minutes for Jordan McLaughlin, but neither is worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

While Anderson played in Tuesday’s win over the Clippers, Morris has the Timberwolves’ last three games. The former’s status is more impactful on fantasy basketball, as SloMo has started for the injured Karl-Anthony Towns (knee). Nickeil Alexander-Walker will move into the starting lineup if Anderson cannot play. As for Morris’s absence, it has freed up additional minutes for Jordan McLaughlin, which does not impact fantasy basketball.

Morris remains sidelined for another game, leaving Jordan McLaughlin as the lone backup to starting point guard Mike Conley. This will only significantly impact fantasy basketball if Conley suffers an injury.