Santi

Aldama

After scoring 21 points and recording a solid stat line in Monday’s loss to the Celtics, Aldama was also solid in Tuesday’s loss to Golden State. This was a needed two-game stretch for the fourth-year forward, who is ranked outside the top 150 in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Aldama has been a 10th-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats this season. Unfortunately, the production dipped at the wrong time for those who have relied on him for consistent late-round value.

Aldama has been solid all season, but the production has been quieter in recent months when compared to his early-season numbers. Monday’s performance was his highest-scoring night since February 2, which was a 23-point night in a win. That is something Memphis hasn’t done much of recently as they lost for the sixth time in their last seven games on Monday. Aldama has been a reliable reserve for them, but it’s hard to count on him for this level of production. He ranks outside the top-200 in nine-cat leagues over the past two weeks.

Clarke injured his knee during a March 19 game against the Trail Blazers. He has since been diagnosed with a high-grade right PCL sprain and will not play again this season. Clarke’s absence frees up additional minutes for Zach Edey and Santi Aldama, who were already prominent members of the Grizzlies rotation. John Konchar may also pick up playing time due to his rebounding ability, but Edey and Aldama are the players who fantasy managers should target (if they’re available).

Memphis will be making some changes to the starting lineup after dropping two consecutive games. Pippen Jr. and Aldama will replace Luke Kennard and Zach Edey in the opening unit. It is an interesting adjustment against Ivica Zubac since this will be a smaller starting unit for Memphis, though Pippen Jr. will provide them with a true point guard presence in the starting lineup.

Clarke injured his knee on Wednesday after playing just five minutes, and it will keep him sidelined against the Clippers. Santi Aldama, Zach Edey and John Konchar all could take on extra minutes with Clarke sidelined. Aldama led all three in both production and minutes on Wednesday.

Aldama returned from a calf injury that had kept him out since March 7 and played 27 minutes off the bench Wednesday against the Trail Blazers. The 24-year-old power forward was effective with 16 points on 10 shots. He certainly benefited from the absence of Ja Morant, who has commanded tremendous usage when available recently. Aldama is a deep league option due to his spot in the Grizzlies pecking order and the volume of players they include in the rotation, but he offers a legitimate ceiling.

Aldama and Pippen are good to go for Wednesday’s game, and their returns bolster the Grizzlies’ depth. Aldama offers a higher fantasy ceiling, but Pippen is also worth a look in deep leagues since Ja Morant (shoulder) is unavailable.

Aldama and Pippen missed Monday’s loss to the Kings, with the former having missed the Grizzlies’ last five games. The absences of Pippen and Ja Morant have led to Cam Spencer entering the rotation, but he is not worth adding in most leagues. As for Aldama, John Konchar may play a few more minutes off the bench, but he’s only worth a look for deep-league managers needing rebounds.

Aldama was initially doubtful for Monday’s game, while Pippen was listed as questionable. Their absences leave the Grizzlies down another two rotation players, with Ja Morant (shoulder) already out. Vince Williams Jr. should experience an increase in playing time, and the Grizzlies will again rely on a backcourt of Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard.

Aldama has missed Memphis’ last five games with a strained right calf, and that number is likely to hit six on Monday. Vince Williams Jr. is available and will likely play additional minutes if Aldama is ruled out. However, Williams has not done enough to merit being rostered in most fantasy leagues.