Derrick

Walton Jr.

Walton Jr. played a few games for the Pistons last season, but he spent most of his time in the G-League. On a one-year deal in Australia, he may try to come back to the NBA next season, but it’s unlikely that he provides anything for fantasy managers outside of silly season.

The Pistons should have their starting backcourt available for Monday’s game, as Cunningham and Killian Hayes (protocols) are no longer on the injury report. While both could be on a minutes restriction, their returns would drop spot starter Derrick Walton Jr. from the rotation. Fantasy managers who have Cunningham rostered need to make sure that he isn’t stashed in an IL+ slot.

Walton had a solid game on Saturday scoring 11 points with six rebounds, six assists, and four steals in a win over San Antonio. If you took him as a DFS streamer, you lucked out, but he won’t be an option on Monday. With Frank Jackson (ankle) and Corey Joseph (protocols) on the shelf, Detroit will be extremely thin at point guard behind Cade Cunningham (protocols) who is expected to play Monday.

The Pistons have been decimated with injuries, as they have 13 players unavailable. Stanley will make his first career start Saturday with Frank Jackson (ankle) sidelined. With so many players out, Saddiq Bey and Hamidou Diallo will both be relied upon heavily to carry the load offensively.

With Cory Joseph and Trey Lyles in protocols, Walton Jr. and Garza are sliding into the starting lineup. Walton Jr., the Detroit native and former Michigan player, will get his second career start and his first for his hometown team. Garza is averaging 6.5 points, four rebounds, and an assist in two starts this season.

None of these guys suited up for the Pistons during the preseason, but they will be eligible to sign a deal with Detroit’s G League affiliate.

Walton Jr. is facing long odds to make the Pistons’ opening night roster. He’s far more likely to be with the team’s G League affiliate.

Walton will be in training camp with Detroit but will then be assigned to the team’s G-League affiliate. Walton played three games with the Pistons during the 2019-2020 season, so an eventual call-up is not completely out of the question. Still, though, he is not a target in fantasy hoops.

Walton Jr. was added to the training camp roster in Philly back in November, but he was waived earlier this week and will now head back overseas.

Neither player was projected to be in the rotation so there are no fantasy implications here.