Drew

Timme

With Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes out due to injury, there were going to be opportunities for Timme to contribute. He didn’t start, as Maxi Kleber (11/5/1/1 with one three-pointer) received the nod, but that didn’t keep the third-year forward from having a career night. Timme recorded his first 20-point game as a pro, shooting 75 percent from the field. If Ayton and Hayes can’t play on Sunday against the Raptors, Timme will be worth considering in deep leagues.

With Jaxson Hayes already out, the Lakers could ill afford not to have their starting center available for Saturday’s game. Unfortunately, Ayton will not be able to play against the Trail Blazers. Jarred Vanderbilt may move into the starting lineup, and there will also be a need for rotation minutes from Maxi Kleber and even Drew Timme.

Hayes will miss a third consecutive game, once again leaving the Lakers shorthanded in the post. With Deandre Ayton (knee) still questionable, JJ Redick could be without both of his rotation centers. If so, Maxi Kleber and possibly even Drew Timme would be forced to play rotation minutes.

Both Hayes and Deandre Ayton (knee) are questionable, so the Lakers could end up incredibly shorthanded down low. If both are sidelined, Jarred Vanderbilt and Drew Timme would likely be next in line to fill out center minutes.

This is a new injury for Ayton, and the Lakers don’t have much depth at center behind him. Jaxson Hayes would likely fill the void, though his streaming appeal will be limited. Drew Timme could also fill some minutes off the bench.

Timme was initially questionable for Sunday’s game. He’s only appeared in two games for the Lakers, so there’s no need to consider streaming the former Gonzaga standout.

Timme is in the league’s concussion protocol. His availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as he has only appeared in two games since joining the Lakers in late November.

While neither transaction is shocking, the Nets parting ways with a former first-round pick will grab some attention. Whitehead, the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 draft, struggled with injuries throughout his two seasons in Brooklyn, making 22 appearances (20 in 2024-25). As for Timme, despite some solid performances late last season and in Summer League, he was the victim of a frontcourt logjam. Neither move significantly impacts fantasy basketball, but a few managers in deep dynasty leagues may have held onto Whitehead, hoping he would eventually break through.

It has been a dominant Summer League for Timme, who is averaging 25.3 points per game. He has a non-guaranteed contract with the Nets for next season, but he has played well enough to earn a long-term deal. Timme should be a valuable role player in the NBA for a long time.

Timme has been outstanding in Las Vegas, even if the Nets are now 0-2 following Sunday’s defeat. The former Gonzaga standout went off for a game-high 30 points, shooting over 50 percent from the field. While his contract is only partially guaranteed until January 10, Timme has played well enough thus far to ensure he has a fair opportunity to earn minutes for the Nets next season. He isn’t an option in most fantasy leagues, but Timme may occasionally be a worthwhile streamer.