NBA Finals rematch scheduled for Christmas Day

Boston plays on Sunday and Monday, so Robinson sitting is not a major surprise. Neemias Queta is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup, and Luka Garza’s playing time is likely to increase.

After totaling 10 points in his first two starts of the season, Williams scored 11 on Saturday. He was most valuable against the Rockets in three-pointers and rebounds, but this performance doesn’t make “Kenny Hustle” a must-add heading into Oklahoma City’s four-game Week 3. Also, with the Thunder playing two games against Cleveland to start the week, it’s fair to wonder whether head coach Mark Daigneault would consider a bigger lineup to match up with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. If so, Williams or Jared McCain (10/4/2/1) could be headed to the bench.

With Chet Holmgren (knee) out for at least 8-10 weeks, the Thunder will rely even more on Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams (3/4/1/1) and Aday Mara (seven points, nine rebounds, three assists and four blocks) in the post. Of the three, Hartenstein is the safest option for fantasy managers, which is why he’s rostered in over 80 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Since the October 25 game against the Clippers in which Oklahoma City lost Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, Gilgeous-Alexander has shot 49.1 percent from the field and 5-of-17 from beyond the arc. Of course, the Thunder have also lost Chet Holmgren since last Sunday, which allows opposing teams to devote even more attention to slowing down SGA. Fantasy managers will hope his efficiency doesn’t take too big a hit in the weeks to come. Oklahoma City plays four games next week, starting with two against the Cavaliers on Monday (away) and Wednesday (home).

Şengün returned to the Rockets lineup after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Mavericks with a sore back. He played 33 minutes and finished one rebound and one assist shy of a triple-double. Turnovers can still be an issue for Şengün at times, but he’s gotten off to a good start this season. Clint Capela, who started on Friday, recorded four rebounds and two assists in 10 minutes.

Smart started Saturday night, as the Rockets did not have Fred VanVleet (knee) due to injury management. The veteran guard shot 7-of-10 from beyond the arc against the Thunder and recorded his first regular-season 20-point game since March 14 against the Nuggets, when he played for the Lakers. While Smart will be a fixture in the Rockets’ rotation, his fantasy outlook hinges on VanVleet’s availability.

Smith matched his season high with 30 points, recording the seventh 30-point game of his NBA career on Saturday. Against the Thunder, he shot 6-of-12 from three, helping the Rockets compensate for Fred VanVleet’s absence and a relatively quiet night from Kevin Durant (14/3/4/1/3). Smith has gotten off to an excellent start, leaving some to decide whether to “sell high” or bet he continues to play this well. The Rockets play three games next week, starting with the Celtics on Monday.

Fantasy managers rostering Sabonis received solid returns in rebounds and assists. However, the Kings center took just five shots on Saturday, matching his season low. Sabonis is averaging 9.2 attempts per game, his fewest since 2018-19. Zach LaVine (11 points, one assist) attempted nine shots on Saturday. With rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. having the ultimate “green light,” it will be interesting to see how vets like Sabonis and LaVine adjust.

While Hunter’s streak of 20-point games didn’t reach three on Saturday, he did hit double digits in shot attempts for the third straight game. His fantasy value has been limited for most of his career, especially in category leagues, because he hasn’t produced much in assists, steals, or blocks. However, Hunter’s recent scoring run and Keegan Murray’s continued absence make him someone to consider adding in deep leagues.

After six games, it’s clear the Kings won’t impose any offensive limitations on Acuff. While efficiency can be an issue at times, that was not the case on Saturday. Acuff established new highs in points and three-pointers while shooting a respectable 48 percent from the field. He was especially good in the first half, scoring 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting and committing one turnover. The Kings play four games next week, starting with the Mavericks on Monday.