Darius Garland records 26 points, nine turnovers

After totaling 10 assists in the Clippers’ first two games of the season, Garland recorded 11 helpers against the Thunder. That said, turnovers remain an issue, as he racked up five in the 108-101 defeat. Over three games, Garland has recorded 21 assists and 17 turnovers. So far, he’s been more valuable in eight-cat formats or to nine-cat managers willing to punt turnovers. The Clippers play three games in Week 2, starting with the Lakers on Wednesday.

After a tumultuous offseason for the franchise, the Clippers got their 2026-27 season off to a good start on Wednesday. Garland dominated his individual matchup against Kings rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., scoring an efficient 30 points. Matchups will get tougher as the season progresses, but fantasy managers hope Garland delivers performances of this caliber more often.

Garland led the Clippers with 11 field-goal attempts in the opening half, but connected on just four of them, including 1-of-4 from three-point range. He figures to serve as the team’s primary offensive catalyst, from both a scoring and playmaking standpoint, which keeps him an early-round pick in all fantasy formats.

In an interview with Cyro Asseo, Garland revealed that he had torn ligaments in his foot but is now fully healthy after a full offseason of recovery. He should play a significant role for the new-look Clippers and, if his health holds, remain a strong fantasy option as one of the team’s primary playmakers.

Prior to fouling out, Garland was able to have a productive night in his postseason debut for the Clippers. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for them to stay alive and have a chance to make the playoffs. Garland was acquired at the trade deadline in a deal that sent James Harden to Cleveland. He has been limited by a toe injury for over a year, but when he was finally able to make his debut for the Clippers, he was able to close the year out with a productive stretch. The former All-Star will be a pivotal piece for the Clippers moving forward.

Garland did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Thunder, as it was the Clippers’ second game in as many nights. His return will push John Collins to the bench. Collins has moved to the bench to help the Clippers account for the lack of options behind starting center Brook Lopez.

Collins started on Wednesday for the injured Darius Garland to give the Clippers a bigger opening unit. He did solid work on the glass and was decent as a scorer in his 27 minutes, ultimately falling just short of a double-double. Collins has had an up-and-down season with the Clippers, with highs and lows coming in bunches. Whether or not he remains in the starting unit once Garland returns remains to be seen. He and the Clippers face the Trail Blazers on Friday in a game that could determine which team gets the Western Conference’s eighth seed and two guaranteed chances in the Play-In Tournament to advance.

Wednesday’s game is the second in as many nights for the Clippers, who beat the Mavericks on Tuesday. As a result, Garland will sit for injury management reasons, with Collins moving into the starting lineup. Kris Dunn will run the point, which raises his fantasy ceiling.

Wednesday’s game is the second in as many nights for the Clippers, so Garland’s sitting is not a surprise. With John Collins taking on the backup center responsibilities, he may remain with the second unit. Kobe Sanders is another option to step into the starting lineup if the Clippers prefer to bring Collins off the bench.

Garland had 22 points on 18 field goal attempts in Tuesday’s win over the Mavericks. The 26-year-old point guard wasn’t as efficient as he had been recently and only had four assists. He’s provided eighth-round per game value over the last two weeks. Garland should thrive in his first full season with the Clippers next year as long as they keep Kawhi Leonard.