Darius Garland records 26 points, nine turnovers

After being outscored 40-25 in the third quarter, Garland and the Clippers did what needed to be done down the stretch to win the 113-112 thriller. The Clippers’ starting point guard had the game’s biggest shot: a layup through contact and an ensuing free throw with 50.4 seconds left to take the lead for good. Even with the occasional struggles with turnovers, Garland is providing top-100 fantasy value through 11 games.

Garland and the Clippers had a tough night in Phoenix, so much so that none of the starters played in the fourth quarter. For those willing to punt turnovers, Garland has provided good fantasy value this season. He and the Clippers will look to bounce back on Friday when they host the Thunder.

A 20-point scorer in consecutive games, Garland finished Sunday’s victory with his second double-double of the season. Just as important for category-league managers was his ability to take care of the basketball. Garland committed two turnovers against the Pelicans, the fewest in a game for him this season. If that could become the norm, Garland’s chances of making good on his top-60 ADP increase substantially.

By now, it’s known that category-league managers rostering Garland will likely have to punt turnovers. He racked up six turnovers against the Heat, but the Clippers’ guard had his best shooting night this season. In addition to making 10 of 14 shots from the field, he recorded seven assists, making for a decent night at the office.

Garland’s efficiency remains an issue for fantasy managers. In addition to the poor shooting, he committed seven turnovers against the Raptors. Four of those turnovers occurred in the fourth quarter, as the Clippers were outscored 47-27 and surrendered a 13-point lead. Some may view this as a good “buy low” opportunity, but Garland has committed at least five turnovers in five of the Clippers’ first seven games.

Garland kept the turnovers in check on Sunday, committing three, but he had a tough night shooting the basketball. Shooting 37.8 percent from three entering Sunday’s game, the Clippers point guard shot 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. Garland struggling to knock down shots isn’t a major issue compared to the turnovers, as he’s averaging over five per game. The better he can do taking care of the basketball, the more valuable he’ll be in nine-cat formats.

Counting Friday, Garland has recorded at least five turnovers in four consecutive games. He recorded five against the Timberwolves, a negative mark on an otherwise decent night individually. Because of injuries to Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal and Max Strus, Garland has had to shoulder a heavier offensive workload, and that hasn’t done his nine-cat value any favors.

While Garland is shooting a respectable 46.3 percent from the field, turnovers have hurt his early-season value in nine-cat leagues. He committed five turnovers against the Lakers and is now averaging 5.8 per game. In four games, Garland has 26 assists and 23 turnovers. To be fair to Garland, he’s been playing through back tightness, according to Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. And the hard fall he took on a layup attempt during the second half of Wednesday’s game didn’t help. Injuries have limited the Clippers’ rotation, and that may also explain Garland’s high turnover count.

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.