Aaron Nesmith returns to starting five vs. Nets

Aldama underwent knee surgery in March and has yet to make his Mavericks debut, but his assignment to Dallas’ G League affiliate is an encouraging update to his status moving forward.

According to Shams, an MRI revealed no structural damage, but the Raptors are being cautious with the superstar and will keep an eye on his knee while ramping him back up. In his absence, Ja’Kobe Walter should see an increased role. Walter started on Sunday and finished with 22/4/2 with three “stocks” and five triples. Guys like Jamal Shead and Collin Murray-Boyles could also be in line for bumps in playing time, but Walter is the preferred add from a fantasy basketball perspective.

For the first time since his rookie season, DeRozan is being asked to come off the bench. As expected, the veteran forward needs to adjust to the unfamiliar role. After taking 19 shots in Denver’s first two games, he took 15 against the Warriors and recorded his first 20-point stat line of the season. As DeRozan gets more comfortable in his role, his chances of providing the fantasy value managers have grown accustomed to over the years improve.

Monday’s start was the second in as many games for Hopkins, who continues to fill in for the injured Cameron Johnson (ankle). Unlike Saturday’s win over the Pelicans, when he offered limited production, the rookie was more aggressive on offense. The result was Hopkins’ first double-figure scoring night as an NBA player. He should remain a starter until Johnson is healthy enough to play.

After going off for 42 points in Saturday’s win over the Pelicans, Murray cooled off a bit on Monday. However, he still shot well; the final line reflected lower shot volume and his inability to get to the foul line. After attempting 13 free throws against New Orleans, Murray didn’t attempt any against the Warriors. Monday’s outcome aside, Murray’s gotten off to a good individual start this season.

Two nights after recording a triple-double in Denver’s comeback win over the Pelicans, Jokić posted a double-double on Monday. The three-time MVP finished with a complete stat line and committed one turnover, a good start to the week for those rostering him. However, the Nuggets are now 1-2, and they needed to erase a large deficit to get that lone win. Simply put, Jokić needs more help from teammates not named Jamal Murray.

Back in the lineup after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Suns, Podziemski recorded his second 18-point game of the season. He played 33 minutes against the Nuggets, a positive sign given the back issue that kept Podz out of the Warriors’ October 21 season opener. Golden State has three more games in Week 2, ending with a Sunday/Monday back-to-back, so another injury management night could be on the horizon for Podziemski.

For just the second time in his illustrious career, Curry finished a game without missing a shot. After making his lone attempt during the first half, the Warriors guard shot 7-of-7 from the field in the second half as they pulled away from the Nuggets. Given Yaxel Lendeborg’s play, the Warriors didn’t have to rely as much on Curry. If that continues, it would make the future Hall of Fame guard’s job a little easier.

On a night when Stephen Curry attempted just one shot in the first half, Lendeborg had his best game as a pro. The rookie forward recorded his second double-double in four games and his first 30-point stat line. Given Lendeborg’s role with the Warriors and how much the team seems to trust him, he could be one of the best rookies in fantasy basketball this season.

Both Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Lauri Markkanen (wrist) exited early from this game, which allowed Bamba and Josh Green to start the second half. Green wasn’t productive, but Bamba made the most of the opportunity. If Jackson remains out against the Spurs on Wednesday, Bamba may be in line to start. However, it is unlikely he produces to this level again, and the matchup against Victor Wembanyama isn’t ideal.