Nae'Qwan

Tomlin

After starting slowly, Tomlin looked like a player with two seasons of NBA experience under his belt. The Cavaliers’ forward was one of two players with 20 points on the day, the other being rookie Meleek Thomas. Cleveland is in a bit of a holding pattern due to LeBron James’ free agency, which affects Tomlin’s fantasy outlook. Regardless of what happens in the fall, Tomlin looks like a player who should not see much action in Las Vegas.

With the Cavaliers resting most of their regulars, players like Tomlin were able to log extended minutes in Sunday’s regular-season finale. The second-year forward made the most of his opportunity, recording a career-high point total and surpassing the 20-point mark for the second time. Tomlin did not record any defensive stats, but the offensive production was excellent for those in active fantasy leagues. He’ll take on his usual reserve role during the playoffs and is not guaranteed consistent rotation minutes.

The Cavaliers are locked into the No. 4 seed regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s games, so most of their key contributors won’t play. The exception is Strus, and given the time he missed after undergoing offseason foot surgery, managers in active fantasy leagues should not expect to see him on the court for too long. The other four starters should play significant minutes, although Tyson only recently returned from an injury.

The Cavaliers will be without most of their rotation players for Sunday’s regular-season finale, as their playoff seeding is locked in. The absences in the frontcourt free up opportunities for Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who should have the ultimate green light on Sunday.

Wade sprained his right ankle during his pregame individual workout, and the Cavaliers have decided to hold him out for precautionary reasons. With Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson also out, this could be a spot where Nae’Qwan Tomlin picks up additional minutes, even if he comes off the bench.

Tyson will miss Sunday’s game with a sore left ankle, freeing up minutes on the wing among the Cavaliers’ reserves. While Max Strus (foot) is available for the first time this season, his playing time is likely to be limited. Nae’Qwan Tomlin may pick up additional minutes off the bench, but he is not worth the risk in most leagues.

Ellis’ fractured left index finger will keep him out of Friday’s game, freeing up minutes on the back end of the Cavaliers’ rotation. Nae’Qwan Tomlin may be the player who benefits most, with Craig Porter Jr. slotting in as Dennis Schröder’s backup.

Ellis is dealing with a fractured left index finger, which he suffered at some point in Wednesday’s loss to the Bucks. While his potential absence would not significantly affect fantasy basketball, it would free up rotation minutes for Nae’Qwan Tomlin.

Tomlin’s absence is due to a sore left calf. With Evan Mobley returning from a strained calf, Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill may not lose out on playing time in the reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s return.

The second-year man out of Memphis has offered quality minutes for the Cavaliers this season, and he’ll be rewarded by having his two-way contract converted into a standard deal. Tomlin is a valuable member of Cleveland’s rotation, but his production hasn’t been noteworthy in the world of fantasy hoops, so he can remain on the waiver wire.