Ben

Saraf

Saraf had a strong finish to his rookie season, but the Nets’ backcourt only got more competitive with the addition of No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. He didn’t play in this game, but he will likely start over Saraf when he eventually debuts. Saraf should have a role for the Nets this year, but it is unlikely he makes much of an impact in fantasy basketball.

Before fouling out, Saraf tallied a solid stat line in 26 minutes. This was his fourth straight start, and he has averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game during this stretch. Saraf was the 26th pick in the draft last summer and showed some flashes during his first year in the league. He likely won’t be ready to make significant contributions during his second season, but he’s worth stashing in dynasty formats.

Traoré was initially questionable for Sunday’s game. Ben Saraf has served as the starting point guard in recent games, so Traoré’s absence would not change anything there.

Traoré has come off the bench in recent games, with fellow rookie Ben Saraf handling the starting point guard responsibilities. That will remain the case on Sunday, regardless of Traoré’s availability.

Saraf has reached double figures in scoring in three consecutive games, one shy of his season-best run. The Nets’ rookie recorded a complete stat line against the Bucks and played 41 minutes. Nolan Traoré (14 points, four rebounds, three steals, one block and one three-pointer) has served as the backup, with Nets decision-makers and the coaching staff taking a longer look at Saraf. That should remain the rotation for Sunday’s season finale against the Raptors.

Despite shooting poorly from the three-point line, Saraf still managed to find production against the Pacers. He finished with a handful of boards and tied a team-high in assists, showing off some versatility in his game. Saraf has put together a solid few weeks toward the end of his rookie season that could be a confidence booster heading into the offseason and ultimately his second season. He’s got two games left to close strong.

Mann will miss his third game in a row, as he deals with lingering lower extremities injuries. The seventh-year pro has mostly functioned as a starter for the Nets, putting up numbers similar to a season ago. Ben Saraf should get the start again, as a result.

Saraf moved into the starting lineup and had 19 points in the win over the Bucks on Tuesday. The 19-year-old missed Sunday’s game against the Wizards with back tightness, though he’s been playing behind Nolan Traoré anyway. It was a good game for Saraf against the Bucks, but as one of five Nets first-round picks last year his standing in the organization remains somewhat of an open-ended question.

Powell and Liddell are the holdovers from the lineup that started Sunday’s win over the Wizards. Saraf, Smith and Scott replace Nolan Traoré, Jalen Wilson and Chaney Johnson. Saraf and Powell may be the “safest” options for those in active fantasy leagues, as they were first-round picks last summer, and their development is critical for the Nets.

Saraf is back after missing Sunday’s win over the Wizards. He’ll provide depth off the bench behind Nolan Traoré, and there may be times when the two rookies are on the court together.