Bennedict

Mathurin

There were certainly some lows for Mathurin in April, but he was able to end his first season as a Clipper with back-to-back 20-point outings. There aren’t any questions about his scoring ability, but he hasn’t been able to contribute value in other categories consistently, and that is unlikely to change next season. He’s still a talented young guard, and he played well in this game, but that shouldn’t change how fantasy managers view him heading into next season.

Mathurin capped the regular season with a solid overall performance, finishing one rebound and two assists shy of a triple-double. And he played 32 minutes, the lone Clipper to surpass 30, which may have been an attempt by head coach Tyronn Lue to build up the young wing’s confidence. Mathurin entered Sunday having totaled 24 points on 6-of-22 shooting in his prior four appearances. Even with Kawhi Leonard back in the fold, the Clippers will need a productive Mathurin to navigate the Play-In Tournament and reach the playoffs.

Mathurin posted solid percentages and was active on the glass, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Clippers from being outclassed by the red-hot Spurs. And after scoring four points on 2-of-7 shooting in Tuesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, he needed to have a good Thursday night individually. The Clippers play once more in Week 23, on Sunday in Sacramento, and that’s a matchup in which Mathurin can flourish.

Mathurin was whistled for a technical during the first half after arguing over an uncalled foul, and that may have given the Clippers’ reserve a boost. He attempted 14 free throws after the tech, contributing to an efficient 28-point afternoon for Mathurin. Add in the rebounds, and this was a solid end to Week 22 for Mathurin. He’ll look to put together another solid offensive showing on Tuesday against the Trail Blazers.

Playing in Indiana for the first time since he was dealt to the Clippers in the Ivica Zubac trade, Mathurin struggled with his shot. He shot 1-of-5 from inside the arc, but Mathurin compensated for those struggles by getting to the foul line. The Clippers’ wing shot 75 percent from the charity stripe, with the 12 points on free throws boosting his points tally. Sunday’s game against the Bucks may be better for Mathurin, given the emotions associated with his return to Indiana on Friday.

Miller did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Raptors, with his absence coinciding with Bennedict Mathurin’s return from a toe injury. If Miller returns, Nicolas Batum is the player most likely to lose out on playing time.

Mathurin’s return from a four-game absence was a successful one, as he helped lead the Clippers to a third consecutive win. Per usual, the Clippers’ sixth man scored the ball well, with free-throw shooting being a primary reason. He also contributed as a passer and ultimately tied a team-high in assists. Mathurin’s offensive production off the bench is necessary for Los Angeles. Fantasy managers can expect him to remain in his role the rest of the way, with nightly scoring production being likely.

Mathurin will be back following a four-game absence with this toe injury. Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller have both taken on larger roles in his absence and will likely lose out on a few minutes with Mathurin back.

Mathurin sat out all three games of the Clippers’ road trip that concluded in Dallas on Saturday. He’ll remain out for at least one more game, resulting in more minutes for Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller. While neither player is a must-stream option, Dunn is worth a look for managers seeking defensive production.

Mathurin has been ruled out for the entirety of the Clippers’ upcoming three-game road trip that begins Wednesday against the Pelicans. The 23-year-old small forward is dealing with an injury to the big toe on his right foot. Whether Kawhi Leonard (ankle) plays on the upcoming road trip or not, John Collins will have a higher fantasy ceiling with Mathurin sidelined.