Buddy

Hield

The Warriors have made just one change to the lineup that began Saturday’s win over the Cavaliers. With Butler available, Jonathan Kuminga heads to the bench. While he should still play plenty, Kuminga’s fantasy ceiling is lowered with the move to the second unit.

Butler is back after a two-game absence, which is good news for a team that remains without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. His return likely means fewer minutes for Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield, with both players offering limited fantasy value in their respective roles.

Butler III sat out the first leg of Golden State’s back-to-back set on Saturday, but he’ll return on Sunday to help Golden State go for a second win in as many days. He should return to the starting five, which means fewer minutes will be available for Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield.

Initially questionable for Saturday’s game, Butler is officially out. Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield are among the Warriors whose minutes stand to increase with Butler, among others, sidelined for Saturday’s game. Hield offers a higher fantasy ceiling, but the need to account for Donovan Mitchell may lead to Payton getting more minutes.

Butler was initially questionable for Thursday’s game after a sore left knee caused a premature exit from Tuesday’s loss to the Thunder. Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield should see their minutes increase, and De’Anthony Melton is available to make his first appearance of the season. Of the three, Hield offers the highest offensive ceiling.

Since returning from a seven-game absence due to a bilateral knee issue, Kuminga has played 19 and 16 minutes off the bench. Now, he’s dealing with right ankle soreness. If he isn’t able to suit up against Philly, Moses Moody and Buddy Hield should see a bump in minutes.

Knee soreness ended Butler’s night early on Tuesday, which allowed Gary Payton II to start the second half in his place. Buddy Hield logged 28 minutes off the bench, and while he didn’t shoot well, he did get 15 shots. If Butler misses Thursday’s game, Hield would be the preferred streaming option over GPII.

Hield played 31 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Heat, but the Warriors were without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. With those three available for Friday’s contest, Hield’s playing time will likely decrease. At best, he’s an option for deep-league managers needing three-pointers.

While he is dealing with an illness, the probable tag suggests Hield will be cleared to play. If so, his fantasy value is limited when the Warriors are close to full strength, as they’re expected to be on Friday. Hield is only worth rostering in deep leagues at this point in the season, and that may be generous.

Hield had 18 points in 31 minutes against the Heat on Wednesday. With the Warriors down multiple starters, the 32-year-old shooting guard had season-highs in points and minutes. Hield usually plays about half as much as he did in the 14-point loss to the Heat, which is why he’s had a minimal fantasy impact this year.