Caleb

Love

Love was an older rookie for the Trail Blazers last season after going undrafted. However, he was productive for a few months early last season, though his availability was limited over the final two months of the year. Still, he’s a talented scorer, making this a nice swing for the 76ers, even if he’ll have plenty of competition for minutes and shots.

After making his season debut in Friday’s win over the Grizzlies, Henderson did not play the following night. On track to play against the 76ers, he’ll likely be under a minutes restriction if cleared. Caleb Love could be made inactive, since he’s close to his 50-game limit.

Due to his lower back injury, Avdija has missed Portland’s last two games. The Trail Blazers were also without Shaedon Sharpe for Saturday’s win over the Grizzlies, which prompted Sidy Cissoko to move into the starting lineup. If Avdija can play on Monday, his return may also lead to Caleb Love being made inactive as he approaches his 50-game limit.

With Portland getting healthier in the backcourt, Love’s opportunities aren’t going to be as plentiful as they were earlier this season. The rookie deserves credit for staying ready, as he chipped in with 17 points and eight assists in 27 minutes. Portland’s three-game start to Week 17 includes a back-to-back, so Love should be active for at least one game. However, due to the 50-game limit and Scoot Henderson’s return, Love won’t be much help to those competing in redraft leagues.

Avdija will miss a second consecutive game due to his back injury, which means Jerami Grant will continue to start. The question is who will step in as the fifth starter, as Shaedon Sharpe (calf) is also out. Caleb Love could be the next man up, and he would be worth streaming in deep leagues if allowed to start.

After undergoing right foot surgery in early November, Wesley is available to make his return to the court. While his availability doesn’t make him a player worth rostering, this may lead to fewer minutes for Caleb Love. That’s something to keep an eye on, especially with Love’s 50-game limit as a two-way contract player approaching.

After being held to single digits for the first time since before Christmas on Sunday, Love was able to get back on track in this game. Still on a two-way deal, Love has been impressive as a scorer. He’s averaging 15.8 points per game in January, which is third among rookies. His fantasy impact is really just points and three-pointers, which gives him some value, but his impact is limited.

Avdija was having an excellent night before his lower back flared up, tallying 20 points (6-of-11 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), seven rebounds, four assists and two three-pointers in 18 minutes. Avdija missed three games earlier this month after injuring his lower back during a January 11 loss to the Knicks. Having Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant back in the lineup will help account for Avdija’s absence, and Caleb Love can also pick up some of the slack from a playmaking standpoint.

With Holiday still working his way back from a strained calf, he is not to the point where he can play both games of back-to-backs. His absence coincides with Deni Avdija’s return from a back injury, so the Blazers may decide to slide Deni into the starting lineup. If not, Caleb Love is the likely replacement in the starting lineup.

Given how well Love has played, it feels inevitable that he’ll eventually be upgraded to a standard contract. The rookie guard had another excellent night on Saturday, and he’s scored at least 17 points in five consecutive games. And a spot start could be in Love’s future, as the Trail Blazers visit Sacramento on Sunday. Jrue Holiday (9/3/4 with one three-pointer) played 20 minutes, but he isn’t far removed from an extended absence with a strained calf. If he sits, Love will likely start.