Cameron

Johnson

Johnson rose to the occasion on Thursday, logging one of his best performances of the season. Despite the loss, he drained half of his 10 three-point attempts, nearly pulled down double-digit rebounds, and finished as one of Denver’s most reliable scoring options on the evening. Johnson came into the season with some expectations to serve as the missing piece for the Nuggets, who acquired him via trade during the offseason. His production fluctuated throughout the season, and he ultimately averaged just 12.2 points overall, his lowest since his sophomore season. A more effective season and better fantasy production should be expected in Year 2 with the Nuggets next season.

Murray, Braun and Johnson will remain out for Sunday’s regular-season finale. Tyus Jones, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther started Friday’s win over the Thunder, and all should get another start on Sunday. For those in active leagues who need scoring, Strawther may be the best option to slot into fantasy lineups.

Not only will Johnson sit out Friday’s game, but the entire starting five will (Oklahoma City is sitting four of its starters). Tim Hardaway Jr. should have the brightest green light possible on Friday due to the Nuggets’ lack of depth.

Absent from the initial report released by the Nuggets, Johnson is now questionable for injury management reasons. If he does not play against the Thunder, Tim Hardaway Jr. stands to benefit the most among the available reserves.

Johnson was one of several Nuggets players to produce on the offensive end against the Grizzlies. Specifically, he was one of eight to finish with double-digit points, utilizing efficient shooting from beyond the arc and success inside the three-point line to conclude as the team’s second-leading scorer. After a slow start to the season regarding three-point shooting, Johnson has really picked it up and turned in an efficient season. His scoring uptick in April could prove to be valuable with the playoffs just around the corner.

Johnson has now made multiple three-pointers in seven consecutive games, providing the consistent production in that category that was absent for significant stretches earlier this season. Better late than never for those who stuck with the Nuggets wing throughout this season. For those whose leagues run through the end of the regular season, Denver plays four games in Week 24, starting with the Trail Blazers on Monday.

Johnson exited early on Sunday, but that won’t keep him sidelined against Utah. He’ll occupy his typical starting spot, which means Julian Strawther won’t receive any boost.

After appearing to grab his side, Johnson departed for the Nuggets’ locker room during the third quarter of Sunday’s game. It was eventually announced that the forward was dealing with back spasms. While Johnson did return to the bench to rejoin his teammates, he did not check back into the game. The Nuggets are off until Wednesday; if Johnson is not available, Julian Strawther could sneak into the back end of the rotation.

After his streak of games with at least three three-pointers ended with an 0-of-4 night in Friday’s win over the Raptors, Johnson found his stroke on Sunday. The Nuggets’ forward made five of seven attempts from beyond the arc, and he’s up to 17 three-pointers in his last five games. And this is good timing for Johnson, as the Nuggets’ rotation returned to full strength on Sunday with Peyton Watson returning from a strained hamstring.

Johnson, who has struggled for most of his first season in Denver, appears to be turning things around. He’s scored at least 15 points in three straight games, with the 18 points in Friday’s overtime loss being the most in a game for Johnson since hitting that number in a February 19 loss to the Clippers. For fantasy managers, now would be a great time for Johnson to provide consistent production, especially with the playoffs in Yahoo! default leagues beginning in Week 21.