Carter

Bryant

After struggling in his first appearance of the summer, Bryant was much better in the Spurs’ 70-49 victory. In addition to shooting 70 percent from the field, he made both of his three-point attempts and recorded three “stocks.” With the Spurs adding Tobias Harris to the mix via free agency, Bryant is likely to take on a limited offensive role again next season. However, he can provide value as an “energy guy” and defender, and those characteristics were on display against the Knicks.

Bryant wasn’t a critical piece during the Spurs’ playoff run, but he was getting some minutes during the postseason. His role was quite different than what his role was in this game, but it was still disappointing to see him struggle the way he did. The good news is that Bryant’s offensive role likely won’t expand much next season, so they’ll just need him to focus in on defense, which he is still more than capable of doing. However, it would be nice if he showed more offensive juice over the next couple weeks.

Kornet, who logged four minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s Game 4 defeat, is dealing with an illness. His potential absence from Game 5 would not significantly affect the Spurs’ rotation, given his limited playing time. It’s possible that Carter Bryant would get a few more minutes off the bench, especially if the Spurs looked to keep Victor Wembanyama’s playing time in check after he logged 44 minutes in Game 4. However, given what’s on the line, it’s unlikely that Wemby would play more than 40 minutes once again.

Kornet is dealing with a sore left foot, and a potential absence would affect the back end of the Spurs’ rotation. He averaged 13.8 minutes per game in the second round, which included a spike in playing time in Game 4 due to Victor Wembanyama’s second-quarter ejection. If Kornet can’t play on Monday, more minutes would become available to Carter Bryant.

After playing a total of 32 minutes in the first three games of the Spurs’ second-round series, Kornet was asked to play 26 minutes in Game 4. The reason was Victor Wembanyama’s second-quarter ejection after picking up a Flagrant 2 foul. Kornet held his own on the glass, but there were also times when the Spurs called on Carter Bryant (two points and one rebound in 12 minutes) as part of a center-less lineup. With Wembanyama back in the fold for Game 5 on Tuesday, Kornet’s minutes are going to decrease significantly.

Wembanyama threw an elbow while being fouled, striking Minnesota’s Naz Reid above the neck. After a video review, the Spurs star was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected. Wembanyama finished with four points (2-of-5 FGs), four rebounds and one assist. His absence means more minutes for Luke Kornet, and there may be periods when Carter Bryant plays the five as part of a smaller lineup. Assuming there’s no suspension for Wembanyama for Game 5, he’ll be fine to run out in playoff fantasy contests.

Injured during practice in the lead-up to Monday’s series opener, Bryant did not play in the Spurs’ Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves. He totaled seven minutes in the final two games of San Antonio’s first-round series against Portland, as Victor Wembanyama was back after missing Game 3 with a concussion. Bryant, who logged 23 minutes in the game that Wemby missed, is unlikely to play much if he’s available for Game 2 against the Timberwolves.

Bryant sprained his right foot during practice, and the hope is that he won’t be sidelined for too long. His absence won’t have a significant effect on the Spurs’ rotation, as they’ve got enough depth to compensate for the rookie’s absence.

Bryant’s status for the series opener is uncertain. He was rarely used in the series against the Trail Blazers aside from Game 3 when Victor Wembanyama was sidelined with a concussion. If he is available on Monday, the rookie will provide energy off the bench and offer defense at the forward position.

Vassell is good to go for Sunday’s game. However, with the Spurs locked into the No. 2 seed, fantasy managers in active leagues should anticipate Vassell playing limited minutes. Expect to see plenty of Carter Bryant on Sunday.