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.

With no Victor Wembanyama for Wednesday’s game, Bryant effectively served as the backup center against the Trail Blazers. And the look caused the visitors some trouble defensively, with the rookie forward stepping out to shoot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Whether the Spurs will call on that smaller lineup on occasion during the playoffs remains to be seen. Carter showed on Wednesday that he’s capable of taking on that responsibility if called upon.

Castle, who finished Monday’s win over the 76ers with a triple-double, is dealing with a sore right knee. The doubtful tag suggests that he’s heading toward not playing on Wednesday, which would free up playing time for Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant. For those in active fantasy leagues, Harper offers a higher ceiling.

Harper will be back following a two-game absence. Carter Bryant took on extra minutes in his place, but he will take on a smaller role with Harper back in the mix.

Vassell is dealing with left ankle soreness and will miss the second leg of San Antonio’s back-to-back set. Carter Bryant and Keldon Johnson could see bumps in playing time as a result of Vassell’s absence.