Daniel

Theis

Theis, who started last season in the NBA before joining AS Monaco in February, had an outstanding performance to help Germany blow out Lithuania. Theis didn’t miss a shot and was one of three players to score at least 20 points, joining Franz Wagner and Dennis Schroder. Theis is averaging 13.3 points per game through the first three games of the tournament.

Theis started this season playing with New Orleans and opened the year as the starting center. Across his 38 appearances, he averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.3 minutes per game. Theis was dealt to the Thunder in a cost-cutting move at the trade deadline and was waived shortly after. Though he reportedly had interest from NBA teams, Theis opted to return to Europe and join AS Monaco. There is still a chance that he eventually returns to the NBA, especially if he plays well overseas.

One day after they acquired Theis from the Pelicans, the Thunder waived the veteran center to free up a contract slot. They could use it to add a veteran who lands the buyout market, or they can give a standard deal to a player already under team control. As for Theis, his moving on doesn’t impact fantasy basketball.

Theis has played a small role for the Pelicans this season, but his time with them has come to an end due to a move that will put them below the luxury tax. If Theis isn’t bought out by OKC, it is unlikely that he sees the floor enough to provide any value in fantasy basketball. However, this does open the door for Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic to see a few extra minutes at center for New Orleans.

Theis has missed New Orleans’ last two games with a sprained right thumb. Due to his absence, rookie Karlo Matkovic has entered the Pelicans’ rotation as Yves Missi’s backup. There’s no need to stream Matkovic, as he’ll back up another rookie who should play most of the available minutes at center.

Theis will miss a second straight game with this right thumb sprain, though his absence won’t have much of an impact on fantasy basketball. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Karlo Matkovic will be tasked with filling out the backup center minutes behind Yves Missi once again, but neither reserve big will be worth streaming.

Williamson sat out Friday, but he should be available to handle his typical workload against the Nuggets. He’s logged only 13 games this season, but prior to sitting out due to illness, he averaged 29/8/4/1/1 across three outings. Hawkins and Theis should be in line for their usual allotment of minutes if they’re cleared to play.

Hawkins sat Wednesday due to the illness, and he’ll miss another game while he recovers. Brandon Boston Jr. should see additional playing time in his absence, though he’s not a recommended streaming option. Theis’ absence won’t have any impact on fantasy managers’ lineup decisions.

While Theis has continued to come off the bench, his ability to space the floor has occasionally led to him playing more than rookie starter Yves Missi. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl may enter the rotation with Theis unlikely to play on Friday, but he’s unlikely to do enough to merit being streamed.

Missi is on track to return from an illness that has sidelined him for New Orleans’ last two games. With Zion Williamson out, the rookie center’s chances of providing reliable fantasy value increase. While Daniel Theis may remain in the starting lineup, no Zion lowers his ceiling, especially if Missi is available.