Darius

Garland

On the one hand, Garland did well on Wednesday to not commit a turnover in his 29 minutes, after recording a season-high eight giveaways in the Clippers’ recent loss to the Spurs. Yet, the versatile point guard was held to his fewest points since March 4, while finishing without multiple made three-pointers for the first time as a Clipper. L.A. has lost three straight games and will rely on Garland’s production to help get back in the win column on Thursday.

Garland was initially listed as questionable for this game, but he will be good to go. He has been on fire since moving into the starting unit, averaging 23.0 points, 7.2 assists and 4.4 three-pointers in 28.5 minutes per game across five starts for the Clippers.

Garland had 25 points and 10 assists in Monday’s loss to the Spurs. The 26-year-old point guard was doing everything he could on offense with Kawhi Leonard (ankle) sidelined. Garland is questionable for foot injury management reasons, but he could have another big game against the Pelicans if he’s available.

Garland was likely tasked with doing even more on offense against the Spurs with Kawhi Leonard sidelined (ankle), and he mostly delivered. The former NBA All-Star led the Clippers in scoring, albeit on unspectacular shooting efficiency, and earned his fifth double-double of the season thanks to some strong facilitating. The ball distribution was nearly cancelled out by a season-high eight turnovers. Nonetheless, Garland has steadily made strides as he becomes more comfortable with his new team. He should be able to finish the fantasy season strongly.

Garland played 30 minutes on Saturday, matching his high since joining the Clippers. However, he appeared to tweak something in his right foot during the second half, which is concerning given the Clippers’ guard’s injury history. Garland did play through the issue, and the Clippers will need similar performances from him moving forward, especially if Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has to miss time.

Leonard, who suffered a cut over his left eye during the first half of Saturday’s game, had to exit after injuring his left ankle early in the fourth quarter. His absence means that the Clippers will need more offensive production from Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. Leonard finished with 31 points (13-of-23 FGs, 3-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, two steals and two three-pointers.

Garland did not play in Friday’s win over the Bulls, resulting in rookie Kobe Sanders moving into the starting lineup. Sanders will return to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value.

Garland will missed Friday’s game, which is the first of a back-to-back. He should return to play the Kings on Saturday, but Kobe Sanders should slide back into the starting unit for their matchup with Chicago.

Garland and his new teammates are strengthening their chemistry by the game. He’s scored 21 points or more in three straight games, and the Clippers point guard did his damage on Wednesday in just 23 minutes. The Clippers end Week 20 with games on Friday and Saturday, and Garland did not play both legs of the team’s last one. So, fantasy managers may get to use the point guard for one game only.

Garland’s playing time and scoring output have increased in each of his last three games, a positive development for the Clippers and those who have him rostered. The 23 points and 30 minutes were highs for the point guard since his move west, as were the five three-pointers. Garland, who shot 7-of-19 from deep in his first three games as a Clipper, made five of his nine attempts against the Knicks. With the Clippers’ final three games of Week 20 including a back-to-back, Garland may be limited to two appearances.