Darius

Garland

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.

Collins did not travel with the Clippers for their recent two-game road trip, which ended with a win over the Grizzlies on Saturday. With Darius Garland moving into the starting lineup, Collins may be relegated to a reserve role when he’s cleared to play. Derrick Jones Jr. continues to serve as the starting power forward.

After coming off the bench in each of his first two appearances for the Clippers, Garland moved into the starting lineup on Saturday. He was supposed to be limited to 24 minutes, but the point guard logged 28 against the Grizzlies. Garland didn’t record any defensive stats, which makes the field-goal percentage that much more impactful on his category league value. The Clippers’ four-game Week 20 includes a back-to-back, so Garland could be limited to three appearances.

After sitting out Friday’s loss to the Spurs, Garland is available. Saturday’s game will be his first as a starter since joining the Clippers, which may mean that Garland’s minutes limit has been relaxed. Kobe Sanders heads to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value.

Friday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Clippers, who visit the Grizzlies on Saturday. Garland won’t be available for the matchup with the Spurs, which will likely result in more on-ball responsibility for Kris Dunn, who’s already in the starting lineup.