Devin

Vassell

Vassell’s contributions in Game 5 won’t jump off the page, but he was solid and recorded a complete stat line in the Spurs’ season finale. That tracks with his fantasy production during the regular season, with the Spurs’ wing finishing outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Vassell will likely remain a player who offers consistent late-round fantasy value, but his ceiling is limited. Especially as players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper improve.

Vassell had the hot hand for the Spurs on Wednesday, as he led the team in three-pointers. Yet, he only scored three points in the second half when New York outscored San Antonio 58-30 to complete a 29-point comeback win. Regardless, he finished as one of the team’s best scorers and also made contributions as a passer. Still, Vassell and the Spurs will need to have short memories and get back on track in Game 5 on Saturday. Otherwise, their season could end.

After scoring 22 and 20 points in Games 2 and 3 of the Western Conference Finals, Vassell was not as productive offensively in Game 4. However, he shot 2-of-4 from beyond the arc and recorded a complete stat line in the Spurs’ 103-82 victory. Neither team shot the ball well from beyond the arc, going a combined 15-of-66, but San Antonio’s defensive activity carried the night. Vassell and the Spurs will look to take a 3-2 series lead when they visit the Thunder for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Harper had a monster Game 1 but was forced out of Game 2 after only 25 minutes with what was believed to be a right leg injury. An MRI revealed a right adductor injury, and there’s a chance Harper is forced to sit out Game 3. De’Aaron Fox (ankle) is also questionable, and San Antonio’s backcourt could be shorthanded in a pivotal home showdown. Keldon Johnson and Jordan McLaughlin could be in line for expanded roles, with Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell doing some heavy lifting.

Vassell was efficient on the offensive end on Wednesday. He led the Spurs in threes, with his six makes from beyond the arc accounting for all but one of his total made field goals on the evening. Vassell grabbed a decent number of boards but didn’t contribute much elsewhere. He’s finished the last three games with at least three made triples; his production from deep could be crucial on Friday in Game 3.

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.

While Wembanyama and Castle played in Friday’s win over the Mavericks, Castle did not. The Spurs are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and the Wemby and Castle have played enough to be eligible for postseason awards. Players like Carter Bryant and Harrison Ingram could play plenty on Sunday.

One game removed from his first double-double of the season, Vassell ended his Week 23 with another solid performance. The 18 points are the most in a game for him since March 25, when the Spurs’ wing scored 19 in a win over the Grizzlies. Vassell shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc on Saturday, and he’s now 6-of-16 over his last two games. San Antonio plays four games without a back-to-back in Week 24, which is good news for Vassell managers whose leagues will remain active.

With no Victor Wembanyama (ankle), the Spurs needed a group effort on the glass to take care of the Clippers. And they got it, with Vassell and Julian Champagnie (13/8/4/2 with one three-pointer) leading the way. Vassell’s double-double was his first of the season, and he also shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Due to the strength of the Spurs’ rotation, Vassell boasts a lower fantasy ceiling than in seasons past. Still, his perimeter shooting ability makes him a valuable option in most leagues.

Vassell gave the Spurs welcome three-point shooting on Saturday, going 4-for-7. Even better for fantasy managers were the four defensive contributions, including three steals. Before Saturday, Vassell totaled five steals and zero blocked shots in his previous seven appearances. If he can build on Saturday’s performance on the defensive end of the floor, that could be a difference maker for fantasy managers in Week 23, championship week in Yahoo! default leagues.