Devin

Vassell

Castle played 28 minutes last night in a win over the Raptors and must have come up a little sore the next day. With the Spurs coming in as heavy favorites over the Nets, it would make sense for them to give Castle some rest. That would likely mean more minutes and usage for both Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper.

Vassell has been on a roll from beyond the arc recently, making at least five three-pointers in each of his last three appearances. The Spurs wing has connected on 14 of 23 attempts during this run, and his overall fantasy value has been excellent. Over the past week, Vassell has provided fifth-round per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. The Spurs visit the Nets on Thursday, and that has the potential to be another good night for Vassell.

Vassell made as many three-pointers (seven) on 11 attempts as the entire Pistons did on 36 attempts. Vassell and Julian Champagnie’s shooting was instrumental in the Spurs victory as the pair combined for 12 three-pointers. Vassell has provided 11th-round per game value on the season, according to Basketball Monster.

In the first six games he played afer returning from a strained adductor, Vassell averaged 10.7 points on 40.6 percent shooting from the field. Saturday’s performance was his best since the injury, with the Spurs’ wing also providing solid value in the rebound and assist categories. San Antonio’s Week 17 starts with games on Tuesday and Wednesday, so Vassell managers may only get three games out of him instead of four.

On Saturday, Vassell made his first start since returning from a strained adductor, playing 30 minutes in a loss to the Hornets. His absence from the injury report for Sunday bodes well for the workload that he’s capable of carrying. Harrison Barnes came off the bench against Charlotte, and he’ll likely remain in that role if Stephon Castle (adductor) can play on Sunday.

Vassell returned to the starting lineup on Saturday after coming off the bench in his first two games back from a strained adductor. While he recorded a complete stat line in Charlotte, the impact was a bit muted. However, Vassell getting back to 30 minutes is the most notable aspect of his line. Harrison Barnes moved to the bench, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and three three-pointers in 25 minutes. With the Spurs hosting the Magic on Sunday, Barnes would likely be back with the starters if they decide to sit Vassell.

Vassell is back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench in his first two appearances after missing nearly a month with a strained adductor. However, his inclusion does not come at the expense of Champagnie. Instead, it’s Harrison Barnes who heads to the bench, so those who were streaming Champagnie should hold onto him for a bit longer.

Inactive since December 29 due to a strained adductor, Vassell was used in a reserve role on Sunday. While there was some rust to shake off, the Spurs’ wing playing 25 minutes without issue is the most important takeaway. Julian Champagnie (13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one three-pointer) remained in the starting lineup, but he played 26 minutes after logging 34 in each of the prior two games. There will likely come a point when Vassell returns to the starting lineup, with Champagnie heading to the bench.

Vassell has been out since December 29, which has resulted in Julian Champagnie moving into the starting lineup. Depending on how the Spurs handle Vassell’s workload, Champagnie may get another start. He’s worth holding onto until Vassell plays without restrictions, given his three-point production.

As a team, the Spurs shot 14-of-50 from beyond the arc. Just imagine what the percentage would have been if Champagnie weren’t 8-of-16 by himself. Once again filling in for the injured Devin Vassell, Champagnie has been a 12th-round player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. While the overall fantasy value isn’t great, Julian should be rostered by managers seeking three-point production while Vassell remains out.