Donte

DiVincenzo

Since going 0-of-6 from three in a December 8 loss to the Suns, DiVincenzo has made at least three three-pointers in five straight games. Sunday was the fourth in this run in which he’s made four, and the increased production has boosted his fantasy value. Over the last two weeks, DiVincenzo has been ranked just outside the top-75 in eight-cat formats. Depending on what happens with Jaden McDaniels, who left Sunday’s game with a hip injury, DiVincenzo would be worth a look in more leagues.

DiVincenzo has now scored 18 points or more in each of his last three games, which were all played with Anthony Edwards out of the lineup. Counting Wednesday, he’s shot 20-of-49 (40.8 percent) from the field, slightly lower than his percentage for the season (41.3 percent). However, over the past two weeks, he’s made 38.9 percent of his shots. DiVincenzo has still provided top-100 value, but things could be better for him and those who have him rostered.

On the heels of a two-point outing against the Suns, DiVincenzo bounced back nicely on Friday with his fourth 20-point game of the season. He hadn’t had a significant impact on the game through three quarters, but saved his best for the fourth. In the final frame, he recorded 10 points and knocked down two massive three-pointers to swing the momentum and ultimately help the Wolves get back in the win column. With Mike Conley (Achilles) and Anthony Edwards (foot) out on Friday, and Bones Hyland (knee) exiting early with an injury, there’s a chance DiVincenzo’s usage and production could take a jump in the short term.

Anthony Edwards’ return from a strained hamstring did not impact DiVincenzo much on Wednesday, as he remained in his usual spot in the starting lineup. And the “Big Ragu” did not disappoint, finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. DiVincenzo, who’s rostered in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues, has been close to a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. Locked into a starting role, he should be rostered in a higher percentage of fantasy leagues.

Edwards is progressing well in his return-to-play rehab program, and a return to the court appears imminent. Once Edwards is back, Mike Conley will likely shift back to the bench, with Donte DiVincenzo remaining with the first unit.

A fixture in the starting lineup since the beginning of the season, DiVincenzo has hit double figures in six straight games. Monday’s performance was the best of the bunch, with the Timberwolves guard recording his first 20-point game. Add in the rebounds, assists and three-pointers, and DiVincenzo had the kind of night that fantasy managers look for. Monday’s victory moved Minnesota to 2-2 without Anthony Edwards, as he continues to work his way back from a strained right hamstring.

DiVincenzo made his second start at the point guard position on Friday and found greater individual success than in the season opener. He left his mark from beyond the arc against the Lakers en route to scoring in double figures for the first time this season. He also doubled his assists from opening night and picked up a pair of steals along the way. DiVincenzo’s production could increase if more reps at the position throughout the season prove valuable to his development.

The lineup decision means veteran Mike Conley will come off the bench, but according to Haynes, he will “remain a vital piece.” DiVincenzo’s fantasy value gets a boost with this announcement, and he’s still widely available on many waiver wires.

Edwards is dealing with back spasms, hence his inclusion on the Timberwolves’ injury report. To say his potential absence is a big deal would be an understatement, as Ant-Man is Minnesota’s top offensive option and has top-10 fantasy potential. If he’s unable to play, more will be asked of Julius Randle offensively, and Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. would see their roles expand.

McDaniels is in the starting lineup after sitting out Minnesota’s preseason opener against the Timberwolves, bumping Naz Reid to the bench. The other change is DiVincenzo, who steps in with Mike Conley unavailable. The change to the perimeter means Anthony Edwards will be asked to do more playmaking for others in addition to his usual scoring. With Conley turning 38 later this month, DiVincenzo’s playing time may increase during the regular season, even if he remains in a reserve role.