Frank

Ntilikina

Ntilikina suited up in five games for the Hornets last season before he was waived at the trade deadline. Now, he’ll head to play in Serbia after seven seasons in the NBA. Fantasy managers won’t have to adjust their draft boards because of this move.

Smith and Ntilikina haven’t provided much fantasy value this season, aside from a couple games from Smith. However, these moves leave Nick Smith Jr. and Tre Mann (who they acquired in a deadline deal) as the only healthy point guards, since LaMelo Ball is still out. Charlotte didn’t start a point guard in their last game, but both Mann and Smith Jr. should play large roles for the rest of the season.

Ntilikina has missed Charlotte’s last four games with a hip issue, so his minutes will likely be restricted. Cody Martin should remain in the starting lineup, with Ntilikina sharing bench minutes with Nick Smith Jr. Neither Ntilikina nor Smith needs to be rostered in most fantasy leagues. Still, the latter is worth adding to watch lists for later in the season.

Hayward and Ntilikina were initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, but both will sit out the Hornets’ final contest before the trade deadline. Given the time both players have missed, with Hayward being sidelined since late December, this will not impact fantasy basketball.

Hayward hasn’t appeared in a game since just after Christmas, so he’ll likely be restricted if cleared to play. Martin had served as LaMelo Ball’s replacement in the starting lineup before being sidelined, with his absence pushing Ish Smith into the starting lineup. Of the three players listed as questionable, Martin offers the highest fantasy upside in the short term.

Martin and Ntilikina remain sidelined after being listed as questionable, making it two games on the sideline for the former and three for the latter. Ish Smith will remain the starting point guard, with Nick Smith Jr. and Leaky Black in line for additional minutes off the bench.

Martin and Ntilikina sat out Sunday’s loss to the Pacers, with the absence of the former having a more significant impact. With Martin sidelined, Ish Smith served as the starting point guard, and the veteran should retain that role if Cody remains out on Monday. Also, Nick Smith Jr. and Leaky Black picked up additional minutes off the bench.

Ntilikina will miss a second straight game, which will leave Ish Smith and Nick Smith Jr. as the primary guards off the bench, though neither has provided much value as of late. Martin’s absence will open up a starting spot, which will likely be filled by PJ Washington. Leaky Black, who played 18 minutes in their last game, should take on a few extra minutes as well.

Ntilikina hasn’t played a large role even when he has been available this season, so his status for this game won’t be relevant to fantasy basketball.

Ntilikina will be back after missing Saturday’s game. With LaMelo Ball out, Ntilikina may see a few minutes off the bench, but it won’t be enough to impact fantasy basketball.