Jamir

Watkins

A second-round pick last year, Watkins appeared in 50 games for the Wizards, averaging 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game. He started with a two-way contract, which was then converted to a standard contract, but the Wizards declined Watkins’ team option before free agency. Now Watkins is back where he started on another two-way contract, so not much has changed with his circumstances heading into next year.

Watkins saved his best for last, recording a season-high point total in the final game of his rookie campaign. He shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, with the five makes also a season high for the athletic forward. Watkins is on a two-way deal, so he faces a critical summer in terms of solidifying his place in the NBA.

Champagnie was also questionable ahead of Tuesday’s loss to the Bulls, a game in which he played 29 minutes off the bench. If available, he’ll take on a similar role on Thursday. Jamir Watkins may take on additional minutes if Champagnie can’t play.

Coulibaly and Champagnie will return following one-game absences after the pair sat out Sunday’s matchup with the Nets. Jamir Watkins and Leaky Black should see their roles reduced with Coulibaly and Champagnie back in action.

Coulibaly missed Sunday’s game, which allowed Jamir Watkins to get the start in his place. Watkins will likely play a similar role if Coulibaly remains out; he scored 20 points in 44 minutes in Sunday’s loss.

Coulibaly, who has been dealing with bursitis in his right heel for a few games, played 25 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Heat. Leaky Black and Jamir Watkins should see their roles expand, especially with Tre Johnson and Julian Champagnie also out.

The Wizards won’t have Alex Sarr or Justin Champagnie for Sunday’s game, with the latter serving a one-game suspension after his ejection from Saturday’s loss to the Thunder for fighting. Watkins and Vukčević move into the starting lineup, with the latter offering a little more streaming upside.

Champagnie got into it with Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams during the second quarter of Saturday’s game, sparking an altercation that led to those two being ejected, along with Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace. Champagnie will serve his one-game suspension on Sunday, which could lead to Jamir Watkins moving into the starting lineup. Also, Washington’s Anthony Gill was fined $35,000 for his role in the fight.

Sunday’s game will be the sixth that Black has missed due to a sprained left ankle. His absence alone does not affect fantasy basketball, but it has freed up additional minutes for Jamir Watkins and Jaden Hardy off the bench.

Black will miss a fifth consecutive game on Saturday. While the continued absence does not affect his fantasy value, as Black should not be rostered, more minutes have been available to Jamir Watkins off the bench.