Jaylen

Wells

Wells was injured during a March 23 game against the Hawks, as he suffered a tendon avulsion fracture in his right great toe. The second-year wing played in 69 games this season, averaging 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.9 three-pointers in 26.4 minutes. Wells started slowly, playing his best basketball in February and March. He’s likely to be a late-round option, at best, in drafts next fall. However, it remains to be seen what the Grizzlies will do with Ja Morant and how that decision affects the entire roster.

The biggest beneficiaries with Jerome and Wells out have been Javon Small and Cedric Coward, with the latter enjoying one of his best games of the season in Saturday’s win over the Bulls. With Small considered doubtful with a back injury, a lot of the Grizzlies’ offense will run through Coward and Cam Spencer.

Saturday’s game will be the third that Wells and Jerome have missed due to their respective injuries. Cedric Coward will continue to start for Wells, and he is worth rostering in deep leagues. As for Jerome, the Grizzlies may once again turn to Javon Small to run the show, especially since Walter Clayton Jr. is questionable.

Wells will remain out for a second consecutive game. Cedric Coward returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday and should remain there, even after Wells is cleared to return.

Wells will be unavailable for just the third time this season. Memphis could opt for a smaller starting unit by bumping Walter Clayton Jr. into the opening group, though DeJon Jarreau should see a bump in minutes regardless.

As with Cedric Coward, Wells’ reduced playing time could prove problematic during the fantasy playoff weeks. He logged 23 minutes on Monday and has exceeded 30 minutes just twice since the All-Star break. Wells’ final stat line was decent, but the Grizzlies have been more balanced in their offensive approach, especially on nights when Ty Jerome isn’t available. Memphis plays three more games in Week 21, starting with the Nuggets on Wednesday.

Clayton is back after a three-game absence, and he’ll be in the starting lineup. Also moving into the starting lineup are Wells and Rupert. Ty Jerome (shoulder) is out, while Cam Spencer and Taylor Hendricks will come off the bench after starting Friday’s loss to the Pistons.

Wells is off the injury report after missing Friday’s loss to the Pistons. With Cedric Coward also off the report, they could start alongside each other on Monday.

Wells’ absence is of greater consequence to fantasy managers, due to his production and recent availability. Cedric Coward is available after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Mavericks, and he should move into the starting lineup. Clayton’s continued absence means that Javon Small’s playing time is unlikely to take a hit.

Wells was active on both ends of the floor on Thursday. On offense, he was primarily a scorer, using the free-throw line and strong efficiency both inside and outside the arc to land good scoring production. He recorded a few stocks on the defensive end to boost his fantasy production before finishing with a solid final line in the loss. Wells continues to shoot the three-pointer well in his minutes. He shouldn’t be considered much more than a streaming option.