Josh

Green

Markkanen sprained his right wrist during Monday’s loss to the Grizzlies and did not play on Wednesday against the Spurs. If he can play on Saturday, Josh Green will likely head to the bench.

Both Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Lauri Markkanen (wrist) exited early from this game, which allowed Bamba and Josh Green to start the second half. Green wasn’t productive, but Bamba made the most of the opportunity. If Jackson remains out against the Spurs on Wednesday, Bamba may be in line to start. However, it is unlikely he produces to this level again, and the matchup against Victor Wembanyama isn’t ideal.

Acquired from the Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball trade, Green never got to actually suit up for the Timberwolves. He appeared in 58 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 4.3 points in 15.7 minutes. While Green can be a capable perimeter defender for the Jazz, his game won’t impact fantasy basketball. Trading Green’s contract gives the Timberwolves the room needed to make Jonathan Kuminga’s signing official.

Green only appeared in 57 games for the Hornets last year and didn’t start any games for the first time in his career. His 15.7 minutes per game were his lowest since the 2021-22 season. While some may view him as a throw-in for this trade, Green averaged at least 25 minutes in the three seasons before last year. A career 38 percent three-point shooter, Green certainly adds value to a Timberwolves bench unit that lost Naz Reid in this trade.

Charania reported late Wednesday night that the Hornets were fielding offers for Ball and NBA Insider Marc Stein pinpointed the Timberwolves as one of the interested teams. Now both sides have agreed on a deal that sends Ball along with Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Anthony Edwards was frustrated with how he’s been double-teamed since the team traded Karl Anthony-Towns. Now the Timberwolves have sent a haul to the Hornets to pair Edwards with Ball in the backcourt. Ball stayed healthy playing 72 games last season and is in line for similar fantasy production in Minnesota while the Hornets’ Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller could see increased usage with Ball no longer in Charlotte.

Williams will sit out against the Pacers due to right knee injury management. Sion James and Josh Green could pick up a few extra minutes, but neither of them are worth streaming.

Williams is good to go after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. Sion James and Josh Green are likely to see their minutes decrease with Williams back in the rotation.

Williams’ absence does not affect fantasy basketball, but it does free up minutes among the Hornets’ reserves. Sion James and Josh Green could see their minutes increase, and there may be room on the back end of the rotation for Pat Connaughton.

While included on the Hornets’ injury report due to a sore lower back, Knueppel’s probable tag suggests that he’ll ultimately play. If he doesn’t play, Coby White and Josh Green are likely to absorb the minutes that would normally go to the Rookie of the Year candidate.

White’s absence for Tuesday’s win over the Trail Blazers led to Josh Green and Sion James getting more playing time, although LaMelo Ball getting into foul trouble was also a factor. Green and James may take hits to their minutes with White in the fold.