Josh

Okogie

This is the second straight game that Eason has been listed as questionable, but he was ruled out for Monday’s game. He could suit up for the first time since Nov. 14 and would likely have his minutes limited. Still, as he gets back up to speed, he’ll likely take away some minutes from Jabari Smith Jr. and Josh Okogie.

For the first time since November 14, Okogie hit double figures in a game. Also, his 16 points on Monday were a season-high for the veteran wing. The Rockets don’t rely on Okogie for offensive production, which explains why his nine shot attempts were the second-most in a game for him this season. Starting gives Okogie the opportunity to provide some value, but he still isn’t worth the risk in fantasy leagues. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Okogie is back in the starting lineup for the first time in three games. He replaces Reed Sheppard, who can still provide solid fantasy value in a reserve role. Also, the Rockets will have Steven Adams to provide rebounds off the bench.

KD missed two games, but he’ll be back to take on Utah to close out the week. Reed Sheppard started in his place and played really well. He should return to playing a reserve role, though there is certainly a chance he played well enough to maintain the starting spot. In that case, it would be Josh Okogie heading to the bench, though it is more likely that Sheppard returns to the sixth man role.

Adams is available after being listed as questionable on the initial injury report. He’ll provide depth off the bench as Alperen Şengün’s backup at center. Josh Okogie has replaced Adams in the starting lineup for Monday’s game.

The Rockets won’t have Kevin Durant for Monday’s game, as he is away from the team for personal reasons. Sheppard, who has provided top-75 value in nine-cat formats this season, moves into the starting lineup to fill the void. The other change is Okogie, who replaces Steven Adams after the veteran center started Friday’s loss to the Nuggets.

Adams is dealing with left ankle tendinopathy, and there could be minutes available to Clint Capela if he’s unable to play on Monday. However, even if Capela picks up rotation minutes, he would not be worth the risk in most fantasy leagues. Also, the Rockets could bring Josh Okogie back into the starting lineup, especially with the Suns only having one true big (Mark Williams) in their starting lineup.

Durant is away from the Rockets, attending to a family matter, so he will not return to Phoenix for the first time since being traded during the offseason. Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie are two players who should see more opportunities with Durant unavailable. Sheppard has been a top-75 player in fantasy basketball this season and is the superior option for managers seeking reliable production.

Adams was inserted into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s win over the Cavaliers, bumping Josh Okogie to the bench. Okogie may have been moved back into the starting lineup regardless of Adams’ status. Still, the chances of him returning to that role increase exponentially if the veteran center’s knee keeps Adams out.

With the Cavaliers boasting a bigger frontcourt than most teams, the Rockets have made a change to their starting lineup. Adams will start, which shifts Smith and Şengün up a position, with Josh Okogie coming off the bench. Okogie provided limited value as a starter, so he should already be on the waiver wire in most leagues.