Julian

Strawther

The Cavs’ interest in Watson has been rumored for a while, and they were finally able to get a deal done, and it wasn’t just the trade. With the deal, Watson also agreed to a four-year, $88 million extension to stay in Cleveland for a while. Watson is coming off a breakout season and should fill in as the Cavs’ fifth starter alongside James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Watson’s role will look different than it did last season, but his versatility on both ends should fit in well in Cleveland as they look to compete in the East. Watson’s departure should officially lock in Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson and Aaron Gordon as starters in Denver, though Julian Strawther should step into extra minutes off the bench.

Strawther had almost a repeat performance of his game in the win over the Thunder on Friday. The 23-year-old small forward started, led the Nuggets with 34 minutes, dropped 20 points and hit four three-pointers. Sound familiar? Strawther is likely to be just a depth option as the Nuggets head into the playoffs.

Strawther moved into the starting lineup along with the other reserves and had a pretty good game against the Thunder on Friday. The 23-year-old shooting guard had 22 points and four three-pointers. Strawther led the Nuggets with 34 minutes and could see a similar workload in the season finale against the Spurs on Sunday.

While the Thunder will be without four of their usual starters, the Nuggets are without all five of theirs. Hardaway and Brown may be the safest options for fantasy managers in active leagues, but all five can offer value in their respective roles given Denver’s limited depth.

Braun will join the rest of the Denver starters as out for this game. Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther should both have a chance to start and take on extra minutes for the shorthanded Nuggets.

Wednesday’s game will be the fourth that Jones has missed with a strained hamstring. His absence, combined with that of Peyton Watson, has led to Julian Strawther picking up a few more minutes off the bench.

Brown injured his lower left leg during the third quarter of Saturday’s game. Due to his inability to participate in the ensuing jump ball, he is ineligible to return. Julian Strawther is likely to pick up a few more minutes off the bench.

Jones did not participate in Friday’s practice, so, unsurprisingly, he won’t play on Saturday. His continued absence means that Julian Strawther will continue to play extended minutes off the bench.

Johnson exited early on Sunday, but that won’t keep him sidelined against Utah. He’ll occupy his typical starting spot, which means Julian Strawther won’t receive any boost.

After appearing to grab his side, Johnson departed for the Nuggets’ locker room during the third quarter of Sunday’s game. It was eventually announced that the forward was dealing with back spasms. While Johnson did return to the bench to rejoin his teammates, he did not check back into the game. The Nuggets are off until Wednesday; if Johnson is not available, Julian Strawther could sneak into the back end of the rotation.