Khris

Middleton

Middleton was initially questionable for Saturday’s game. His absence frees up a place in the starting lineup, with Justin Champagnie being the most likely option to fill the void. Champagnie is worthy of consideration in deep leagues but is not a must-stream player.

The 14th-year pro has started all 16 games he’s appeared in so far in his first full season with the Wizards. He’s averaging 10.4 points per game, which is the fewest since his rookie season. Should he be unable to go, Bub Carrington and Justin Champagnie could see more opportunities.

Due to the nature of Thursday’s game, with the Wizards losing 146-101, Middleton only played 25 minutes. In a more competitive game, he likely plays more, especially with Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson sidelined due to injury. Rostered in 14 percent of Yahoo! leagues, the veteran forward has been a 12th-round player over the last two weeks. That doesn’t move the needle much in fantasy basketball, especially for a player who isn’t playing both ends of back-to-backs.

Middleton did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the 76ers, as it was Washington’s second game in as many nights. His return means Justin Champagnie will head back to the bench. While Champagnie’s ceiling is lowered with the change, he’ll still be in the rotation as the Wizards remain without Tre Johnson and Corey Kispert.

The veteran will get the night off for maintenance as Washington plays the second leg of a back-to-back set. Washington is dealing with a number of injuries, which means Cam Whitmore could see plenty of run in this one.

Middleton didn’t do much scoring on Tuesday, but he was productive in other areas. The 12 assists matched his career high, and he was also responsible for seven rebounds, the most in a game for the veteran forward since October 28. Middleton’s slow start and the Wizards’ prioritization of youth in their rebuild are why he isn’t providing top-200 fantasy value, but he’s worth the risk on a light game night like Tuesday.

Middleton did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Bulls, as Washington was playing its second game in as many nights. His return means Corey Kispert, who played 37 minutes as the veteran’s replacement in the starting lineup, will head back to the bench.

Middleton was initially listed as questionable, but the Wizards are giving him the night off for injury management reasons. Justin Champagnie could move into the rotation in Middleton’s absence.

After a four-game absence, Coulibaly is available to play. Rookie Tre Johnson is the player most likely to move to the bench if Coulibaly starts, although Khris Middleton may also be a candidate. Nothing has been announced regarding a minutes restriction for Bilal; that may be used as a reason to bring him off the bench if one is in place.

Coulibaly has missed Washington’s last four games, but there is a chance he returns to take on Brooklyn. Tre Johnson has been starting since Coulibaly went down, and he could be pushed back to a reserve role if Coulibaly returns, though Khris Middleton is also a candidate to come off the bench. There is also a chance Coulibaly doesn’t start, though that hasn’t happened since he was a rookie.