Leaky

Black

Back in the NBA for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign, Black appeared in 15 games for the Wizards last season on a two-way contract. In those appearances, he averaged 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes. Black’s departure frees up a two-way contract slot for the Wizards to use as they fill out their roster.

A common practice of lottery-bound teams at this stage of the season is to play their two-way and 10-day contract guys heavy minutes. Black played 41 minutes on Thursday, and while the stat line wasn’t exactly robust, he finished one rebound shy of a double-double. Playing time shouldn’t be an issue for Leaky in Washington’s final two games of the season, so those in active leagues should consider picking him up.

In addition to a sprained right foot, Johnson is dealing with a sore lower back. Leaky Black started Tuesday’s loss to the Bulls, but he was limited to 24 minutes, so fantasy managers in active leagues should not expect too big of a boost to his playing time.

Johnson did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Bulls, the second straight game that he’s missed. Leaky Black has moved into the starting lineup, and he could remain there even if Johnson plays, as Bilal Coulibaly is also questionable for Thursday’s game.

Hardy was initially listed as questionable with back spasms, but has since been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Bulls. Leaky Black could be of added importance with Tre Johnson (foot) also sidelined.

Johnson will miss a second consecutive game after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Nets. Leaky Black moved into the starting lineup and should retain that role.

Coulibaly and Champagnie will return following one-game absences after the pair sat out Sunday’s matchup with the Nets. Jamir Watkins and Leaky Black should see their roles reduced with Coulibaly and Champagnie back in action.

Johnson missed Sunday’s game against Brooklyn, and there is a chance he remains out against Chicago. Leaky Black got the start on Sunday and swiped five steals and would likely remain in the starting unit if Johnson is sidelined again.

Making sense of the Wizards’ rotation in recent games proved a frustrating task for many fantasy managers, and Black is a prime example of this. One day removed from playing four minutes in a loss to the Heat, he was in the starting lineup on Sunday and logged 42 minutes against the Nets. Washington did not have Bilal Coulibaly or Tre Johnson, which factored into Black’s heavier workload. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but Leaky did manage to record a career-high five steals. The Wizards play four games in Week 24 for those in active fantasy leagues, but pinpointing which will be good spots to stream Black may prove challenging.

The Wizards are without several players, forcing changes to the lineup that started Saturday’s loss to the Heat. Black, Watkins and Reese will start, replacing Bilal Coulibaly, Will Riley and Tre Johnson.