Lonzo

Ball

For Cleveland, this trade is about freeing up salary cap space. And with the team acquiring James Harden, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder this week, there was not going to be room for Ball in the rotation. Given Utah’s youth and the presence of Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier on the roster, it’s unsurprising that the Jazz are expected to waive Ball, which would allow him to be an unrestricted free agent.

Porter missed Friday’s loss to the Suns with Lonzo Ball seeing 25 minutes off the bench. Ball wasn’t effective as he made just 1-of-8 field goal attempts. Porter and Ball figure to split backup point guard minutes when both are available, though neither are worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Porter did not play in Friday’s loss to the Suns, resulting in Lonzo Ball playing 25 minutes off the bench. Ball did not play well, shooting 1-of-8 from the field, and there isn’t much to be gained from streaming him if Porter remains out.

Late additions to injury reports are usually not a good sign. Garland has looked good lately and scored 29 points on Tuesday against the Pacers. Lonzo Ball would figure to see the biggest boost in minutes if Garland has to miss time.

Garland is dealing with a left quad contusion, but it’s possible he’ll get a maintenance day as Cleveland plays the second leg of a back-to-back set. With Lonzo Ball (rest) also out, Sam Merrill could see increased run, while Jaylon Tyson should continue to be involved.

Ball had two points, six rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes off the bench against the Spurs on Friday. The 28-year-old point guard will sit out the second game of a back-to-back against the Warriors for injury management reasons. His absence impacts the Cavaliers rotation, but isn’t significant for fantasy basketball.

Friday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Cavaliers, who host the Warriors on Saturday. Garland’s absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, which Lonzo Ball could fill since he’s available. He’s worth streaming in deep leagues when given this role, but the fantasy ceiling is limited.

Ball is back after a two-game absence, and he’ll provide additional depth on the perimeter behind starting Darius Garland. With Garland available, Ball is in a spot where he offers limited fantasy value.

Ball has missed Cleveland’s last two games, freeing up additional minutes for Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor. However, they also benefitted from the absence of Darius Garland on Monday, so even fewer minutes will be available to Porter and Proctor if Ball plays.

Garland logged 31 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics, but he’ll sit out the second leg of Cleveland’s back-to-back set. With Lonzo Ball (illness) and Sam Merrill (hand) also out, expect Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor to see increased run. Donovan Mitchell should be in line for monster usage, while Jaylon Tyson could get also get a bump in usage.