Rayan

Rupert

Rupert finished the season with three excellent games in a row. A former second round pick on a two-way deal, Rupert has been given plenty of minutes by the Grizzlies in the second half of the season and only flashed his potential. Still just 21, he could be worth stashing in dynasty, but expectations should be tempered.

After being inactive for two games, Rupert was back in the rotation for this game. He came off the bench at first, but he ended up starting the second half. His shot was inefficient, but he was able to contribute across the board in the box score. The former second-round pick signed a two-way deal with Memphis in February and is still only 21 years old. He still holds enough upside for dynasty managers to consider him as a stash, but it is unlikely this production carries over into next season.

The silly season tends to produce stat lines that make little sense to fantasy managers. That’s precisely what happened in Milwaukee on Sunday, as Rupert had the game of his NBA career. Not only did he record his first triple-double, but he became the first Grizzlies player to record a 30-point triple-double with at least four steals. While Rupert’s line is a cause for celebration among those rostering him, others may use it as evidence that fantasy seasons should not run through Week 23.

The Grizzlies have two new starters for Friday’s game, as Cam Spencer and Olivier-Maxence Prosper are out. They’ve been replaced in the lineup by Rupert and Hendricks, with the latter offering a higher upside for fantasy managers.

The Grizzlies won’t have Taylor Hendricks for Saturday’s game, which opens a spot in the starting lineup. Rupert will fill the void. While his playing time should be plentiful, Rupert is not worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.

Coward will be back following a two-game absence, and he should bump Rayan Rupert out of the starting unit. Rupert was unproductive in 30 minutes as a starter in Monday’s blowout loss.

The Grizzlies have two new starters for Monday’s game. Jerome is back after a one-game absence, and Rupert has also moved into the starting lineup. While Walter Clayton Jr. is available to come off the bench, Javon Small is out with a sore lower back.

Small is dealing with lower back soreness, and it could keep him sidelined against Atlanta. With Cedric Coward (personal) still out and Memphis’ backcourt banged up, Small’s absence could mean more playing time for Walter Clayton Jr. and Rayan Rupert.

Added to the injury report earlier Friday afternoon, Coward is now out for personal reasons. With Rayan Rupert available after being made inactive on Wednesday, he’s the likely replacement in the starting lineup.

Absent from the initial injury report, Coward being added not long before tipoff is a bad sign. Rayan Rupert, who was inactive for Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets, is active for Friday’s game. If Coward can’t play, Rupert could make a spot start.