Sam

Hauser

Hauser is relied on for points and three-pointers, and he was productive in those areas on Sunday. After making two of his eight three-point attempts in Friday’s win over the Mavericks, he shot 5-of-10 from deep against the Cavaliers. Add in the four rebounds, and Hauser’s performance was a good one for those rostering him in deep leagues.

Tatum will make his season debut on Friday, prompting a change to the Celtics’ starting lineup. Baylor Scheierman heads to the bench, which lowers his fantasy ceiling, especially with Tatum not under a minutes restriction.

The expectation of many was that Tatum would start, and head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that during his pregame availability. However, he did not know if Tatum’s minutes would be restricted. Either Baylor Scheierman or Sam Hauser will come off the bench.

The Celtics being down two starters, Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta, did not prevent Hauser from doing what he’s expected to in Monday’s 108-81 victory. He shot 4-of-8 from beyond the arc while providing the bonus of a complete stat line. Hauser remains a player whose fantasy value is limited to one category, but on Monday, he showed he can do a bit more when the Celtics are shorthanded.

The Celtics play the second leg of a back-to-back set, and Brown will join Neemias Queta (rest) on the sideline. Brown’s absence should mean additional run for Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard, but Boston will fill in for him by committee.

Hauser is most valuable to fantasy managers needing three-point production, and he’s made four triples in three of his last four appearances. Tuesday’s stat line included a bonus in the form of four assists, and he’s recorded 11 over his last three games. Hauser’s performance in Phoenix didn’t change much regarding his fantasy value moving forward, but the recent increase in assist production is a positive development.

Brown is dealing with a right knee contusion that will keep him sidelined for at least one contest. The Celtics play again on Wednesday when they face the Nuggets on the road, so it’s possible he’s getting the night off purely for maintenance on the front leg of a back-to-back set. Brown’s absence should mean more run for Sam Hauser and Baylor Scheierman, with Jordan Walsh and Payton Pritchard likely to see bumps in playing time, too.

Fantasy managers look to Hauser for three-point production, and he answered the call on Thursday. He’s now made four three-pointers in consecutive games, the first time he’s done so since January 26-28. The bonus for fantasy managers was the five assists, the most in a game for Hauser this season and one shy of his career-high. The Celtics don’t play again until Sunday, so there isn’t much to gain from adding Hauser in the immediate aftermath of Thursday’s performance.

Hauser is available after missing Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, and he returns to the starting lineup. However, it’s Luka Garza who heads to the bench and not Scheierman. Scheierman is coming off one of the best games of his NBA career, having recorded a double-double in Sunday’s loss to the Knicks.

Hauser was initially listed as probable, so his availability against the Bulls on Wednesday isn’t a surprise. The 28-year-old small forward missed Sunday’s loss to the Knicks with back spasms. His return will likely push Baylor Scheierman back to the bench.