San Antonio

Spurs

Harper was one of three Spurs reserves to score in double figures on Monday, with Keldon Johnson (15/2/1/1 with two three-pointers) and Luke Kornet (10 points, five rebounds and one assist) being the others. Over the past two weeks, Harper has averaged 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.9 three-pointers per game. Backing up Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox does limit the rookie’s fantasy ceiling, but he has offered a solid floor since the All-Star break

While Victor Wembanyama stole the show on Monday with his 40-point double-double, Castle was also excellent in the 129-114 win over the Bulls. The second-year guard finished two rebounds shy of a triple-double, which would have been his second in as many games. Over the past two weeks, Castle has averaged 9.4 assists per game, helping preserve his fantasy value at a time when turnovers and free-throw percentage have been a problem.

Facing fellow France national team member Guerschon Yabusele, Wembanyama was dominant on Monday. In addition to scoring a season-high 41 points, the Spurs’ sensational center was responsible for 16 rebounds. Wembanyama has corralled at least 15 boards in four consecutive appearances, his most productive run on the glass this season. Add in the assists, blocks and three-pointers, and Wemby got his Week 23 off to an excellent start.

Wembanyama did not have the best day shooting the basketball, but field-goal percentage has rarely been an issue for him this season. Add in the rebounds and assists, and this was a solid end to Week 22 for the MVP candidate, even with the poor shooting. The Spurs play four games in Week 23, and Monday’s matchup with the Bulls could be an excellent start to championship week for Wembanyama managers.

Vassell gave the Spurs welcome three-point shooting on Saturday, going 4-for-7. Even better for fantasy managers were the four defensive contributions, including three steals. Before Saturday, Vassell totaled five steals and zero blocked shots in his previous seven appearances. If he can build on Saturday’s performance on the defensive end of the floor, that could be a difference maker for fantasy managers in Week 23, championship week in Yahoo! default leagues.

Castle put up his fourth triple-double of the season in Saturday’s rout of the Bucks, and he did so efficiently. Since the All-Star break, the reigning Rookie of the Year has been a sixth-round player in eight-cat formats. Castle has been a much-improved player over the past two weeks, and the timing could not be better for a team that hopes to make a deep playoff run. The Spurs play four games in Week 23, starting with the Bulls on Monday.

Kornet missed Wednesday’s game against Memphis, but he will be back to take on Milwaukee. Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee each filled out a few minutes off the bench in the blowout, but Kornet will occupy the backup center minutes in his return.

Fox missed Wednesday’s game against Memphis, which allowed Dylan Harper to get the starting nod in his place. Fox will be back after missing just his second game of the season, which means Harper will return to playing a role off the bench.

Castle had an up-and-down performance on Wednesday. He elevated his teammates by facilitating at a high level, but gave the opposition opportunities by committing five turnovers. And while he was extremely efficient from the floor, the second-year guard left almost a good chunk of points at the charity stripe. Castle ultimately came close to securing a double-double, despite some shortcomings in his 26 minutes of game action. However, there’s another level he’s shown capable of reaching, one fantasy managers are hoping to see in the thick of the fantasy playoffs.

Vassell had the hot hand on Wednesday, particularly from beyond the arc. His three-point production helped tie a team-high in points, while his activity on the glass put him within striking distance of a double-double. However, a one-sided contest ultimately limited Vassell to 26 minutes. Perhaps he’ll be able to carry his momentum over to Saturday’s game against the Bucks, when the Spurs try for their eighth consecutive win.