Tobe

Awaka

Awaka’s absence won’t affect fantasy basketball, but it may give Zach Collins a few more minutes off the bench. There’s nothing to gain from rostering Collins in fantasy leagues.

Awaka, who played 12 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Celtics, is dealing with a sprained left ankle. The rookie’s potential absence wouldn’t affect fantasy basketball, but it could give Zach Collins a few more minutes.

Awaka was also on the injury report ahead of Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors, in which he played 14 minutes. Unless Friday’s game gets out of hand, the undrafted rookie out of Arizona will likely play fewer minutes.

Despite a sprained left MCL, Awaka played 14 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors, grabbing 7 rebounds. The undrafted rookie may face a similar workload on Friday, especially with Zach Collins (quad) under a minutes limit.

Awaka is available after being listed as probable with a knee injury. With Zach Collins (quad) also available, though, it’s unlikely Awaka will see significant minutes against the Raptors Wednesday.

Awaka had some hype during training camp, especially with Nic Claxton (hamstring) injured. However, with Zach Collins (quad) probable and Jalen Smith available, Awaka will likely only play a few minutes, if he sees the floor at all.

After being a starter during his first season at Arizona, Awaka moved to the bench to make room for expected first-round pick Koa Peat. However, the 6-foot-8 senior forward’s production improved. In 39 games, Awaka averaged 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds in 20.8 minutes, shooting 58.7 percent from the field and 64.2 percent from the foul line. Awaka’s rebounding ability and physicality will give him a chance to carve out a role in the NBA.