Tobias

Harris

Harris now has two games with at least 20 points in his last five games. He was also on his way to a 20-point game Sunday against the Kings before he was pulled with 24 minutes played due to a blowout. The 33-year-old small forward’s scoring has picked up since returning from a hip injury. While Harris’ expiring contract would likely be in any big trade the Pistons could make before the deadline, there’s no guarantee that Detroit pulls the trigger. Harris missed both of his three-point attempts, but made 10-of-13 field goal attempts from inside the arc. On a Pistons team without much outside shooting as currently constructed, Harris seems like a safe source of points for the time being.

Harris was efficient, making four three-pointers. It was reminiscent of the 33-year-old small forward’s 25-point effort against the Celtics earlier this week. The main difference was the Pistons blew out the Kings by 23 points and Harris only played 24 minutes. While Harris hasn’t been a great fantasy asset this season, his production has improved since returning from a hip injury and he could benefit from a change of scenery if he’s traded before the deadline.

Harris exited early from Saturday’s game, though the reason wasn’t specified. However, if there was something bothering him then, it didn’t seem to carry over into this game. His 25 points were the most he’s had in a game since November. He hasn’t been a great fantasy option this season, but since returning from a five-game absence with a hip injury, he has been effective. He’ll look to remain hot in New Orleans on Wednesday.

Harris returned to the locker room during the third quarter for an unspecified reason and did not play again. The Pistons did not announce any injury, and Saturday’s blowout made it unlikely that Harris would have played in the fourth quarter if there wasn’t an issue. The Pistons open a four-game Week 14 on Monday against the Celtics, and Isaiah Stewart (7/7/5/1/1 with one three-pointer) would likely be the next man up if Harris can’t play.

Harris was one of four Pistons’ rotation players back in action after missing time due to injury, with Thursday’s game being his first since December 30. While he did miss both of his three-point attempts, the veteran forward shot 75 percent from two. Harris’ fantasy value has been limited this season, but he has been close to a top-100 player over the past month. It would be unsurprising if he continued to climb up the rankings as the season progresses.

For the first time since December 30, the Pistons have their preferred starting five to begin a game. Cunningham, Harris and Duren all return after missing time due to injury, and Isaiah Stewart will be available off the bench. Robinson and Thompson are the only two who were in the lineup for Detroit’s most recent game, a loss to the Clippers on Saturday.

Thursday’s game will be Harris’s first since December 30. His return will likely push Javonte Green to the bench, eliminating most of the reserve forward’s streaming value.

Harris is on track to return Thursday night, appearing in a game for the first time since December 30. Javonte Green has been the most recent spot starter, and he may be headed to the bench if the Pistons decide that Harris will start immediately upon returning.

All three players are currently dealing with injuries and have missed multiple games, but their practice status could mean they are closing in on a return. The Pistons’ next game is Thursday against the Suns, and they get two more home games after that - Saturday against the Pacers and Monday against the Celtics. Daniss Jenkins and Isaiah Stewart are the biggest fantasy beneficiaries of the trio’s continued absences.

This update has Harris being re-evaluated on Jan. 17. He missed Thursday’s game after an early exit on Tuesday. Isaiah Stewart started in his stead, but with Jalen Duren (ankle) set to miss at least one week, Stewart will start at center. That means Javonte Green, Ron Holland and Paul Reed will take on extra minutes for the next couple weeks, with one of them taking on the open starting spot.