Wendell

Carter

For just the fourth time this season, Carter was able to record a double-double, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He helped Orlando outrebound Miami 47-39, which allowed them to secure the win and advance to the semifinals of the NBA Cup. Carter has improved his points, rebounds, three-pointers and field goal percentage from last season, and while he isn’t a great fantasy option, he is a reliable starter.

Rostered in 33 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Carter has provided top-100 value in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Of course, it would be good to get more consistent defensive production out of the Magic center, but the top-100 may be his ceiling at this stage in his career. That isn’t elite, but it isn’t a bad spot to be in, either. The 17 points he scored on Monday were the most in a game for Carter since November 18, when he hit that number in a win over the Warriors.

Carter is back after an ankle injury sidelined him for Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. Orlando Robinson, an emergency starter on Sunday as the Magic were also without Goga Bitadze, may fall out of the rotation entirely since the team’s top two centers are available. The other change is Suggs, whose return means Anthony Black will come off the bench. Da Silva continues to start in place of the injured Paolo Banchero and should be rostered in deep leagues.

Initially slated to start for Wendell Carter Jr., Bitadze was scratched from the Magic lineup minutes before tipoff on Sunday against the Celtics. Orlando Robinson filled the void, but he’s likely to be inactive with Bitadze and Carter removed from the injury report. Bitadze will take on his usual backup center role in Philadelphia, which makes him a non-factor in fantasy basketball.

Carter will sit out Sunday’s game, which is Orlando’s second in as many nights. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Goga Bitadze being the player most likely to fill the void. Due to the opportunity, Bitadze is worth streaming in deep leagues.

Carter is dealing with a left ankle sprain, hence his inclusion on Orlando’s injury report for Sunday. If he’s unable to play after logging 22 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Knicks, Goga Bitadze would be the next man up. Also, Jonathan Isaac may be able to take on a few more minutes, which would enhance his fantasy value.

For the third time this season, WCJ was able to record a double-double. He was the leading rebounder in this game, and the Magic outrebounded the Warriors, which contributed to the win. Carter’s minutes are up this year, which has led to him averaging more rebounds than he did in each of the last two seasons. He’ll continue to play a large role for Orlando as the starting center, which should lead to more double-doubles moving forward.

Carter recorded his second double-double of the season on Saturday, finishing one rebound shy of his season-high. Over his last two games, the Magic center has scored 34 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. Rostered in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Carter’s limited offensive production gives him a low ceiling. And with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane at the top of the pecking order, that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

While Carter has grabbed at least eight rebounds in five of his six games played, the offensive production has been limited. Having scored between eight and 10 points in Orlando’s first five games, WCJ had his best night of the season against the Hornets. He established season-highs in points and three-pointers while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. However, while this was a solid effort, Carter’s production before Thursday suggests that this won’t become the norm. Especially with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane ahead of him in the pecking order. Carter remains a deep-league option only.

Carter Jr. was one of four Magic starters to score in double figures on Thursday, mostly using efficiency inside the arc to find his scoring production. Yet, the veteran center made splashes in several other areas, as well. His most noteworthy contributions arguably came as a facilitator, notching a preseason-high in assists and leading Orlando’s starters in that category on Thursday. Carter Jr. also found production in the defensive end and ultimately logged a strong game overall to wrap up what was a solid preseason for him.