Tyler

Johnson

Johnson only played 6 games last season for the 76ers and Spurs and wasn’t relevant in fantasy hoops. He’ll head to play with former teammate Aron Baynes, who he played with in Phoenix. Johnson’s days of NBA relevancy are likely over, though it wouldn’t be shocking to see him return to the league in the future.

Johnson recorded two rebounds, two assists, and a turnover in 12 minutes during his debut for the Spurs on Friday. He’ll likely have an increased role behind Dejounte Murray with six Spurs in league protocols. Johnson has averaged 2.8 points, two rebounds, and an assist in 12.6 minutes per game this season.

The seven-year veteran will provide some emergency depth for the Spurs while Lonnie Walker and Doug McDermott are in the protocols.

Johnson was signed by the 76ers via a hardship exception but now joins several teammates on the sidelines. Myles Powell also entered the protocols on Thursday morning, but there aren’t many fantasy implications here.

The 76ers used a hardship exemption to sign Johnson, so there’s an obvious need for the veteran guard to absorb some minutes. 76ers coach Doc Rivers said that Johnson will “most likely” play, despite his not having much knowledge of the team’s playbook. Fantasy managers will want to wait and see how Johnson performs before taking the plunge and grabbing him off the waiver wire.

This will be the second straight game on the sidelines for Maxey, and with just two more games on the schedule for Philly this week, it’s probably best to leave Maxey on your bench in weekly settings. Shake Milton is currently in quarantine, so we might see the newly signed Tyler Johnson get a spot-start tonight. There should also be more minutes available for Isaiah Joe, who could be worth a dart throw in DFS.

Johnson has spent time in the NBA with the Heat, Suns, and Nets, and has 348 games of NBA experience. He will immediately provide the Sixers with some experience and depth at the guard spot. As far as fantasy hoops goes though, he likely won’t do enough to warrant a look as a streamer.

Irving sat out Thursday’s game, which was the first of a back-to-back with a minor groin issue, but he’ll get back out there tonight while Kevin Durant (rest) will be hitting the sidelines. With KD unavailable, Irving’s odds of putting up a monster stat line increase exponentially. Tyler Johnson or Landry Shamet will to head back to the second unit tonight with Irving active.

He started this one for Kyrie Irving and played 26 minutes, but was a bit underwhelming. Johnson is a far more important real-life player than fantasy player, so unless Kyrie is out for an extended amount of time, he’ll remain a non-factor in fantasy hoops.

This is the Nets’ 34th unique starting lineup of the season, extending a franchise record. Kyrie Irving is out on Thursday with a groin injury but the Nets are “hopeful” he can play Friday, so Johnson’s start may be a one-off. He and Shamet both benefit with extra touches and minutes coming their way, offering some value in DFS and streaming situations.