3 DAYS AGO•TORONTOSUN.COM
Raptors one of biggest NBA disappointments so far, Cavs the major surprisePlenty of overachievers, and some unexpected underachievers as New Year arrives.
Sam Merrill - Questionable vs. HornetsMerrill (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Hornets.
ImpactMerrill didn't play in the win over the Mavericks on Friday. Even though the questionable suggests there might be a chance he suits up, a decision will likely be made closer to Sunday's 6 p.m. ET tipoff.
3 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE
Isaac Okoro - Still sidelined SundayOkoro (shoulder) won't play in Sunday's game versus the Hornets.
ImpactOkoro's absence streak will extend to eight games Sunday due to a right shoulder sprain. Okoro's next chance to suit up is Wednesday's matchup with the Thunder.
3 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE
Jaden Hardy - Hits for 17 off benchHardy supplied 17 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one block in 25 minutes off the bench during Friday's 134-122 loss to Cleveland.
ImpactIt was the third-year guard's best scoring effort since he delivered a season-high 23 points in a spot start against the Hawks on Nov. 25. Hardy has played more than 20 minutes in three straight games as Dallas adjusts to the absence of Luka Doncic (calf) while also having Kyrie Irving (illness) spot in and out of the lineup, but it will likely require both star guards being unavailable again for the 2022 second-round pick to be much more than a DFS punt play for fantasy purposes.
4 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE
Quentin Grimes - Pops for team-high 26 against CavsGrimes produced 26 points (9-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), two rebounds, six assists and one steal over 33 minutes during Friday's 134-122 loss to the Cavaliers.
ImpactMaking his second start in the last three games while Kyrie Irving has been battling an illness, Grimes led the Mavs in scoring with his best offensive performance since he dropped 28 points on the Blazers back on Dec. 1. The fourth-year guard has seen his court time and usage boosted with Luka Doncic (calf) sidelined, and Grimes has attempted double-digit shots in four straight games while averaging 17.3 points, 5.0 boards, 3.8 assists, 2.3 threes and 1.3 combined steals and blocks in 31.0 minutes a contest during that span. Doncic isn't expected back until some time in February, making Grimes an intriguing fantasy option for the next month or more.
4 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE
Donovan Mitchell - Shares load in Friday's winMitchell accumulated 15 points (5-11 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six assists and two steals over 27 minutes during Friday's 134-122 victory over the Mavericks.
ImpactHis 11 FG attempts were his lowest volume since Nov. 20, but Mitchell didn't need to carry the load in this one as seven different Cavs scored in double digits, including all five starters. Mitchell has still drained multiple three-pointers in nine straight contests, averaging 22.6 points, 5.4 assists, 4.1 threes, 3.6 boards and 1.4 steals while shooting 41.6 percent from long range.
4 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE
Caris LeVert - Productive off bench FridayLeVert provided 17 points (7-15 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 1-3 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals over 25 minutes off the bench during Friday's 134-122 win over Dallas.
ImpactThe Cavs used a balanced attack to secure Friday's victory, as seven Cleveland players scored in double digits with LeVert leading the second unit. The veteran guard has had trouble finding consistent shot volume of late, but he's managed to drain at least one three-pointer in eight straight games, averaging 11.4 points, 2.5 assists, 2.3 threes, 2.0 boards and 1.3 steals in 21.9 minutes a contest over that stretch while shooting 45.0 percent (18-for-40) from beyond the arc.
4 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE
