ImpactMathews's absence will extend to three games due to a non-COVID illness. His next opportunity to play will be Friday's game versus Dallas.
DECEMBER 21, 2022ā¢ROTOWIRE
Garrison Mathews - Won't play WednesdayMathews (illness) is out for Wednesday's matchup with the Magic.
Malaki Branham - Delivers best line of young careerBranham recorded a career-high 14 points (6-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt) and added three rebounds, three assists and two steals in 22 minutes during Monday's 124-105 win over the Rockets.
ImpactFour turnovers were about the only blemish on Branham's stat line, as the rookie produced his points efficiently and also chipped in on the defensive end. He's now reached the 20-minute mark in two straight games, though his added playing time has come with Josh Richaradson (personal) sitting out both contests and with Keldon Johnson (back) sitting out Monday's. Even so, Branham's ability to take advantage of the expanded playing time could put him in position to stick in the San Antonio rotation moving forward. The 10-20 Spurs are fading after a hot start to the season and are incentivized to give young players like the 19-year-old Branham longer looks.
DECEMBER 20, 2022ā¢ROTOWIRE
Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan could be the NBA's next big eccentric personalitySan Antonio rookie seems to be channeling his inner Dennis Rodman
DECEMBER 20, 2022ā¢DEADSPIN.COM
Tre Jones - Another solid all-around showingJones ended with 13 points (5-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and one steal over 28 minutes during Monday's 124-105 victory over the Rockets.
ImpactJones doesn't typically light it up in any particular column, but he's proven to be a stable source of production in scoring, assists, rebounding and steals. Jones' backcourt fantasy value is hamstrung by his inability to connect from deep consistently, but managers who have bountiful shooting could look to Jones for production in other areas.
DECEMBER 20, 2022ā¢ROTOWIRE
Devin Vassell - On fire from deep MondayVassell contributed 26 points (10-17 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, five assists and one steal over 29 minutes during Monday's 124-105 win over the Rockets.
ImpactVassell matched his season high with five makes from beyond the arc, but he did so with his best efficiency of the season Monday, attempting only eight shots from deep compared to 10 and 12 the other times matching the mark. Vassell is shooting a career-best 41.2 percent beyond the arc overall, leading to another career-best mark in the scoring column of 20.0 points per game. Vassell isn't just a two-column contributor either, adding in 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals over 31.6 minutes per game to rank inside the top 70 on a per-game basis for fantasy purposes.
DECEMBER 20, 2022ā¢ROTOWIRE
Eric Gordon - Logs 28 minutes in lossGordon accumulated five points (2-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt), one assist and one steal in 28 minutes during Monday's 124-105 loss to the Spurs.
ImpactGordon continues to play significant minutes, adding to what is simply a confusing situation in Houston. Even though the Rockets are in rebuilding mode, the soon-to-be 34-year-old Gordon is averaging 29.5 minutes per contest, making it difficult for the team to open up more playing time for the likes of Josh Christopher, Tari Eason, Kenyon Martin and others. Since his contract for the 2023-24 season isn't guaranteed, Gordon could be a prime candidate to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. If he does end up being dealt, Gordon is unlikely to land with a team where he'll be able to fill as large of a role as he's currently handling in Houston.
DECEMBER 20, 2022ā¢ROTOWIRE
Alperen Sengun - Scores team-high 22 pointsSengun posted 22 points (8-10 FG, 6-8 FT), four rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 24 minutes during Monday's 124-105 loss to the Spurs.
ImpactSengun put up a great line in the loss, although still only played 24 minutes. Head coach Stephen Silas simply refuses to give Sengun starters minutes, just another in a long line of confusing decisions. While Sengun is a clear must-roster player across all formats, there is some concern he may not be given the opportunity to reach his ceiling anytime soon. Until Silas stops persisting with Usman Garuba and Bruno Fernando, managers are just going to have to accept the here and now.
DECEMBER 20, 2022ā¢ROTOWIRE
