Terance Mann is becoming "the man" for the LA Clippers' second unit. On Thursday night, the second-year guard scored 18 points (with a positive net rating) in a loss to the Denver Nuggets. Mann has assumed the Lou Williams role as the team's resident "bucket off the bench" in recent outings. During the last eight games -- with just one start -- Mann has averaged 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 28.4 minutes.
In fact, Mann has played at least 24 minutes in seven of his last eight appearances. During the previous 39 games, Mann had played as many as 24 minutes just 10 times. Quietly forging a valuable role off the pine for the Clippers, Mann has become a viable fantasy target in deeper leagues.
Thursday recap
Highlights
Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks: 28 points (9-15 FG), 17 rebounds, 0 assists, 5 blocks
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors: 16 points (7-13 FG), 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals
Lowlights
Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat: 6 points (2-8 FG), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 TO
James Wiseman, Golden State Warriors: 4 points (1-5 FG), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 TO
Thursday takeaways
Orlando's Wendell Carter Jr. produced his first game of 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic in just his third appearance with the franchise. Carter compiled one such line in 32 games for Chicago this season.
Lonzo Ball missed yet another game due to injury, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker started in his place and led the Pelicans with 31 points. Alexander-Walker has flashed some impressive scoring prowess in recent games and would be a strong fantasy value if the team frees up a starting backcourt spot over the summer.
The Hawks have now won consecutive road games against the Spurs after having lost 21 straight prior to this recent stretch of success. Capela was a statistical marvel with his fourth 25-point, 15-rebound game this season, tying him with Josh Smith (2011-12) for the most such games in a season by a Hawks player over the last 25 campaigns.
Brooklyn's LaMarcus Aldridge might actually revive some fantasy value in his new spot. The big man had 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in his Nets debut. Aldridge's five assists in the first half tied for his most in any first half of his career.
Shake Milton was stellar off the pine once again for the 76ers. The scoring guard's 27 points marked his fourth performance this season with at least 25 points off the bench. Take note, however, that Milton's scoring ceiling will be lower once Joel Embiid is back in the mix -- which could be as soon as Saturday.
Kevin Love played 20 minutes last night and looked savvy on offense at times for the Cavaliers. This marked the first game Love had played more than 15 minutes since December. There were some nice moments for Love in the first half against the 76ers, but I'm not quite ready to roster him until we see a string of games above 20 minutes.
San Antonio's Derrick White went off for a career-high 29 points last night. The combo guard isn't a very consistent source of scoring, but his ability to build strong lines via defense and passing production helps to raise his floor.
Oladipo was the lone Miami starter with a negative net rating last night, but he's still in a good spot to revive his production going forward, given the team's need for perimeter creation.
Injuries of note
RJ Barrett and Derrick Rose are both listed as questionable for the Knicks due to injury. Alec Burks becomes a strong streaming play if either Barrett or Rose miss tonight's matchup against the Mavericks.
John Wall is listed as questionable with a knee ailment. If Houston's star guard can't go, Kevin Porter Jr. leaps into a valuable distribution role.
Andre Drummond will miss tonight's game for the Lakers due to a toe injury.
The Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, and Luguentz Dort this evening. Theo Maledon and Moses Brown are premier pickups to target.
Analytics advantage for Friday
Kyle Lowry and Rodney Hood have both been ruled out for Toronto's game against Golden State. Gary Trent Jr. has seen his usage jump 4.4% and his DraftKings points (per 36 minutes) rise by 4.2 points whenever Lowry and Hood are off the floor. He has also averaged 9.7 3-point attempts (per 36 minutes) in similar circumstances. Rostered in just 30% of ESPN leagues, Trent is a volume shooter with rare freedom in Toronto.
Top player to watch on Friday
Combo guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is absolutely thriving under Nate McMillan in Atlanta. After struggling with his health earlier in the season, Bogdanovic posted 28 points on Thursday with five rebounds and five dimes in a team-high 45 minutes for Atlanta. Bogdanovic is a free agent in more than 60% of ESPN leagues. Tonight, he'll face a Pelicans team allowing nearly 43 DraftKings points per game to shooting guards, 11th-most in the league.