The NBA trade deadline has officially come and gone and we had one of the most active deadlines in recent memory with some big stars being dealt. Kyrie, KD, and Westbrook are all heading to new teams and we have been covering those trades and their fantasy impacts here at RotoBaller.But there were plenty of other lesser-known players who were dealt in the last few days and I wanted to go through and make sure we don't overlook some of these trades as some of those deals may even have more fantasy impact than the big moves.So here are some other trades that went down and my two cents on the increase or decrease in value that we should expect from the players involved for the remainder of the 2022-2023 fantasy basketball season. 

Moves That Matter

These are very much in order of how much they matter. Let's start with the Spurs sending their starting center back up North where he started his career.Jakob Poeltl to the RaptorsI am a huge Poeltl fan and was close to acquiring him on multiple teams before the deadline. It was a curious move by Toronto to be buyers instead of sellers at the deadline, but Poeltl gives them the presence at the five they have been lacking all season and allows Siakam to shift over and play PF where he belongs.Poeltl is no longer a shutdown candidate and has legit top-50 upside with his multi-category abilities. His departure also makes ... [More]

The Rockets acquired guard Danny Green from Memphis as part of a three-team deal involving the Clippers. Green's career with the Grizzlies ended after only three appearances, missing most of the season while recovering from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee suffered during a postseason game in May 2022. However, with the veteran on a hefty expiring contract, he could receive a buyout from the Rockets. As a result, it's hard to say for sure what his fantasy outlook will be moving ahead. Yet, he's shot nearly 40% from deep throughout his career, so he should at least continue contributing in that area for category managers needing a boost.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (rest) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He has appeared in five straight games, but he'll sit out their next contest due to injury management on his left knee. His absence shouldn't have a huge impact with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland both healthy and active. Raul Neto and Caris LeVert should have increased roles off the bench with Rubio inactive on Friday.

Without a doubt, Kyrie Irving is arguably one of the most naturally gifted players in the National Basketball Association. He's a fantastic ball-handler and can get to the rim with ease. However, the former Duke Blue Devil's career has been surrounded by controversy, ultimately impacting his ability to win an MVP.The NBA trade deadline kicked off with a bang when Irving, who had demanded a trade out of Brooklyn, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. NBA fans and fantasy managers are left wondering how things will play out.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Kyrie Irving's Season Recap

Irving got suspended for an antisemitic social media post, keeping him out of the lineup for eight games. But since then, the 30-year-old stayed out of the limelight, so most had assumed he finally turned things around. He's played well all season, averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 40 appearances.https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1622324668047794177?s=20&t=NTffJ2tRvNpjAA7bddjYHQHe was also selected to the All-Star team for the eighth time in his career. However, things were apparently going too well, as Irving dropped a bombshell by requesting a trade. His wish was granted, as he was sent to Dallas in exchange for ... [More]

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (rest) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Washington Wizards. The 32-year-old played 20 minutes off the bench during Sunday's contest. That being said, the Cavs will take the cautious approach and rest Rubio considering he's still working his way back from an ACL injury. Raul Neto should serve as the backup guard without Rubio available. However, he probably won't do enough on the court to warrant streaming in most fantasy formats.

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Danny Green (knee) will be kept out of Thursday's meeting with the Cavaliers. He made his season debut on Wednesday versus Portland and will sit Thursday night due to left knee surgery injury management. Green played a pretty productive 10 minutes against the Trail Blazers, picking up three points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. He'll provide an extra option off the bench for the team and brings plenty of experience, but Green isn't going to make a big impact in fantasy basketball unless Memphis suffers a raft of injuries.

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Danny Green (knee) is expected to get some minutes in Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Green will make his season debut and will likely face some heavy minutes restrictions as the Grizzlies ease him back into action. Green was not the most fantasy-friendly player before the injury, but was always a good source of threes and defensive stats when healthy. If he is able to shake off the minutes restrictions, Green could carve himself into a productive role for Memphis.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Danny Green (knee) has received one of his first questionable tags since tearing his ACL and LCL last season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs. He said that he would return by the All-Star break this year and he seems to be on schedule with that prediction. Fantasy managers will want to wait before adding him on any rosters since he wasn't too valuable last season before getting hurt. His source of fantasy value comes from just threes and steals, so after he gets off any minute restrictions he might have little value in very deep leagues.

It wasn't a good day for many clubs around the National Basketball Association, with many teams dealing with unsettling injuries to their top players. Although these situations are always challenging for teams, fantasy managers are also left scrambling to find a replacement.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 21, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Marcus Smart Injury Update

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Saturday's meeting with Toronto, as the MVP candidate got the day off to deal with wrist soreness. Luckily, the C's recently got Jaylen Brown back from a three-game layoff, so the team at least had its No. 2 scoring option. Boston also had Marcus Smart, who is proficient on both ends of the floor.Unfortunately, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year's evening didn't last long, as he exited in the first half after suffering a sprained right ankle. Smart has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, so fantasy managers are familiar with this.https://twitter.com/ChrisForsberg_/status/1616933981362028546?s=20&t=ADA6dM_t2muMcgq6cJRitwWhile X-ray results were encouraging, revealing no structural damage, he'll likely miss a game or two, possibly more. As a result, ... [More]

It was a busy nine-game slate around the National Basketball Association. However, it wasn't a good night for many clubs, especially the ones that dealt with an injury.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

LaMelo Ball Injury Update

LaMelo Ball exited Monday's meeting with the Rockets with a sprained left ankle. This is an all too familiar ailment, as the 21-year-old injured it twice already this season. He missed the first 13 games of the 2022-23 campaign because of it before making his season debut on November 12 against Miami.https://twitter.com/HornetsOnBally/status/1615898994508546048?s=20&t=2ONmwk9cIuX1k5z8xOpxsQUnfortunately, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick was incapacitated again after stepping on a fan's foot during a matchup with Indiana just a few days later, keeping him sidelined for an additional 11 games. Now, it appears fantasy managers will be without Ball for a while, considering he needed help getting to the locker room.With ... [More]

As we celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the NBA had a loaded schedule throughout Monday. Unfortunately, there were some injuries throughout the day, which may create issues for teams moving ahead.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 16, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

Donovan Mitchell Injury Update

Donovan Mitchell has been on a tear in his first season as a Cavalier, averaging a career-high 28.8 points per game. The 26-year-old has certainly made an impact, so there is naturally some concern surrounding his most recent injury, a groin strain, suffered during Monday's win over the Pelicans.https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor/status/1615106299636719632?s=20&t=nIB5An7gWfmmxjT49g7LLAMitchell exited in the third quarter and did not return to the contest, finishing with 11 points in 22 minutes. The former Louisville Cardinal has stayed relatively healthy in 2022-23, missing only five games. However, with the Cavs looking to make a deep run into the postseason, Mitchell may miss some games, beginning with Wednesday's meeting in Memphis.https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops/status/1615116579011690502?s=20&t=8uEcBgsFXrfQNXVsKuQmNAWithout him in the lineup, others will have to step up. Of course, the first name to come to mind is ... [More]

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (knee) is set to make his season debut against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. The 32-year-old has been out for over a year while he recovers from left ACL surgery. He'll likely be on a heavy minutes limit as the Cavs ease him back into action. He's worth stashing in most fantasy formats, but isn't worth starting until he gets back up to full speed. Fantasy managers who can afford to be patient with Rubio should check the waiver wire to see if he's available.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Robin Lopez (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. It's the second game of a back-to-back set, so the Cavs will rest their veteran big man here. His absence won't have a huge impact on the rotation. The expectation is that Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will have a few more minutes on Monday. Lopez should be back in the rotation for their next contest.

Brooklyn Nets point guard Patty Mills (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Raptors due to a non-COVID illness. Mills has been sparingly used off the bench this season with Edmond Sumner and Seth Curry largely vaulting him on the depth chart; the veteran has averaged just 5.5 PPG, his lowest scoring output in a decade. Without Mills in the mix, Sumner and Cam Thomas could see some added backcourt run. The next chance for the 34-year-old to return comes Sunday vs. Detroit.

Denver Nuggets guard Ish Smith (calf) is questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Pistons. The 34-year-old journeyman has missed his previous nine games with right calf tightness, so it wouldn't be surprising if he misses another one. With Jamal Murray doubtful due to health and safety protocols, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has averaged 12.1 points off 51.4% shooting from deep this season, may see more work. Bones Hyland (illness), questionable with a non-COVID-related sickness, could also log plenty of minutes from off the bench, giving both men upside in all fantasy setups.

Denver Nuggets guard Ish Smith (calf) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks. This shouldn't come as a surprise considering Smith hasn't played in two weeks. His absence won't make too big of an impact on the rotation. However, the Nuggets are going to be shorthanded for this game with Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Bones Hyland sidelined. Bruce Brown should see around 30 minutes of action with the Nuggets shorthanded. He'll be an interesting streaming option in the short term.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Garrett Temple (personal) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup against Portland. He hasn't played at all this month whilst dealing with a personal issue. In fact, Temple has made just two appearances this season, playing a total of 21 minutes, so he's a non-factor in fantasy hoops. But it's good to know that he is game-ready again following a lengthy absence.

Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay (health and safety protocols) won't play on Friday against the Denver Nuggets. The 36-year-old has averaged only 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists this season, so his absence won't mean much for fantasy managers. However, it may indirectly open up some playing time for Collin Sexton, who has logged just 17 minutes per game in 2022-23, giving him a brighter outlook in all formats.

Houston Rockets forward/center Derrick Favors will be waived. The veteran was traded from OKC in September after averaging 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 39 games last season. Favors was never expected to see the floor in Houston, so the latest news isn't a surprise by any means. While he's well past his prime, a few teams around the NBA should be interested in acquiring his services. However, the 31-year-old probably won't see consistent work wherever he ends up, so he doesn't have much to offer fantasy managers.

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]