UPDATE 12/23: Anthony is available to play in Monday night’s game vs. the Pelicans, per coach Terry Stotts. He won’t be on a minutes restriction.
Carmelo Anthony is playing, per Terry Stotts.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) December 24, 2019
So it was just a one-game absence for Melo after injuring his knee last week. He should return to the starting lineup and knock Anthony Tolliver back to the bench. As long as Melo isn’t restricted at all, he’s fine to roll out in season-long fantasy basketball leagues. I don’t know if I’d play him on DraftKings outside of GPPs if the Blazers go up big. Melo may not need to play much tonight and he’s a risk for re-injury if the knee acts up.
UPDATE 12/22: Anthony is being deemed questionable to play in Monday’s game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans.
Carmelo Anthony (left knee contusion) is questionable for Monday’s game vs. New Orleans
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) December 23, 2019
UPDATE 12/21: Carmelo Anthony has been ruled OUT for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
UPDATE: Carmelo Anthony didn’t return to the game and the Trail Blazers ended up going on to win 118-103 at home over the Magic. We’ll look out for updates on Melo’s status moving forward. It was just a bruise, so chances are he’ll be day-to-day.
Portland Trail Blazers SF/PF Carmelo Anthony is questionable to return to Friday night’s game vs. the Orlando Magic.
Halftime at Moda: Blazers 57, Magic 44.
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) December 21, 2019
Lillard has 15 points, McCollum 11, Bazemore 8 points, 3 rebounds.
*Melo left the game with 7:59 left in the 2nd quarter with a left knee contusion and he's questionable to return.
Melo has only logged nine minutes, scoring five points with six rebounds and three blocks. The Blazers are currently up by 13 at halftime, so there really isn’t any reason for Portland to bring Anthony back into this game. We’ll see if he comes back, however, and if this injury is anything serious long term. Anthony Tolliver has started the second half in place of Melo.
Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Trail Blazers SF Carmelo Anthony
So with Melo out the rest of the game Tolliver should get a lot of run. Portland is running away with the game, so that means garbage time minutes. We should also see some more Kent Bazemore, though he shouldn’t get much run in garbage time. Skal Labissiere and Mario Hezonja should also see additional minutes with no Melo.