UPDATE: Lowry will return to the lineup for the Raptors tonight vs. the Heat.
Nick Nurse just said that Kyle Lowry will be back in starting lineup tonight #WeTheNorth
— Matt Devlin (@Matt__Devlin) December 3, 2019
With Lowry back in the starting lineup, it would appear VanVleet will be sent back to the bench mob. This hurts his value in DFS on tonight’s slate given his price of $7,500 is pretty hefty for a bench player. But I’d also argue that gives him some leverage, but apparently Lowry is supposed to play a normal amount of minutes? I’d still be cautious with that news, but in season-long I’d say it’s safe to roll Lowry out right away. Lowry’s return makes the Raptors a more enticing favorite at home vs. Miami at -5.5.
UPDATE: Kyle Lowry is now listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game vs. the Heat. So it doesn’t look like he’s going to return, but you never know. Keep an eye on updates Tuesday. For the time being Fred VanVleet will continue to start and be a solid all-around play.
The Toronto Raptors could be getting reinforcements in the form of point guard Kyle Lowry this week. After missing the past 11 games due to a thumb injury, Lowry is listed as questionable for Tuesday night’s matchup vs. the Miami Heat. This would be a huge boost to the Raptors, who have won seven in a row and are currently second in the Eastern Conference despite missing the point guard.
Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Toronto Raptors PG Kyle Lowry
It’s a bit crazy to think a team as hot as the Raptors will be getting arguably their best player back in the lineup. Sure, Pascal Siakam has been incredible, but you still have to give Lowry some credit for what he’s done over his career.
If Lowry is able to return, it would likely mean Fred VanVleet goes back to the bench mob, which hurts his fantasy value a bit given the type of minutes and usage he’s grown accustomed to over the past couple weeks. FVV is averaging 18.6 points and 7.5 assists in a league-high 37.5 minutes per game this season. I still think VanVleet will play close to 30 minutes per game and be in for crunch time, but he won’t have the ball in his hands as often, so his assist numbers will take a dip.
Siakam probably isn’t affected much by Lowry’s return, if anything Lowry is a great distributor and spaces the floor pretty well for Siakam. Spicy P should remain the focal point of the offense, though coach Nick Nurse may opt to give him a bit of rest with Lowry — another offensive anchor — back in there.
As far as DK Sportsbook, I mean, honestly it may be a decent bet on the Raptors to repeat as champions. The League is competitive, but I think it’s a bit more evened out now. The West will be a gauntlet and the East should be easier, just Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks to compete with. The Raptors are currently +3500 to win it all, are arguably a top 5 team and are getting one of their best players back soon.