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December 13th, UPDATE: VanVleet went through practice Friday and Raptors coach Nick Nurse said there’s a chance the guard will return Saturday vs. the Brooklyn Nets.
VanVleet practiced today. Nick Nurse says they'll probably list him as doubtful for tomorrow vs Brooklyn but see how he feels before the game. "I think there's a chance (he plays)."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 13, 2019
FVV has a shot at playing, but if he’s listed as doubtful, chances are he’ll sit out again. This means more Norman Powell, so again, if you haven’t picked him up yet, do so.
UPDATE #4: VanVleet will remain out of the lineup Wednesday night vs. the Clippers and won’t face his former teammate in Leonard.
VavVleet out; McCaw in vs. Clippers tonight.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) December 11, 2019
With FVV out again, Norman Powell is another value option in DFS and should be picked up by now in season-long fantasy basketball. McCaw is back in the fold, so he’s another player to cut into minutes at wing in the rotation.
UPDATE #3: On the 5:30 NBA injury report from Tuesday, the Raptors listed VanVleet as questionable to play in Wednesday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Clippers. This would be a rough game for FVV to miss with his former teammate Kawhi Leonard coming to town for the first time since winning a NBA Championship back in June. If FVV remains out, we can expect more of Norman Powell in the starting lineup.
UPDATE #2: VanVleet has officially been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Bulls, per coach Nick Nurse.
VanVleet's MRI came back clean, per @BlakeMurphyODC, which is obviously good news. There's a bit of swelling in the knee but it sounds like a precautionary thing.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 9, 2019
So with FVV sidelined, Norman Powell will start and he makes for a great value play in DFS at $4,900, while also a good target to scoop up in season-long formats. The Raptors are just being cautious with VanVleet, per reports, which is a good sign as it doesn’t appear this injury is serious. This is also a nice little bump to Kyle Lowry in a solid matchup vs. Chicago.
UPDATE: VanVleet is being listed as questionable for Monday’s matchup with the Chicago Bulls.
Fred VanVleet (right knee contusion) is listed as questionable for tonight's game in Chicago.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 9, 2019
If FVV isn’t able to go in this game, expect Norman Powell ($4,900 on DK) to take his place in the starting lineup for the Raptors. I’d lean on Powell as a cash game option in DFS and he’d be a useful pick up in season-long fantasy basketball if you own VanVleet.
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet will not return to Sunday’s game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.
Fred VanVleet has a right knee contusion, will not return
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) December 8, 2019
VanVleet left in the second quarter of Sunday’s game due to a right knee contusion, which is bad news for the Raptors. VanVleet had been starting even with Kyle Lowry back in the lineup, producing big numbers. The contusion means this likely isn’t serious, but we’ll still have to see if FVV will miss any time or not.
In the short term, Norman Powell should pick up the slack at SG the rest of this game. He’d be a decent waiver wire pickup if FVV is expected to miss additional time, but we likely won’t have an update at least until after the game. Key an eye on the news to see what the deal is with VanVleet.