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Andy’s Take: Who were my final Top 25 high school football teams?

So most of the national high school football rankings are out around the country, with human input and computers spitting out which teams are the best in the United States.

Computers can tell you one thing, but the human eye helps as well and I’m offering mine as a Christmas Eve gift, or maybe not a gift to those who disagree, which I’m sure there will be plenty. I’ve traveled quite a bit over the 2025 high school football season, maybe more so than anyone else when it comes to covering the sport.

Starting at Buford High School back on Aug. 14 to Mercedes-Benz Stadium last week for the GHSA high school football state championships, I’ve stood on sidelines, endzones and press boxes, well more of the first two, and caught an up-close glimpse of some of the top high school football programs there is.

This isn’t a computer providing these rankings, it’s my final take on the 2025 high school football season when it comes to who might be the best in the land. Take it for what it’s worth as I provide the latest Andy’s Take just ahead of Christmas Day.

1. Buford Wolves (Ga.)

Buford (15-0) earned this in a multitude of ways. As much as I would love to see Buford and St. Frances Academy go head to head, which I really would, the Wolves ended the season unbeaten against another nationally ranked foe.

They seemingly always had the answers for whatever test was put in their way. The two times I covered Buford versus Milton and Carrollton, both were tight games and the Wolves just found a way.

Offensively, if the team struggles to pass the rock, they put their Georgia signee Tyriq Green in the backfield and let him go to work. Defensively, this team has a strong secondary and very talented front seven. I think if they faced St. Frances Academy, it would be a really good defensive game between the two foes, though the last time they played each other back in 2023 it ended in a fight breaking out.

2. St. Frances Academy Panthers (Md.)

I got the chance to see St. Frances Academy Panthers’ first and last game of the season, just like Buford’s, and much of the same superlatives could be given to Messay Hailemariam‘s group as well.

I will say this is the best defensive high school football team in the country. That I don’t mind debating with anyone because of the fact this team just flies around to the ball like none other and hits you like a ton of bricks.

Just that one loss to St. John Bosco (Calif.) leaves room for pause on saying flat out they’re the best because yes, the aura around being undefeated is real. You want the mythical national champion to be an unbeaten team, I mean isn’t that how sports kinda works out a lot of the times? Oh how I long for the Wolves and Panthers to go head-to-head because to me, that would be the real national championship game for high school football.

3. Santa Margarita Catholic Eagles (Calif.)

No team ended the season playing hotter than the Santa Margarita Catholic Eagles (11-3) and for that, forget about the three losses, just check out how Carson Palmer‘s team played down the stretch of the season.

Now I only got to watch Santa Margarita via the NFHS Network, but from what I saw, this offense was humming and the defense was lights out. What better combination do you want in a team when the season is ending?

Whether it was beating Mater Dei or Centennial or De La Salle, the list of impressive wins for the Eagles is deep and how they defeated opponents was in dominating fashion at the tail end of the season. Take into the fact that Santa Margarita beat Centennial and De La Salle by a combined 89-20 score and you have yourself one tough bunch to beat in the postseason.

I agree with Palmer when he said he wishes his team could play a couple more games. If there was such a thing like a ‘High School Football Playoff’, I would have loved to seen them against a Buford, IMG Academy or St. Frances Academy. Unfortunately we won’t and that’s the end of that pipe dream for me anyways.

4. IMG Academy Ascenders (Fla.)

The IMG Academy Ascenders (9-0) have seen themselves sitting at No. 1 at some point in the rankings, but no one is warding them the crown because well, they just don’t have that season defining win you’d like to see on a team’s resume.

Possibly the toughest teams the Ascenders faced was East St. Louis and The Hun School. I’m going to throw in Winslow Township, a New Jersey high school state champion, as another opponent that kinda gave IMG fits.

I covered IMG against Winslow Township and East St. Louis, both games at different points during the game, gave the Ascenders some problems. What head coach Greg Studrawa and his staff leaned on was their power run game and stout defensive cast of players to win them games. Needless to say it did work, leading to an undefeated season.

My thoughts are this team badly needed a game with a team like, oh yeah, maybe St. Frances Academy to help prove to folks this was or is the best football squad in the country. Instead, it left everyone to wonder what to make of the 2025 season for IMG Academy.

5. Carrollton Trojans (Ga.)

If Buford is No. 1, there’s really no way I can move Carrollton (14-1) too far down just because they lost the GHSA Class 6A state championship. I mean, what kind of sense does that really make?

Had Carrollton defeated Buford, we’d easily be talking about how the Trojans are the nation’s top program as they only lost 28-21. Nearly half a dozen turnovers torpedoed Carrollton’s chances to win the game, because you take those all away, we’d be singing a different tune right now. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I only got to watch Carrollton in-person once and this is a very sound ball club. They have a stud in two-way starter Zykie Helton (Georgia signee) and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. Trojans’ head coach Joey King will have this team back in contention for a national title in 2026, but for now they finish inside of the Top 5.

6. Centennial (Calif.)

Anytime you can beat a team like Mater Dei not just once, but twice? Yeah, you should be higher up the ranks despite the two losses. Centennial Huskies (11-2), though getting blown out in the CIF Southern Section championship game, played most of the season like a team destined to win it all.

That was until they ran into arguably the country’s hottest team in Santa Margarita Catholic. The Huskies’ defense was for real, with the offense coming in clutch in many of the biggest games during the season.

It would have been nice to see Centennial coach Matt Logan to add a Open Division title under his belt, but with parity now throughout California seemingly, maybe the Huskies will have another shot sooner rather than later.

7. Mater Dei (Calif.)

Mater Dei (10-3) was the toughest team to read all season long because of the talent they possessed, but then the games where the offense seemed to have vanished in spurts or even entirely.

Like how a team that has so much firepower on the offensive side of the ball just couldn’t piece together everything entirely was puzzling. There’s no way, though, in seeing these guys at the beginning of the season when the beat St. Thomas Aquinas and in Las Vegas, when they edged Bishop Gorman, that the Monarchs aren’t a top 10 squad.

When focused, executing and locked in, they’re as good as anyone.

8. Bishop Gorman (Nev.)

The Bishop Gorman Gaels (12-1) really were another team that easily could make the argument to be the national champion, if not for one loss.

That loss to Mater Dei in Las Vegas was the Gaels’ chance to take the national crown and I knew that heading in. They needed that win so much more than Mater Dei back on Sep. 19.

In seeing them in-person, you can see why folks are super high on Bishop Gorman and that’s because they’re the complete package. On any given night, they too can or could be the best team in the country. A 14-0 win over Santa Margarita the following week after the loss to Mater Dei validated that thought process.

9. Thomas County Central (Ga.)

This Thomas County Central (15-0) deserves some respect put on their name because of the way they dominated teams in Georgia all season long.

When your offense scores 808 points, one of the most totals in Georgia high school football history, you know you’re watching something special. An offense fueled by Wake Forest signee Caleb Lawrence, but there was plenty of other characters to this talented cast of players.

Watching Thomas County Central score to the tune of 62 points against Gainesville to cap the GHSA state championships in Atlanta put a nice finishing touch on the traveling for me as I felt like I had witnessed one of the country’s best offenses at work. It’s hard for me to not say this team couldn’t knock off a Buford or Carrollton. Sounds like I need to see the two-team camp involving Creekside and Thomas County Central whenever that takes place again.

10. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)

The Florida high school football dynasty that is the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (14-1) close out the Top 10 here in the rankings.

I mean, it’s a tale as old as time with this guys because winning championships and staying on top is embedded in their DNA. I got to see St. Thomas Aquinas face Mater Dei and Lakeland, with the Raiders nearly beating the former on a fierce near-comeback.

The way the Raiders, without the services of Justice Fitzpatrick and not on their best offensive night, shut out perennial Florida power Lakeland, 29-0, just left me to think they just have this aura around them. St. Thomas Aquinas is just so well rounded, from their offense to defense and superb special teams. Everything top to bottom is top of the line and heck, they even have a win to their name over in Europe.

The Notre Dame-looking helmets paired with uniforms that give off a Michigan Wolverine vibe has you walking away wondering when will their dominance ever end?

Andy’s Take High School Football Rankings Nos. 11-25

11. St. John Bosco (Calif.) (9-2)
12. Grimsley (N.C.) (15-0)
13. Cherry Creek(CO) (14-0)
14. Grayson (Ga.) (12-1)
15. Edna Karr Cougars (14-0)

16. Cardinal Mooney (Fla.) (14-1)
17. Creekside (Ga.) (15-0)
18. Clay-Chalkville(Ala.) (16-0)
19. Baylor School (Tenn.) (12-0)
20.Millard South (Neb.) (12-1)

21. North Shore (TX) (14-2)
22. La Salle College(Pa.) (13-1)
23. Mount Carmel(IL) (15-0)
24. Basha (Ariz.) (12-1)
25. St. Joseph Regional(N.J.) (10-2)

How to Follow National High School Football

For high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night high school football action. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.

Real Madrid Requests Full Financial Disclosure in Expanding Negreira Case

Real Madrid has formally requested full access to extensive financial documentation in the ongoing Negreira case, a move that further deepens one of the most significant investigations in football history. The request was made public by former La Liga referee Xavier Estrada Fernández, who is acting as a private prosecutor in the proceedings, through a message shared on his social media channels.

According to the court submission revealed by Estrada Fernández, Real Madrid is seeking the right to examine all financial audits, due diligence reports, and forensic analyses conducted on FC Barcelona’s finances between 2010 and 2021, provided they are connected to the payments made to José María Enríquez Negreira or entities linked to him. The request specifically names reports carried out by major external firms such as KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, and Kroll.

The scope of the request highlights Real Madrid’s intent to gain a comprehensive understanding of Barcelona’s financial decision-making over more than a decade, particularly as it relates to payments that have become the central focus of the investigation.

Access to Hundreds of Documents and Internal Investigations

In addition to third-party audits, Real Madrid is also demanding access to more than 600 documents submitted by FC Barcelona to the court in July 2023. These materials form a substantial part of the evidentiary record and include financial explanations and supporting documentation provided by the Catalan club during the investigative phase.

Crucially, the request goes even further. Real Madrid is asking for detailed information related to the internal investigation commissioned by FC Barcelona itself. This includes access to preliminary and final reports, transcripts or summaries of interviews conducted as part of that investigation, and any internal verifications or compliance checks carried out by the club.

The intention is to determine not only what was paid, but how those payments were justified internally and whether due process was followed within the club’s governance structure.

Objective: Clarification and Justification

Estrada Fernández summarized the underlying objective of these proceedings, stating that the aim is “to show all the documents and clarify what was paid and why.” Beyond transparency, the request seeks to assess whether the payments can be justified from an economic, fiscal, and contractual standpoint.

At the heart of the matter is whether the multimillion-euro payments made over several years had legitimate business justification or whether they raise concerns about improper influence or governance failures. While no sporting sanctions have yet been imposed, the legal and reputational ramifications continue to loom large.

Kirby Smart gives fiery response to question about conversations with players on future

Throughout the month of December, college football players everywhere are making life-altering decisions about their future. Many are even releasing well-crafted announcements over social media regarding whether they intend to remain with their current program to seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Some upper classmen are even declaring their intention to enter next April’s NFL Draft or announcing postseason all-star game invites. And let’s not forget about National Signing Day on the first Wednesday of the month.

At the same time, college football coaches are having often difficult and frank conversations with their current roster, while at the same time formulating a plan of attack ahead of Jan. 2nd, when the NCAA Transfer Portal opens for two full weeks.

It’s happening all over, … well, except in Athens apparently, where No. 3 Georgia (12-1) is busy preparing for a return to New Orleans for the College Football Playoff‘s Sugar Bowl national quarterfinal against No. 6 Ole Miss (12-1). Kickoff is set for 8 pm ET, New Year’s Day inside the Caesars Superdome. When asked about how he’s splitting his time between bowl prep and roster management at a recent press conference, UGA head coach Kirby Smart flipped the script regarding what he’s telling Bulldogs players that might approach him with concerns about their future.

Kirby Smart on college football players making public declarations: ‘How about you announce that you’re getting better’

“We’re focused on this team. I think it’d be remiss to say we’re focused on roster management. We’re not focused on it. We’re focused on prep and getting better,” Smart said Monday. “And for a while it’s been intrinsically looking at ourselves and asking each player: ‘Did you come here to develop? Did you truly come here to develop?’ Because if you did, all your buddies are out there right now, everybody’s announcing what they’re doing, announcing that I’m going into the portal, announcing that I’m re-signing. How about you announce that you’re getting better and you’re going to practice and actually do what (for the prior) 20 and 30 years college football players did before you, which was practice in December – when they’re on good teams – and get better.

“Because if you’re going to play somewhere else, you know what you need to do? You need to get better. If you’re going to play here, you know what you need to do? You need to get better,” Smart continued. “If you want to go to the National Football League and play, this is your last chance to get better. Because they’re not going to give you much opportunity, they’re going to cut you or keep you based on how you do, and they don’t get to practice in pads so many days. So development occurs in December for us, and that’s what we’ve been focused on.”

Steve Kerr, Draymond Green apologized for mid-game blowup, Warriors coach says; Kerr appreciates beauty in the struggle of ‘fading dynasty’

An especially introspective Steve Kerr told reporters Wednesday that there’s beauty in the struggle while he reflected on the state of his Golden State Warriors and the blowup he had with Draymond Green during the third quarter of a 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic two days earlier.

Kerr and Green were seen in a heated discussion during a timeout Monday night. After an animated exchange, Green decided to remove himself and left for the Chase Center locker rooms.

Although he eventually returned to the bench, he didn’t check back into the game. 

Kerr said he and his do-it-all forward had a “great chat” Wednesday. The longtime Warriors head coach said he and Green apologized to each other as well as to the team. 

Kerr explained that it was not his finest hour, nor was it a good look for his group.

“That was a time I needed to be calm in the huddle, and so I regret my actions in that exchange,” Kerr said Wednesday.

“These things, they happen, especially when you get two incredibly competitive people like Dray and me. So over the 12 years we’ve been together, this has happened occasionally, and I’m not proud of it.”

Kerr added: “I care so much about Draymond, and the relationship we have is like family. And like family, you go through ups and downs. And my No. 1 goal honestly is for him to finish his career as a Warrior with us fighting — metaphorically, not literally — and competing together until we’re both gone. And I believe that’s going to happen because I believe in Draymond, and I believe in myself and I believe in everything we’ve built for 12 years.”

The Warriors famously selected Green out of Michigan State with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2012 draft. Kerr has coached him from the 2014-15 season on. Since, Green has emerged as a four-time All-Star, one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. Together, Kerr and Green have won four NBA championships.

While Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and then Kevin Durant, consistently shot the lights out, Green has left his own mark on the organization: with defensive tenacity, heady court vision and physical rebounding, plus timely scoring.

“We have four banners out there, and obviously a lot of people have played important roles in that, but I’ve said this before, and I truly believe it. I don’t think we have any without Draymond. That’s how much he impacts winning. 

“So his ability to channel that passion, that emotion, that raw rage that he has is a key component to what makes us successful. And what I said about the other night, I didn’t channel my own raw emotion and rage, of which there is plenty. We are far more alike than anyone would ever realize.”

Kerr cited a long history of turning negative moments into positive momentum during his relationship with Green, who Kerr described as “very complex.” While Green has racked up technical fouls and served his fair share of suspensions for outbursts during a 14-season NBA career, he’s also known for his basketball acumen and his contemplative commentary.

“We’ve always, always found a way to not only bounce back, but to make strides as a result,” Kerr said, via Warriors reporter Kenzo Fukuda. 

‘We are a fading dynasty. … So what is up to us?’

With the win over the Magic, the Warriors improved to 15-15. They’ve won back-to-back games for the fifth time this season. But they’ve still yet to string together more than three victories in a row.

This version of Golden State is spearheaded by Curry, Green and Jimmy Butler III. They’re all at least 35 years old. Butler is a Warriors transplant who helped spark a second-half run last season, which ended in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves after Curry suffered a hamstring strain in the first game of the series.

“Where we are as a team, as an organization, the most important thing for me is for guys to recognize that there’s beauty in the struggle. There’s beauty in what we’re trying to accomplish right now,” Kerr said Wednesday, via The San Francisco Standard’s Danny Emerman. 

“We are no longer the ’17 Warriors, dominating the league. We are a fading dynasty. We know that. Everyone knows that. So what is up to us? How do we carry ourselves night to night? How connected are we? And can we give ourselves another swing at the plate? We did that last year. I was really proud of the team last year. Despite the loss to Minnesota, injury to Steph. Who knows how long we would’ve gone? But we gave ourselves a chance. That’s the goal here. 

“We know where we are. We’ve got to know who we are, we’ve got to know what’s possible, and we’ve got to take pride in the struggle, because this is part of life.”

Kerr said he believes sorting out the tiff with Green has been a major step in this Warriors team working through its issues. 

He sees an opportunity for Golden State to make another run like last year’s.

As for Green, Kerr wants him to finish his career in a Warriors uniform. 

“He’s undyingly loyal and passionate, and I will go to bat for him as long as I’m coaching him here,” Kerr said, per Emerman. “Honestly, I’d go to bat for him 20 years from now when we haven’t been together. That’s how strongly I feel about him. And that’s how I want this thing to end with us, whenever that is.”

Steve Kerr, Draymond Green apologized for mid-game blowup, Warriors coach says; Kerr appreciates beauty in the struggle of ‘fading dynasty’

An especially introspective Steve Kerr told reporters Wednesday that there’s beauty in the struggle while he reflected on the state of his Golden State Warriors and the blowup he had with Draymond Green during the third quarter of a 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic two days earlier.

Kerr and Green were seen in a heated discussion during a timeout Monday night. After an animated exchange, Green decided to remove himself and left for the Chase Center locker rooms.

Although he eventually returned to the bench, he didn’t check back into the game. 

Kerr said he and his do-it-all forward had a “great chat” Wednesday. The longtime Warriors head coach said he and Green apologized to each other as well as to the team. 

Kerr explained that it was not his finest hour, nor was it a good look for his group.

“That was a time I needed to be calm in the huddle, and so I regret my actions in that exchange,” Kerr said Wednesday.

“These things, they happen, especially when you get two incredibly competitive people like Dray and me. So over the 12 years we’ve been together, this has happened occasionally, and I’m not proud of it.”

Kerr added: “I care so much about Draymond, and the relationship we have is like family. And like family, you go through ups and downs. And my No. 1 goal honestly is for him to finish his career as a Warrior with us fighting — metaphorically, not literally — and competing together until we’re both gone. And I believe that’s going to happen because I believe in Draymond, and I believe in myself and I believe in everything we’ve built for 12 years.”

The Warriors famously selected Green out of Michigan State with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2012 draft. Kerr has coached him from the 2014-15 season on. Since, Green has emerged as a four-time All-Star, one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. Together, Kerr and Green have won four NBA championships.

While Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and then Kevin Durant, consistently shot the lights out, Green has left his own mark on the organization: with defensive tenacity, heady court vision and physical rebounding, plus timely scoring.

“We have four banners out there, and obviously a lot of people have played important roles in that, but I’ve said this before, and I truly believe it. I don’t think we have any without Draymond. That’s how much he impacts winning. 

“So his ability to channel that passion, that emotion, that raw rage that he has is a key component to what makes us successful. And what I said about the other night, I didn’t channel my own raw emotion and rage, of which there is plenty. We are far more alike than anyone would ever realize.”

Kerr cited a long history of turning negative moments into positive momentum during his relationship with Green, who Kerr described as “very complex.” While Green has racked up technical fouls and served his fair share of suspensions for outbursts during a 14-season NBA career, he’s also known for his basketball acumen and his contemplative commentary.

“We’ve always, always found a way to not only bounce back, but to make strides as a result,” Kerr said, via Warriors reporter Kenzo Fukuda. 

‘We are a fading dynasty. … So what is up to us?’

With the win over the Magic, the Warriors improved to 15-15. They’ve won back-to-back games for the fifth time this season. But they’ve still yet to string together more than three victories in a row.

This version of Golden State is spearheaded by Curry, Green and Jimmy Butler III. They’re all at least 35 years old. Butler is a Warriors transplant who helped spark a second-half run last season, which ended in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves after Curry suffered a hamstring strain in the first game of the series.

“Where we are as a team, as an organization, the most important thing for me is for guys to recognize that there’s beauty in the struggle. There’s beauty in what we’re trying to accomplish right now,” Kerr said Wednesday, via The San Francisco Standard’s Danny Emerman. 

“We are no longer the ’17 Warriors, dominating the league. We are a fading dynasty. We know that. Everyone knows that. So what is up to us? How do we carry ourselves night to night? How connected are we? And can we give ourselves another swing at the plate? We did that last year. I was really proud of the team last year. Despite the loss to Minnesota, injury to Steph. Who knows how long we would’ve gone? But we gave ourselves a chance. That’s the goal here. 

“We know where we are. We’ve got to know who we are, we’ve got to know what’s possible, and we’ve got to take pride in the struggle, because this is part of life.”

Kerr said he believes sorting out the tiff with Green has been a major step in this Warriors team working through its issues. 

He sees an opportunity for Golden State to make another run like last year’s.

As for Green, Kerr wants him to finish his career in a Warriors uniform. 

“He’s undyingly loyal and passionate, and I will go to bat for him as long as I’m coaching him here,” Kerr said, per Emerman. “Honestly, I’d go to bat for him 20 years from now when we haven’t been together. That’s how strongly I feel about him. And that’s how I want this thing to end with us, whenever that is.”

Fantasy Basketball Week 10 Injury Report: How much longer will Luka Dončić sit?

Christmas Eve means that the entire NBA is off for the first time since Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, one day isn’t enough to help with the recovery of some of the league’s most important players, leaving many fantasy managers to scour the waiver wire for help in the final days of Week 10. And while there are some key injuries, most notably Luka Dončić, other teams have already shifted into “injury management” mode, opening the door for some unheralded players to step up. Let’s look at some key injuries heading into the second half of Week 10.

G Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

Thomas has not appeared in a game since straining his left hamstring on November 5, but he is progressing in his recovery. As of Sunday, the guard was cleared to resume 5-on-5 activities, and Thomas went through a session the day prior without any issues. There still isn’t a timeline for a return to game action, but Thomas’s presence on the floor affects multiple Nets.

Terance Mann (three percent rostered, Yahoo!) may be the player most likely to move out of the starting lineup, even though he was a starter at the time of Thomas’ injury. That’s because of the development of rookie Egor Dëmin (eight percent), as it would clearly be in the Nets’ best interest to let him develop in his current starting role. Dëmin’s fantasy value remains relatively low, but he and Danny Wolf have been the Nets’ most promising rookies thus far.

C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets

Kalkbrenner has missed the last two games with an elbow injury. Mason Plumlee (less than one percent) started the December 22 loss to the Cavaliers, but he did not play in Tuesday’s win over the Wizards due to a groin injury. Moussa Diabaté (10 percent) received the starting nod, finishing with 12 points, 18 rebounds and one assist in 36 minutes. Even when he did not start against Cleveland, Diabaté was the superior streaming option with Kalkbrenner out. Behind him, the Hornets had to go small, with Tidjane Salaün (one percent) picking up additional minutes off the bench. Diabaté is the only player to consider if Kalkbrenner remains out.

F Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

Buzelis exited Tuesday’s win over the Hawks during the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury and did not return. At the time of publication, no update was available on the second-year forward’s injury or whether he will have to miss time. Josh Giddey (100 percent) re-entered the game after Buzelis’ injury, but he clearly isn’t available on waiver wires. If Buzelis has to miss time, Ayo Dosunmu (17 percent) and Kevin Huerter (12 percent) are the two players who stand to benefit most from additional opportunities and playing time.

F P.J. Washington, Dallas Mavericks

Washington did not play in Tuesday’s win over the Nuggets due to right midfoot soreness, opening up a spot in the starting lineup for Jaden Hardy (less than one percent). He played 27 minutes against Denver, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, shooting 5-of-9 from the field. Regardless of Washington’s availability for Thursday’s game against the Warriors, Naji Marshall (25 percent) is a player who should be more popular in 12-team formats. As for Hardy, there’s no need to target him as a streamer if Washington remains out.

Fantasy Basketball Stock Up Stock Down: Russell Westbrook and Brook Lopez back into fantasy relevance
Brook Lopez has an opportunity to produce for the Clippers and fantasy managers with Ivica Zubac sidelined.

F Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets

Johnson suffered a knee injury during Tuesday’s loss to Dallas and was due to undergo an MRI on Wednesday. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he has been diagnosed with a bone bruise and is expected to miss time. As was the case when Peyton Watson (18 percent) missed a few games, Tim Hardaway Jr. (eight percent) and Bruce Brown (10 percent) are the players who are likely to be first in line to fill the resulting vacancy in the starting lineup. Of course, the Nuggets are still awaiting the returns of Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon, who may not be available until early January.

F/C Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers

Jackson suffered a head injury during Monday’s loss to the Celtics and was not available for Tuesday’s loss to the Bucks. Starting center Jay Huff (29 percent) only played 21 minutes on Tuesday, but he would be the “best” option for fantasy managers willing to consider rostering a Pacers center. The team recently re-signed James Wiseman (less than one percent), and he played 12 minutes off the bench on Tuesday. The Pacers were also willing to go small at times, factoring into Jarace Walker (two percent) picking up a few additional minutes off the bench. Even with Huff as the starter, he’s averaging only 19.6 minutes per game this season; there aren’t any appealing options on the Pacers’ roster.

C Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

Zubac suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain during Saturday’s win over the Lakers and has been ruled out for at least three weeks. Brook Lopez (15 percent) moved into the starting lineup for Tuesday’s win over the Rockets, producing five points, six rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes. He’s been challenging to rely on in fantasy basketball this season, and that’s unlikely to change, even with Zubac’s injury. First-round pick Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (less than one percent) played 15 minutes off the bench on Tuesday and is a better option for dynasty league managers who can afford to stash him than redraft leagues.

G Luka Dončić and F Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers

Dončić suffered a leg contusion during Saturday’s loss to the Clippers and did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, while Hachimura has missed the last two games with a groin injury. Nick Smith Jr. (less than one percent) and Jake LaRavia (seven percent) moved into the starting lineup, with the latter’s four defensive contributions being most notable about their performances. While LaRavia would be worth a look in deep leagues if Hachimura remains out on Thursday against the Rockets, there’s no need to consider Smith.

The expectation is that Luka is on track to play Thursday, so Smith may be headed to the bench regardless of what happens with Austin Reaves‘ minutes restriction. Reaves, who missed time with a calf injury, logged 22 minutes off the bench on Tuesday.

F/C Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies

By itself, Clarke’s injury would not affect fantasy basketball. However, he was Zach Edey‘s replacement in the starting lineup before going down with a strained right calf. Jock Landale (12 percent) filled in for Clarke for the December 22 loss to the Thunder, but Santi Aldama (45 percent) received the nod for the December 23 win over the Jazz. And he went off, finishing with 37 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal and seven three-pointers in 34 minutes. While starting would make Landale worth a look in deep leagues, Aldama deserves consideration in 12-team formats, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

F Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

McDaniels suffered an oblique injury during Minnesota’s December 21 win over the Bucks and did not play two nights later against the Knicks. Mike Conley (one percent) moved into the starting lineup, finishing with eight points, one rebound, two assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in 30 minutes. Even if McDaniels remains sidelined, Conley’s production has not been good enough to merit rostering in most leagues. Bones Hyland (three percent) has earned rotation minutes recently, but there should be better options available on most waiver wires.

G/F Herb Jones, New Orleans Pelicans

Jones has been banged up recently, first developing a migraine after taking a hit to the face during Saturday’s win over the Pacers. He was able to play two nights later against the Mavericks, but then the Pelicans wing sprained his right ankle. Jones did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Cavaliers, resulting in Bryce McGowens (one percent) moving into the starting lineup. In 31 minutes, McGowens recorded eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and one three-pointer.

If Jones has to miss more time, fantasy managers would be better off targeting Saddiq Bey (36 percent), especially as he continues to start over Zion Williamson. Williamson’s minutes limit will disappear at some point, but Bey has played well enough to continue figure prominently in the rotation, even if he’s pushed to the bench.

G Jalen Brunson and F OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

Neither Brunson nor Anunoby traveled with the team for Tuesday’s loss to the Timberwolves, staying back in New York to get a little more time off for injury maintenance reasons. Both should be fine for Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers, with Brunson already cleared and Anunoby listed as probable. Tyler Kolek (three percent) and Mitchell Robinson (16 percent) moved into the starting lineup, with the former recording career-highs in points and rebounds. Kolek isn’t worth holding onto when Brunson is available, but his recent performances have made the second-year guard a player worth keeping in mind for nights when the Knicks rest their star point guard. And with the Knicks not having more than one day off at any point until January 14, it would be unsurprising if starters not named Mikal Bridges get an occasional night off.

G Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder

Mitchell did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs after entering the league’s concussion protocol following Monday’s win over the Grizzlies. While he may not be a starter, the second-year guard has played well enough to put himself on the radar of some standard leagues despite coming off the bench on most nights. The minutes that would have gone to Mitchell were spread among multiple players, including Cason Wallace (25 percent), Alex Caruso (nine percent) and Isaiah Joe (five percent). While Joe boasts the highest scoring average of the trio, Wallace’s 2.3 steals per game have made him the best option for category league managers.

G Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns

Allen has been out since December 14, missing the last three games due to right knee injury management. Royce O’Neale (15 percent) has returned to the starting lineup, averaging 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.3 three-pointers in 28 minutes per game. He’s mainly worth a look for those needing steals and three-pointers, but that’s about it. And it’s always a good time to target Collin Gillespie (31 percent), especially with Jalen Green unlikely to return from his hamstring injury until sometime in January.

F Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

Grant has missed Portland’s last three games with a sore Achilles tendon. While this isn’t believed to be an injury that will sideline the forward for an extended period, it does affect the Trail Blazers’ rotation. Kris Murray (one percent) moved into the starting lineup, averaging 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in 30.7 minutes. While the playing time is encouraging for the former first-round pick, the production isn’t enough to make Murray a player worth streaming if Grant remains out.

F Keegan Murray and G Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings

Unfortunately, Murray’s name was added to the long list of players who have suffered calf injuries this season. The Kings’ forward had to exit Tuesday’s loss to the Pistons after playing 20 minutes, having appeared to tweak his right calf. Rookie Nique Clifford (one percent) was the replacement, and he finished with 14 points, two rebounds, two steals and two three-pointers in 25 minutes. With Zach LaVine also sidelined, the rookie wing’s playing time increased even before Murray’s injury.

Clifford isn’t someone to target if Murray misses time, but he is worth tracking. Something else to watch in Sacramento is Malik Monk‘s (19 percent) playing time. He played 14 minutes off the bench on Tuesday and five two nights prior against the Rockets. The veteran guard picked up two DNP-CDs before then, with injuries getting him back onto the fringe of the Kings’ rotation. If Murray has to miss time, Monk would be a better streaming option, provided he receives rotation minutes.

C Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors

The lower back injury that first became a problem for Poeltl during the preseason flared up recently, sidelining him during Toronto’s December 21 loss to the Nets. The 7-footer did not play at all in Tuesday’s win over the Heat, with Sandro Mamukelashvili (11 percent) moving into the starting lineup. In 27 minutes, Mamu tallied 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one steal and four three-pointers.

And he wasn’t the only Raptors frontcourt player to provide solid value in Poeltl’s absence. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles (two percent) recorded his first double-double, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in 25 minutes off the bench. While Mamu is the superior streaming option if Poeltl remains out, Murray-Boyles is worth keeping an eye on.

F Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

It looks like we’re at the point in the season when the Jazz begin to sit some of their established players for “injury management” reasons. Neither Markkanen nor Jusuf Nurkić played in Tuesday’s loss to the Grizzlies, resulting in Utah starting Kevin Love (one percent) and Kyle Filipowski (24 percent). Filipowski, who can probably be rostered even when Markkanen and Nurkić are available, finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two three-pointers in 35 minutes.

Deeper into the rotation, Taylor Hendricks (one percent) may be a “silly season” option in deeper leagues where Filipowski has already been claimed after the trade deadline. He recorded a line of 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals and two three-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench.

Nuggets’ Cam Johnson expected to miss time after suffering bone bruise in right knee during loss to Mavs: Report

Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson is expected to miss time after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee during the fourth quarter of a 131-130 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

But Johnson reportedly avoided the worst. His MRI revealed no structural damage or major injury, per Charania. 

The injury took place with less than 10 minutes left in the high-scoring affair. Cooper Flagg, who scored 33 points on 14-of-21 shooting, attacked the paint yet missed a runner. Flagg followed his miss, trying to reel in an offensive rebound. Johnson was there, too, and elevated for the board. 

Neither of them came down with the ball. It bounced toward Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy. Once Johnson landed from his rebounding attempt, he went down in serious pain. The seventh-year pro grimaced as he clutched his right knee.

A Nuggets timeout stopped play after Ryan Nembhard cashed in on a Hardy assist and knocked down a mid-range jumper.

Johnson was attended to by Nuggets medical staff. Eventually, he was able to limp off the court. Denver listed him as “questionable” to return with a right knee sprain, however, he didn’t check back in.

Notably, early in the 2022-23 season, Johnson tore the meniscus in his right knee while playing for the Phoenix Suns, with whom he spent his first three-plus NBA seasons from 2019 to 2023. 

While Johnson’s latest injury is to the same knee, it doesn’t appear to be as significant.

Known for his 3-and-D skill set, Johnson has averaged 11.7 points per game on 46.1% shooting, including a 42.9% clip from deep, this season, his first with the Nuggets. They acquired him in a trade this summer that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets.

Johnson arrived in Brooklyn via trade as well. As part of a four-team deal that landed Kevin Durant in Phoenix, Johnson and Suns teammate Mikal Bridges were shipped off to the Nets during the 2022-23 season. Johnson then agreed to a four-year, $108 million contract to stay with the Nets the following offseason.

Johnson is a career 39.4% 3-point shooter. He’s started all 28 games he’s played in for the 21-8 Nuggets this season.

Nuggets’ Cam Johnson expected to miss time after suffering bone bruise in right knee during loss to Mavs: Report

Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson is expected to miss time after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee during the fourth quarter of a 131-130 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

But Johnson reportedly avoided the worst. His MRI revealed no structural damage or major injury, per Charania. 

The injury took place with less than 10 minutes left in the high-scoring affair. Cooper Flagg, who scored 33 points on 14-of-21 shooting, attacked the paint yet missed a runner. Flagg followed his miss, trying to reel in an offensive rebound. Johnson was there, too, and elevated for the board. 

Neither of them came down with the ball. It bounced toward Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy. Once Johnson landed from his rebounding attempt, he went down in serious pain. The seventh-year pro grimaced as he clutched his right knee.

A Nuggets timeout stopped play after Ryan Nembhard cashed in on a Hardy assist and knocked down a mid-range jumper.

Johnson was attended to by Nuggets medical staff. Eventually, he was able to limp off the court. Denver listed him as “questionable” to return with a right knee sprain, however, he didn’t check back in.

Notably, early in the 2022-23 season, Johnson tore the meniscus in his right knee while playing for the Phoenix Suns, with whom he spent his first three-plus NBA seasons from 2019 to 2023. 

While Johnson’s latest injury is to the same knee, it doesn’t appear to be as significant.

Known for his 3-and-D skill set, Johnson has averaged 11.7 points per game on 46.1% shooting, including a 42.9% clip from deep, this season, his first with the Nuggets. They acquired him in a trade this summer that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets.

Johnson arrived in Brooklyn via trade as well. As part of a four-team deal that landed Kevin Durant in Phoenix, Johnson and Suns teammate Mikal Bridges were shipped off to the Nets during the 2022-23 season. Johnson then agreed to a four-year, $108 million contract to stay with the Nets the following offseason.

Johnson is a career 39.4% 3-point shooter. He’s started all 28 games he’s played in for the 21-8 Nuggets this season.