ACC Basketball Power Rankings - Week 13

ACC Basketball Power Rankings - Week 13

The ACC is still top heavy with UNC, Duke, Virginia and Virginia Tech leading the way. But it was an exciting week for teams outside the top four with upsets and near upsets on display.

Clemson, for instance, jumped to the top of the rankings after a big win over Florida State. The Tigers are now a strong contender for the ACC regular-season title.

1. Clemson

Clemson has a chance to be the best team in the conference this season, but a few things need to go right before the Tigers can make their case. They're in a tough spot after losing to Rutgers and Miami, but the offense is still improving and they can get back to playing their best basketball when they take on Virginia Tech this week.

Led by Nick Honor and PJ Hall, Clemson ranks inside the top 12 nationally in both 3-point percentage (41.9 3P%) and effective shooting (56.5 eFG%). The Tigers are also a solid defensive team, ranking eighth in KenPom Adjusted Defense.

If Clemson can round into form, they should be a contender for the ACC title and perhaps even a playoff berth. However, they still have to win their final seven games of the season, and some outside help might be needed for them to reach that point.

NC State is a bit of a mystery, as they followed up wins over FSU and Wake with losses to UNC and Notre Dame. But it's hard to ignore their schedule, which includes Duke twice and a trip to Virginia.

Boston College is another ACC team that is looking better than it has all year. They're 4-3 in conference play and have a great chance to pick up another ACC win against Notre Dame and Louisville this weekend.

Georgia Tech has also risen to the ranks of the ACC's elite, jumping into the top 12 this week after a big win over FSU in Pittsburgh. The Yellow Jackets have a chance to jump into the top four with a win at home against Clemson.

Syracuse is a wild card in the ACC, but they've won 4 straight, including a victory over Louisville last week. It's possible they could find themselves in a playoff spot after winning at Georgia Tech and beating UNC at home, but time is running out.

2. Virginia

ACC basketball teams continue to dominate the headlines as we enter the home stretch of conference play. While Duke continues to be a dominant force, Virginia is the only unbeaten team in the ACC after winning their fourth straight game.

The Cavaliers put on a show against Villanova in Philly, controlling the tempo and limiting the Wildcats to just 29 points on 35 percent shooting. That’s not the type of victory you expect to see from a team with a mediocre overall record, but it was an impressive performance by a team that’s proving they can beat top teams when they play well.

Virginia has now won 10 straight games, all by double digits, and is impressing even by the standards of their coach Tony Bennett. They’ve only trailed for a total of 5:01 minutes, the lowest deficit in 400 minutes of game time in ACC history and an impressive mark that suggests they could be an Elite Eight team this year.

In addition to grabbing a win against Duke, Virginia also took care of business against Louisville in a high-scoring affair, 63-47 on the road in the KFC Yum! Center.

If the Cavaliers can win out, they’ll finish with a perfect 13-win conference season and will be in the running for a top two NCAA seed. They’ll need to pick up another league win over Virginia Tech this week, along with a huge road game at Clemson and a big home win against NC State before the conference tournament.

West Virginia is coming off a strong win over Kansas and has the chance to build on their momentum heading into a tough road trip against Texas A&M and Texas Tech. This team controls tempo and is as good at taking away the best players in the country, so it’s worth keeping them on your radar going into the final weeks of the season.

3. Boston College

There were some upsets and near upsets to eat into the power rankings last week, from a Virginia Tech team that defeated Duke on a buzzer beater to Pitt's big win over 20-ranked Miami. It was an unpredictable week for our ACC basketball power rankings, but one that we're pleased to see Clemson and Duke keep their top spots as they look to close out the regular season with wins in the conference tournament.

The Eagles got a big boost in our rankings this week after their win over Pittsburgh, but we also liked the performance of their freshman guard Terquavion Smith. He erupted for a career-high 34 points in their loss at North Carolina and was 9-of-19 from the floor and 11-of-13 from the free throw line.

Boston College had a lot to be proud of this week, but it's still hard to get too excited about them at this point in the season. It's too early to tell if they have enough firepower to make it to the Final Four, but they do have a good chance of being in the NCAA Tournament.

They've only lost two ACC games this year (at UVa and NC State), so they still have a chance to clinch the league title. Their schedule continues to be pretty loaded, including an upcoming home game against Duke and another away game at UVa.

The Demon Deacons are already 4-0 in ACC play and their resume is improving, thanks to a pair of wins against teams that made the NCAA Tournament last season (NC State and Wake Forest). They have some talented players on their roster, but they need to improve their outside shot. If they can do that, it could be the difference between a second-round trip and a first-round exit at the hands of the eventual league champions.

4. Maryland

Maryland has been playing better basketball recently. They’ve gone 3-1 over their last four games, including a win over a Michigan squad in a close home game and a wire-to-wire win against Purdue in West Lafayette.

The Terps had a huge week in the Power Rankings, jumping from a tie for fifth to fourth thanks to a number of teams losing games that were in front of them. That said, Maryland still has a lot to do to prove that they’re legitimately one of the top teams in the ACC.

This week, Maryland plays a pair of key conference matchups: Tuesday against Michigan and Sunday against Ohio State. If the Terps can win both, they could make a move into the top five of the rankings.

If they can’t, however, they’ll be stuck in the middle of the pack. That’s a tough spot to be in for a team that hasn’t won a conference game since December.

On the flip side, Michigan has won its last two games, avenging a loss to Wisconsin with a win over Northwestern and a home victory against Ohio State. This is a team that hasn’t lost a road game since early December, so it’s certainly something to watch out for this week.

Another team that hasn’t lost a conference game since early December is Louisville, who knocked off NC State this weekend. The Cardinals are now 10-1 in the ACC and looking like one of the top teams in the country.

It’s going to be tough for Gonzaga to boost its tournament resume during conference play, and the Zags haven’t beaten teams near the top of the WCC this season. As a result, they’ll need to be resilient and have their best players on the floor for most of their games.

5. Villanova

Despite the lack of huge ACC games this week, there was still plenty to be excited about. Wake Forest survived an upset bid and Louisville got its first victory of Kenny Payne’s tenure.

Duke’s big win over Kentucky was a great example of why the Blue Devils are considered one of the nation’s top teams this season. It was also a sign that Mike Krzyzewski and his players know how to play offense at a high level.

Meanwhile, Virginia took care of business in its biggest game this week against Houston. The Cavaliers are now 7-1 in ACC play with their only loss coming to Miami.

The Cavaliers haven’t lost a conference game yet, and they still have a chance to win the regular season title. If they can stay healthy and get a big win against Syracuse this week, they will be the most likely team to take home the trophy.

But it’s going to take some time before that happens. The Hoos have to improve on their defensive performance and they’ll need to continue to find ways to score, which has dropped off a bit recently.

If they can do that, however, it will put them in a good position to make the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully, they’ll be able to rely on some of their talented bench players to pick up the slack, as well.

Villanova has some major challenges to face over the final two weeks of the season. A pair of games against Providence and a battle with Seton Hall are sure to test the Wildcats. Moreover, they have to make sure their starting guards remain healthy. The team started out the season without 6-4 senior Justin Moore and 6-7 freshman Cam Whitmore, both of whom are expected to return soon.

Jon Scheyer Rules Out Freshman Once Again

The Duke basketball season is underway with a new coach, a top-10 roster and plenty of changes. The Blue Devils will face a difficult schedule in the ACC that includes a road trip to Georgia Tech and home games against Miami, North Carolina and Virginia.

In the end, it is hard to predict what this year will bring for a team that has a lot of potential. But the most important thing is to keep an open mind as the team tries to make it through this transition season.

Coach K’s absence

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Coach K take the floor. He’s been a bit absent this year as he’s taken some time off to recover from a health issue that he’s had for a while. He was able to coach against Wake Forest on Tuesday night, but it wasn’t his usual routine as he didn’t take the court until after halftime and he didn’t return to the bench in the second half of the game.

It sounds crazy, but when you think about it, the fact that Krzyzewski was able to keep his head on straight and not lose his cool during the game demonstrates that he hasn’t been completely off the grid as he’s been dealing with this illness. It’s also a reminder that no matter what Coach K is dealing with, he will always be around in some form to support the Duke basketball program and his fans.

His absence on the sidelines will have an impact not just in Durham, but across the nation as well. There will be a vacuum that won’t be filled, and that vacuum could create a new breed of hate that isn’t necessarily related to a particular coach.

The college basketball world, especially around the ACC, has become very focused on Krzyzewski and his success. It’s hard to argue with that, as his team has won five National Championships and thirteen Final Fours over the course of his 42-year coaching career.

During his time at Duke, Krzyzewski has helped to establish a number of traditions and values that he continues to uphold today. These include the Duke Blue Devils name and logo, a strong commitment to team work, and a deep commitment to student-athlete development.

He’s also helped to establish a number of philanthropic endeavors, including a center in Durham that helps to inspire economically disadvantaged students to dream big, act with character and achieve academic excellence. He’s also a board member of the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research and an honorary chairman of the Children’s Hospital of Durham.

He’s also written several books on leadership, teamwork and basketball. The most recent of these is a collaboration with his daughter, Jamie Spatola, entitled “The Gold Standard: Building a World-Class Team.”

Jeremy Roach’s injury

When Jeremy Roach hurt his right ACL in November 2018, there were questions as to whether he would be able to play basketball again. He had committed to Duke at the time and he was undergoing physical therapy in the hopes of returning by his senior season at Paul VI.

After he completed his recovery, he returned to school and became a member of the Duke basketball program. He enrolled and quickly made an impression on coaches, reporters and fans alike as a hard-working and talented player with an eye for the game.

The Blue Devils started him at point guard in the opening game of the season, but it wasn’t long before he was sidelined with a nagging toe injury. He was able to play through the pain, but it was enough for Jon Scheyer and the medical staff to shut him down for a few games.

Roach has missed two conference games this season and three overall, but he was able to come back to practice Friday with a slight glimmer of hope for his health. He will miss the Blue Devils’ home game against Maryland-Eastern Shore this Saturday, but he should be available to face Miami this week.

He’s averaging 13.1 points and 3.5 assists for the Blue Devils this season, and that includes a career-high 22 points in the win against Iowa earlier this week. He was also the only starter to finish in double-digits in Duke’s wins over Boston College and Florida State.

If Roach is out against Maryland-Eastern Shore, it will be a big blow for the Blue Devils’ offense. It means Tyrese Proctor, the only other player to start all 11 games this year, will have to step in at point guard while Roach is out.

In addition, the Blue Devils have a talented freshman point guard in Dariq Whitehead who has been a force in their offense this season. He scored 18 points in the win against Boston College and 16 in a 86-67 victory over Florida State in December.

The Blue Devils will need him to be at his best for a chance to win their ACC opener against the Miami Hurricanes, who are coming off a 76-74 loss to Miami. It’s important for him to return to form and give Scheyer a quality option at point guard for his team’s first home game of the season.

Whitehead’s injury

Whitehead, a lottery pick who was projected as a star in the 2023 NBA Draft, left Monday night’s game against Virginia Tech with an apparent leg injury. After jumping for a loose ball, the 6-foot-7 freshman landed awkwardly on his lower left leg and immediately grabbed at his calf or Achilles area. He limped off the court and was helped by Duke’s training staff, before eventually being taken to the locker room with an icepack around his lower leg/Achilles area.

Scheyer said Whitehead did not sustain any structural damage, though he is not expected to play in Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech. “We just don’t have a timetable for Dariq right now,” he told reporters.

If Whitehead misses significant time, or is out for the season, it could hurt Duke’s depth and top-end talent. That’s especially true considering the team is already halfway through ACC play, and Whitehead had been one of the Blue Devils’ best players in recent weeks.

After a slow start, Whitehead had finally figured things out and rewarded Duke fans with double-figure scoring in six of the past eight games. He was providing the Blue Devils with an aggressive and physical perimeter threat that Duke needed.

But after battling for a loose ball from Virginia Tech’s Justyn Mutts, Whitehead jumped off the floor and immediately landed awkwardly on his leg. After grabbing his calf or Achilles, he limped off the court and was attended to by Duke’s trainers. He then was accompanied to the locker room by teammates.

Luckily for Duke, Whitehead didn’t suffer any structural damage or serious injuries, so he’ll still be able to play a role in this season’s run toward the NCAA Tournament. He’ll likely sit out against North Carolina on Saturday, but he should be able to return to action in the Blue Devils’ next game at Wake Forest on Tuesday, per Stephen Wiseman of The Raleigh News & Observer.

This is the second stint of missed time for Whitehead this season, as he missed the first three games after undergoing surgery to repair his fractured right foot. He started in 16 games last season and averaged 8.4 points and 2.3 rebounds before the injury.

Countdown to Craziness

Fans have been waiting for months to see the Duke basketball team play its first game of the season. After a heartbreaking loss to Kansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Blue Devils fans were eager to get back to a positive vibe around their beloved program. This week, they’ll finally get to experience that feeling when the Blue Devils host their annual Countdown to Craziness event on Friday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Countdown to Craziness is a celebration of the Duke basketball team, featuring a night of entertainment, games, engaging videos and on-court contests. It also includes the introduction of the 2022-23 team, the unveiling of this season’s team poster and the annual Blue-White scrimmage.

There were plenty of exciting moments throughout Countdown to Craziness, including student group performances and dunk team performances that kept the crowd entertained. However, one of the best highlights was the introductions for the new players and the head coach.

First up was Stanley Borden, a member of the Duke men’s basketball team and a five-star recruit who came to campus from a high-profile high school. He walked up on stage in a trench coat and then pulled out a saxophone to play his walk-up song, which was a solo from George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.”

Next up was freshman point guard Dereck Lively II, who is one of the top three-point shooters in the 2022 recruiting class. He also possesses excellent ball-handling skills and can be a reliable option on the wing for the Blue Devils.

He’ll pair well with freshman point guard Dariq Whitehead, who has a strong track record of success as a senior and is a national player of the year candidate this year.

In addition, Duke added several graduate transfers to the roster. In the backcourt, they’ll have Max Johns (Princeton) and Jacob Grandison (Illinois), while in the front court they’ll have Ryan Young (Northwestern) and Kale Catchings (Harvard).

The Blue Devils will also feature a number of returning starters, including junior Jeremy Roach, who has been a fixture on the starting lineup for years and will likely be named to the All-ACC first team this season. Freshmen Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, both of whom are talented two-way guards, will join the roster as well.

Keldon Johnson Ankle Questionable For Monday Night's Game Against the Bulls

The Spurs have Keldon Johnson listed as questionable for Monday's matchup against the Bulls due to left ankle soreness. His participation in the team's shootaround is a positive development, but he'll need to prove himself against Chicago before he can be ruled out.

Should Johnson miss the game, Isaiah Roby and Stanley Johnson would likely see more run, while Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson could also get some additional opportunity. Of the bunch, Richardson is probably the most viable streaming option, but fantasy managers should be able to find better rentals elsewhere.

Impact

The San Antonio Spurs are back in action Monday against the Chicago Bulls after a two-game losing streak, and one of the most intriguing questions on the team's injury front is whether Keldon Johnson will be able to suit up for the game. With Devin Vassell already ruled out and Jakob Poeltl (achilles) likely to return, it's possible that the fourth-year forward will be sidelined against the Bulls, though Keita Bates-Diop or Romeo Langford could fill in for him.

As it stands right now, Johnson is a very good player and has been in great form this season, but he's not shooting as well as he was last year. His field-goal percentage is at 43.8%, a significant drop from his previous averages of 52% and 61%. He has also been struggling to find a shot from beyond the arc, hitting only 20-of-65 attempts this season and just 10-of-20 from deep over his past three games.

Those numbers aren't going to be enough to help him earn a top-150 spot in 9-cat formats, and he's also not projected to have a large impact on the scoreboard against a Bulls team that ranks 24th in points per game this season. That said, he's a very good play on FanDuel if you have him on your roster and will provide some solid upside on the streaming market if he is able to come out against the Bulls.

He'll be expected to score around 23 points on a night when the Spurs are playing against the Bulls, so he'll be worth considering in leagues that value offense and low turnover rates. He'll likely be available at a relatively low salary on FanDuel and will have a nice number of shots to put up as he tries to regain his footing after a slow start to the season.

With a little time to heal, Johnson might be ready for a stretch of games where he can get a bit more production in the paint and on the glass. He'll also be a valuable option on FanDuel as a streaming option, especially with the Spurs' young lineup being so vulnerable to injuries.

If he can make it through the first part of the game, Johnson will be a very good play on FanDuel against the Rockets on Monday. He's projected to score 33.6 fantasy points and has a $7,300 salary on the service, so his value could be pretty high.

In fact, the Spurs have been a strong play on FanDuel over the past few days, winning eight of their last 10 and scoring an average of 104 points per game during that span. That's a very good number for a team that's been playing some of their worst basketball of the season.

Injury Updates

Johnson has a good chance to get the start against Chicago on Monday night, but his status is questionable. He hasn't missed a game for San Antonio since early January, but an ankle injury could keep him sidelined. That would limit his fantasy value on FanDuel, but he's still projected to be a top-five option in leagues that use scoring totals and have him in the starting lineup.

On Friday night, he logged a career-high 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He hit a couple of big three-pointers and played a great game overall, as he's now averaging 22.9 points over his last seven games.

He's also shooting a career-high 50% from the field and has been knocking down over 40% of his three-point attempts in his last five games. That's a great sign for him, as he's looking like he might be on the path to a Most Improved Player award nomination in the near future.

Hopefully, he can keep that up for the rest of his time in San Antonio and make this a true homecoming. If he can do that, it's not hard to see why the Spurs signed him to a rookie-scale contract extension back in September.

That's a massive deal for a guy who has never been in the starting lineup for an NBA team, and his presence should be enough to help San Antonio get through this rebuilding phase. As long as he stays healthy, Johnson is a must-have fantasy addition for this offense.

While he's never been a great shot-blocker, his defense can be pretty good in the open floor. He's got a solid frame and has a decent body type, so he should be able to bump cutters and rollers off their routes and force them to move up the floor.

His shooting has improved, too, which should give him more opportunities to score in the half-court. He's also a very capable finisher at the rim, which should be another reason to bring him in to your fantasy lineups.

He's averaging a career-high in scoring and is on pace to be the best shooter in the league. That's a huge step in the right direction for a young player who's been the emotional face of the youth movement in San Antonio.

Even in this era of high-flying youth movements, it's important to remember that there will always be an element of adversity. That's why it's so important for a player to be able to handle the weight of expectations, whether they're legitimate or not.

With the Spurs undergoing a major rebuilding process, there are no guarantees that Johnson will be a consistent contributor. That's why it's vital to monitor his progress and be prepared to rely on other players in his absence.

Gameday Predictions

The Spurs are a team that loves to turn the ball over, so losing Keldon Johnson for Monday’s game against the Bulls would be a huge blow to their chances of making the playoffs. In fact, the Spurs are currently the worst defensive team in the NBA, allowing 122.5 points per game and ranking last in 3-point shooting and free throw percentage allowed.

However, San Antonio isn’t an overly talented team, and they still have enough to make the postseason. If they win Monday, they could finish tied for sixth in the Western Conference and set themselves up for a deep run into the playoffs.

Regardless of how much playing time the Spurs get, they’ll need to score plenty of points on the road against a Bulls defense that’s giving up 132.5 points per game on the road. Luckily, they’ve been scoring fairly well this stretch, averaging over 112 points on 34.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc over the past three games.

Johnson has been an absolute force this hot streak, averaging over 20 points and a career-high 5.0 rebounds over the past seven games. He’s also been able to contribute modestly as a passer, averaging 2.4 assists over that span.

While his production has dropped off over the past week, the upside for him is still there. If he can return, he’ll likely be the Spurs’ top option on offense. But if he’s sidelined, it will be tough to know where to place his workload.

Stanley Johnson and Isaiah Roby are two players who should see more minutes if Johnson is out. That said, neither of them are great streaming options if he’s out.

Keita Bates-Diop is also a candidate to see an increase in run if Johnson is out. He’s been a solid backup point guard for the Spurs this season, averaging over 22 minutes per game across five appearances.

He also averaged over eight points and a career-high six rebounds during his last four games. If he’s able to play, Bates-Diop is a great value play on FanDuel DFS lineups.

If Malaki Branham is ruled out, he’ll likely see increased minutes on the court as well. He’s averaging over 18 minutes per game since the start of January and should be a top play on DFS lineups when he’s healthy.

Another player who’s likely to see more playing time on Monday is Coby White. He’s been a consistent fantasy threat this season, and it looks like he’ll continue to do so with Caruso out of the rotation.

Aldama isn’t quite as impressive when he plays, but he can still score, and it seems likely that he’ll see some playing time against the Bulls. He has averaged over 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in his two starts this season and isn’t a bad fantasy option for owners who have him available.

Keldon Johnson Ankle Cleared to Play Monday

The San Antonio Spurs have cleared small forward Keldon Johnson (ankle) to play Monday against the Chicago Bulls. The fourth-year player hasn’t missed a game for the team since early January, so it will be interesting to see how his return affects the rest of the roster.

Tre Jones is expected to get more playing time now that both Johnson and Devin Vassell are out, while Josh Richardson should also see an increased workload. Both could be solid streaming options if needed in daily fantasy lineups.

Johnson’s ankle was cleared to play

Johnson was cleared to play Monday after he tested his ankle in the morning shootaround. He’s been playing well of late, averaging 22.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists over his last seven matchups.

He’s also scored over 30 points in three of his last five games, including a career-high 36 points against the Nets on Friday. He’s a solid stream option in DFS if he stays healthy.

The Spurs are in a rebuilding mode this season following the trade of Dejounte Murray to the Hawks, but they have a lot of young players who could make a difference. Adding Johnson to the mix should help them build a deeper bench.

It’s unclear how much time he’ll spend in the starting lineup, but he’ll be able to take on a larger workload and will still get the chance to contribute on the defensive end. That’s a good thing for fantasy owners, since he’s projected to be San Antonio’s primary scorer in 2022-23.

During his second year in the league, Johnson showed signs of growth and he’s expected to continue developing this season. He’s a player with a strong frame and an ability to drive to the basket. He’s also a good outside shooter with a high percentage of three-pointers made.

His scoring efficiency dipped slightly during his sophomore season, but he’s still a top-125 option in standard fantasy formats. He’s also a great option in leagues with more shooting requirement, as he’s averaging nearly 40 percent from deep in his last five games.

He could even see more minutes as the Spurs try to establish a core of young players. He’s currently the fifth-best option in standard leagues, but he’ll need to improve his shooting and play more effective defense if he wants to be a Top 100 player.

In addition to Johnson, the Spurs have a number of other players who can play significant roles on a nightly basis. Depending on how the team performs, they may call upon Romeo Langford, Josh Richardson or Malaki Branham to pick up some extra minutes in the starting five.

He’s questionable for Thursday’s game against the Knicks

Johnson hasn’t been as productive on the offensive end this season as he was last year, but he did put up a nice performance Monday against the Clippers. He scored 24 points on 9-for-20 shooting and did a bit more on the glass than usual, pulling down six rebounds and adding four assists in 35 minutes of action.

In addition to Johnson’s scoring, his playmaking skills are also very important for the Spurs. His 4.3 assists per game lead the team and his 39.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc is a big reason why he’s one of the more reliable fantasy players in the NBA.

He’s worth a look in DFS lineups, as he should see a lot of minutes in this matchup with the Knicks. His low usage rate and high volume make him a great play on this fast-paced matchup with New York’s dreadful defense.

However, Johnson’s dreadful shot has been a problem this season. He’s only averaging 15.5 points on 42.4 percent shooting from the field and is a huge downgrade over his career numbers. He should still be a solid fantasy option, but his lack of production outside of scoring has been very concerning.

Luckily for fantasy managers, Johnson’s shooting is starting to come around. He’s averaging 21.6 points on 42.4 percent shooting in his last three games and has a chance to get even better in the coming weeks as he becomes more of the Spurs’ go-to player.

But for now, his production doesn’t help them win many games and he’s not a good DFS play unless you have a need for extra depth in your rotation. Until then, consider Doug McDermott or Josh Richardson as streaming options in this matchup.

The Memphis Grizzlies are tied for first place in the Western Conference with the Denver Nuggets and have won eight straight games. They’re still looking for their first playoff spot, but they’re in a great position to do so now that Ja Morant is back from injury.

He had a fine game against the Lakers on Wednesday, scoring a team-high 25 points on 9-for-20 shooting. But he’s still struggling with his shot and has only been able to score in double-digits in two of his last eight games.

He’s questionable for Monday’s game against the Bulls

The Spurs announced that Keldon Johnson suffered a “right shoulder posterior dislocation during Spurs open gym” on Saturday, and he’ll miss the start of training camp and likely the team’s preseason games. This is a rare injury, but it’s one that can take months to heal.

While this news has been a major blow to the Spurs, it does leave them with a number of options to replace Johnson’s scoring production for the remainder of the season. For starters, they can look to Jeremy Sochan, who is expected to return from an illness.

Sochan has a good chance to see more minutes in the starting lineup, so this could give the Spurs some flexibility moving forward. That should help them get more minutes out of their bench players as well.

In his last four games, Johnson has scored 26 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the field and 2-of-8 from three-point range. He has also provided modest contributions on the glass (5.0 rebounds) and as a passer (2.4 assists) over this hot stretch.

He was also excellent in the paint Sunday, grabbing seven rebounds and making a trio of triples. He also managed to score in double-digits for the fifth time this month, which should give him a lot of confidence going into Monday’s game against the Bulls.

Even with Johnson out, the Spurs will have a strong lineup to attack the Bulls’ defense. The team has a lot of quality shooters on its roster, including Dejounte Murray, but they’ll also have an experienced group of veterans behind them to help them make their mark in the Western Conference.

With Johnson out, they’ll need to rely on their young forwards more. This is the best way to get them some minutes, and they’ll have a great opportunity to show what they can do in a matchup against a talented Bulls team.

In addition to boosting the depth, this will also provide some opportunities for Doug McDermott to step up his play and become a more reliable fantasy option. That’s especially true if he can continue to develop his outside shot after an up-and-down first half of the season. He’s shown a strong desire to improve his shot this season, so it would be wise to expect him to continue to work on it in the future.

He’s questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Rockets

After a strong performance in Friday’s win over Detroit, Spurs fans will be wondering if their team can rely on Johnson in Tuesday’s game against the Rockets. The team’s leading scorer is currently listed as questionable for Monday’s contest, but his absence shouldn’t affect the Spurs. The team doesn’t want to rush him, however, and will give him time to get healthy.

The Spurs are a bit thin at forward, with Jakob Poeltl (Achilles) and Devin Vassell (knee) already out of the lineup. Should Johnson be unable to play, Romeo Langford and Josh Richardson should receive some significant minutes. Malaki Branham has also received some playing time recently and would have a chance to increase his value.

Those players aren’t the best streaming options, but they can still be used in deeper fantasy formats. Isaiah Roby is another player who could see some increased playing time, and he’s likely a good choice in deeper leagues.

Keita Bates-Diop is another option that could see an uptick in production should he suit up for this game, as he’s been playing more than ever lately. He’s a risky flex play, but he should have some upside in this matchup.

Even if Johnson isn’t ready to play, there’s still a good chance that he will start against the Bulls. He was a big part of the Spurs’ success last season, and they need his help more than ever this year.

He’s been a solid addition to the team this season, as he’s posted career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists this year. He’s currently averaging more than 23 minutes per game, so he should be able to see plenty of court time in this matchup.

With the Spurs battling for a playoff spot, they’re going to need their top players to be healthy. It’s hard to imagine that the team won’t want to wait for their star players to return, but Johnson is a quality player who helps San Antonio win games.

He’s a valuable fantasy option, but his poor efficiency and lack of defensive output have limited him to outside the top 150 in standard formats this year. As a result, it’s unlikely that Johnson will be a solid fantasy option for most teams.

Is Keldon Johnson Playing vs. Bulls? 2023 NBA Draft

The Chicago Bulls visit the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Every Spurs fan will be desperate to know if Keldon Johnson is playing.

The Kentucky native has been making an impact for the Spurs this season. He leads the team in scoring and has been one of their top players in recent weeks.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have been in the NBA for almost a century now and they are currently on a seven-game winning streak. This will be their first game on their rodeo road trip, so it is important for them to get off to a strong start and continue the momentum they have been able to build throughout the season.

The Bulls are coming off a win over the Trailblazers on Saturday and will have an edge in this game due to their starting lineup. They will have Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the court, along with Nikola Vucevis, so expect them to be in good form early in this game.

This will give the Bulls an advantage over the Spurs in this game, so they should be able to come away with the win. The Spurs, on the other hand, have a lot of injuries to deal with as they try to avoid losing more games than they have so far this season.

In addition, the Spurs will be missing their key players Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones. However, Malaki Branham has been on fire lately, averaging over 20 points in the last four games.

As a result, he has been able to earn more playing time and should have an impact on this game. It will be important for him to keep his scoring streak going against the Bulls as they have been a solid defense this season.

The Spurs were able to win on the road against the Trailblazers on Friday, but they were still without some of their key players and will have to try and get a little bit more depth in this game. This will be an important game for their younger players to get more playing time and it will give them a chance to show what they can do.

Another key player to watch for in this game will be Andre Drummond, who was asked about his future with the team at shootaround on Monday and he responded by saying that he hopes to remain with the Bulls beyond Thursday’s trade deadline. This is a promising move as Drummond was an integral part of the team’s success last year and is still one of the best defensive defenders in the league.

Is Keldon Johnson playing?

Johnson was not listed on the Spurs' injury report for Friday night's game against the Bulls. He did not practice Saturday, however, so he's not likely to play. Instead, he'll be on the bench.

It's no secret that Johnson has been having a very good year for the Spurs, but his shooting percentage has been significantly down. He's averaging a career-low 43.8% from the field and has sunk a ton of three-pointers this season. Despite this, the fourth-year forward is still averaging a healthy 21.6 points per game.

He's also averaging 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists, which is more than enough for fantasy owners in most 9-cat leagues. The San Antonio forward is not the type of player who will provide a lot of value in daily fantasy, though he can still be a good streaming option if you're looking to make a few tweaks on your team.

Keldon Johnson's fantasy line against the Bulls is projected to be a little higher than his actual average for this game, as the Spurs will likely give him a few more minutes. This could also result in a boost in his average stats for the game, as the Spurs have a strong record against the Bulls at home and should be able to win this game.

The Spurs have two players battling injuries, but it doesn't appear that either one is going to be missing much of the game. Tre Jones (left foot soreness) is expected to sit out on Monday, while Romeo Langford (left adductor tightness), Jeremy Sochan (low back soreness), and Devin Vassell (knee injury) are all questionable to play.

If Johnson does miss this game, the Spurs will have a few other options to fill in. Doug McDermott, Josh Richardson, and Stanley Johnson have all been in good shape over the last few games and should be in line for increased run if he is ruled out.

Impact Johnson, who was listed as questionable to play against the Bulls due to an ankle injury, is set to participate in shootaround on Monday. This is encouraging news for the Kentucky product, who has been playing at a high level over the last few weeks and should be in line to get a big boost in fantasy production if he's cleared to play.

Is Dejounte Murray playing?

The Chicago Bulls signed restricted free agent point guard Lonzo Ball to a long-term deal this offseason, but their biggest need was at the point guard position. With that in mind, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley decided to make a move to acquire two-way point guard Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs during this summer's trade deadline.

After a strong start to the season, Murray has had a slowdown in production. While he's still averaging 21.2 points, 6.1 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game in January, his shooting percentages have slipped to 46.2% from the field and 36% from three-point range.

With the addition of Trae Young, however, Murray has shown a more consistent ability to play a part in the Hawks' offense and he's helped lead Atlanta to four straight wins. He scored 29 points and had 12 assists in Friday's 139-124 victory over the New York Knicks, playing 39 minutes.

Murray's scoring has slipped but his defense has improved, and he has been effective on both ends of the floor as a result. He tallied 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two turnovers in Thursday's 120-113 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, playing 32 minutes.

His scoring has dropped since the start of December, but his overall stat line remains strong enough to provide third-round value for fantasy teams. He's averaging 23.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 8.8 assists over the last month and he's also providing fantasy owners with a solid 2.3 3-pointers per game in that time frame.

The trade that sent him to San Antonio was an expensive one, but the Hawks were able to get the best of both worlds in terms of draft picks and potential future value. He's a talented young player who has the potential to be an All-Star in the future, and his addition instantly increases the talent level on the Hawks' roster.

He's also a good fit for the Hawks' coaching staff, which will be pleased to have him on board for another season. He can help improve the Hawks' depth in the backcourt while enhancing their defensive intensity, which should help them stay in the thick of the race for an NBA title.

Is Lonnie Walker IV playing?

The Los Angeles Lakers have been a disaster on the injury front this season and have now seen their top two starting guards, Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV, both miss a game this week with injuries. It’s a bad sign for the team as they already have an injury-prone roster, but they should be able to get some help from the bench this weekend when they travel to Boston.

While there are some good things to take away from the season so far, it’s clear the Lakers are still very much a work in progress. They’re not the only team in the NBA struggling to find players who will contribute, though.

On Thursday, the Lakers announced that they had signed former San Antonio Spurs wing Lonnie Walker IV to a one-year deal. He’s a great addition to their roster, especially after the loss of Jordan Hill last year.

He’s only a few years removed from playing college ball at Miami, and has shown that he can play in the NBA. His shot isn’t perfect, but he’s improved his three-point shooting significantly this year and his offensive production is certainly a bright spot for the Lakers right now.

Even though he’s playing fewer minutes than usual, it’s clear that the Lakers see Walker as a valuable player. He has started all 32 games this season, rotating between shooting guard and small forward (and sometimes power forward in four-guard lineups), averaging 14.7 points per game. He’s also averaging 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists, which isn’t bad for a guy who has yet to really establish himself as a star.

In his first year with the Lakers, Walker IV has gotten off to a good start. He’s averaging a career-high 14.7 points per game this season, shooting 38.4% from three-point range and has become a consistent floor-spacer.

While it’s clear that the Lakers are a long way from being a playoff team, it’s still a positive sign to see players like Walker IV and Troy Brown Jr. come off the bench and help out in key moments.

BTS Nominated for a Grammy, But Multiple Nods Still Make BTS Shine at Grammy Awards

BTS was nominated for a few awards this year, but no win. Their English songs weren't enough to get them the prize.

This is a good sign that the band has something to offer Grammy voters, despite their recent move away from their 'western' music style. Their work with Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and more could help them get the award they're looking for.

1. Give a Gift

While they haven’t won a Grammy yet, BTS is no doubt one of the most beloved and recognizable bands in music history. Their nomination for Best Duo/Group at the upcoming ceremony is a big deal for fans worldwide.

But, as the members of BTS (RM, Jimin, Suga, Jungkook and V) have learned to their cost, it’s not always easy being the best. After all, they have a lot on their plates.

That said, no matter what happens at this year’s ceremony, you can still make it a great night for BTS with a few simple gifts and ways to celebrate.

A gift is a way to show someone how much you care about them, and it’s also a great way to bond with them. When you give a gift to someone, your brain releases oxytocin and serotonin, which can trigger feelings of euphoria.

When giving a gift, it’s important to think about what the person might need in their life. They might be going through a difficult time, or they might just need something to get them through the day. For example, a new personalised mug for their coffee cup, a cute hoodie or some cool merch that will help them express their personality and style.

You can also buy them a gift that they can use every day, such as a phone charger or a set of toiletries. These types of gifts are often less expensive than you might think, and they’re also something that the recipient will actually use.

While BTS might not have won a Grammy yet, they still have a lot of chances to do so in the future. So, if you’re looking for ways to celebrate them this weekend at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, keep reading for some of our favorite ideas!

2. Decorate Your Workspace

Decorating your work space can be a great way to add some personality and make it more appealing. You can do it in many ways, from small details like color-coded office supplies to a large statement piece such as a wall hanging.

A well-designed display can be as simple as a bulldog paper clip with matching tacks to hold photos or as extravagant as an oversized framed quote. Even the smallest detail can make your office look more inviting and increase productivity.

If you’re lucky enough to have an open concept office, you can really let your creativity shine by adding some fun decorations. There are tons of creative options out there, from a colorful wall clock to a nifty desktop phone holder to a quirky lamp with LED lights that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

The best part about all of these ideas is that you can actually incorporate them into your current office or cubicle setup. It’s a win-win for you and your team.

One of the best ways to make your office a more functional and pleasant place to work is by using natural elements such as plants and aromas. Plants, in particular, can do a number of things, from helping to purify the air and improve moods to reducing stress.

Another way to add a touch of class is by creating a dazzling piece of art. This could be a framed piece of artwork, an inspirational quote or a colorful photo.

There’s no need to spend a fortune on decorating your office, just be sure to consider all five senses when you’re designing your dream work space. With a little foresight and a pinch of luck, you’ll be rocking your workspace in no time!

3. Celebrate With Your Team

If your team has just landed an award, a celebration is definitely in order. It’s not only a great way to celebrate with your co-workers, but it can also help build a stronger sense of community and teamwork.

The Grammys are the world’s biggest music awards ceremony, and they attract some of the biggest stars in the industry. Whether you’re an avid fan or just curious, it can be exciting to watch the show.

This year, BTS has a chance to win a Grammy for best pop duo or group performance. The band has received multiple nominations before, so if they do take home the honor, it’ll be a night to remember!

During Sunday’s awards show, the septet had their A-game on. They gave a James Bond-inspired "Butter" performance that went down as one of the biggest moments of the show.

When they weren't performing, the group celebrated their nomination with their ARMYs (which translates to 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts' in Korean). Their fans have been extremely supportive of their endeavors and have shown them love in every way possible.

In addition to their stellar music, the seven members of BTS are known for their uplifting messages, social activism and a deep connection with their fans. These factors have helped make them one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world.

They’ve won a total of four American Music Awards for favorite pop duo or group, the most among any group in the category’s history. They’re tied with Aerosmith, Black Eyed Peas and Daryl Hall & John Oates.

Although they didn’t win, the Grammys were a memorable moment for many people. A member of the New York Youth Symphony, for example, congratulated them on their nomination in the orchestral performance category. And, a video from the ceremony showed how excited the group was to hear about their nomination.

4. Celebrate on Your Lunch Break

The Grammys have been known to go all out on their official award show for a week, hosting an extravagant array of over-the-top gatherings that aim to impress a seen-it-all crowd. But one of the most ambitious is The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration, a 5,000-guest event that will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center following the awards ceremony on Feb. 5.

The after-party will feature a bird-inspired "take flight" theme and an eclectic menu from celebrity chef Jason Fullilove. It will include 48 food stations and 48 bars, with dishes ranging from seafood to gluten-free options.

In addition to the food, the party will feature a live performance by Big Boi, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star and De La Soul, among other hip-hop artists. It will also be a chance for guests to hear from the likes of DJ Drama, Missy Elliott and Future.

This year's celebration will also honor the work of music creators and producers, including Terri Lyne Carrington, a three-time Grammy winner who founded the Producers & Engineers Wing, which promotes best practices in sound recording, audio technologies, education and recognition. It will also recognize the efforts of Judith Sherman, a 13-time Grammy winner who is a member of the Producers & Engineers Wing and has dedicated her career to ensuring proper crediting and rights for music creators.

In addition to the music, the show will also highlight fans and industry influencers, with roundtable conversations featuring fans of nominated artists and their friends and family members. The idea of involving fans in the awards process is certainly not new, but it made sense to try it out on the telecast. In fact, it was one of the evening's most invigorating moments.

5. Celebrate Yourself

When it was announced that K-pop superstars BTS had been nominated for a Grammy, fans reacted in jubilation. It was a momentous achievement for the seven-member group, who had already earned three nominations this year.

However, there was no win for the band at this year's ceremony. Instead, they were shut out in two of the four big categories--Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance--in favor of Taylor Swift and Sam Smith.

The reason behind this disappointment isn't a lack of talent or ambition from the group, but a lack of recognition from the Grammys. The Recording Academy's long history of reluctance to champion diversity has created a feeling that Asian artists don't have a place in the Western music industry, and it has always been a challenge to get a non-English album recognised at the ceremony.

That's why it was an especially special moment when BTS’ album Love Yourself Zhuan 'Tear' was nominated in the category of Best Recording Package, despite competing against albums crafted by St. Vincent and Mitski, as well as Foxhole's well-kept thing.

This nod for the 'Tear' album is significant because it marks a first for a Korean act to be recognized at the Grammys in this way. It also shows that the Grammys are paying attention to a crucial but largely overlooked tradition in the Korean music industry--album art.

In addition to the 'Tear' nomination, BTS received nods for their "Yet To Come" single and collaborations with Coldplay and Charlie Puth. RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin and Jungkook will likely be serving their mandatory military service before their birthdays in December, meaning they won't be able to work on new music as a full unit for the foreseeable future.

BTS Video of Kerala Trans Couple From Their Maternity Shoot

In what is a first in more ways than one, Kerala trans couple Zahad and Ziya are expecting their first baby. In a social media post, they announced that they are expecting a child in March.

A video of their maternity shoot is also making headlines online. It shows their struggles and how they are grateful to become parents.

Zahad & Ziya’s maternity shoot

Zahad & Ziya are making headlines in India after they announced their pregnancy last week with a powerful photo shoot. The couple is preparing to welcome their first child in March and have been documenting their journey on Instagram. The photos have received a lot of attention on social media and have gathered over 20k likes.

The pair based in Kozhikode, Ummalathoor district, have been living together for three years and Zahad conceived the baby during his sex change, which was stalled for the sake of their child. It was a difficult and challenging journey but Zahad & Ziya are proud to be parents.

After undergoing gender transformation through hormone therapy, Zahad and Ziya wanted to start a family. However, it wasn’t easy as the couple was battling societal ostracism for their gender identity and they faced challenges with medical procedures.

Despite these setbacks, they have managed to overcome all their obstacles and are looking forward to welcoming their new bundle of joy in the next few months. Their journey to parenthood has not been easy and it is a long road ahead of them, but their desire to be parents has made it all worth it.

Their maternity shoot was beautiful and it has gone viral on social media. The couple shared a series of photos from the shoot and wrote a heartfelt note about their struggle. They are grateful for their supportive family members and doctors who have guided them during this exciting phase of their lives.

The maternity photoshoot was also a great opportunity for the two to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. The pictures and videos posted on Instagram have gone viral and prompted many to support them in their quest to become parents.

They are now in their second trimester and have been working hard to conceive their baby. They are planning to breastfeed their child and they hope to use breast milk from a hospital milk bank.

They have been working on their sex change for the past three years and have faced plenty of challenges along the way. They have been struggling to keep their costs under control and have been seeking help from government agencies.

Zahad’s sex change

Getting pregnant is one of the most special moments in a person’s life. But for Zahad, an accountant from Kozhikode, it was not something he could be excited about. After all, he was still a woman, and that made it even harder for him to embrace being a parent.

Fortunately, Ziya Paval, who is also a transgender, changed his mind when she told him she wanted to have a baby with him. She urged him to go back to the gender he was born in and try to conceive.

But this was not an easy task. Initially, he was reluctant to go back to his feminine identity, and worried about what people would think of him. But Ziya’s earnest desire to become a mother, along with her love for him, convinced him to go through with the process.

After Zahad had undergone hormone therapy as part of his sex change procedure, he and Ziya decided to start trying for a child. They consulted doctors at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode.

As a result, they conceived their first child in March. This is the first time a trans man in India has conceived a child, and the couple is elated to be part of history.

They are now preparing to give birth, and Zahad will resume his hormone therapy to transition into a man six months after the delivery. Until then, they will depend on the MCH’s 'breast milk bank' to feed their baby.

Zahad and Ziya have been together for over three years. They met when they were both transgenders and fell in love. Eventually, they decided to live together.

In this photo shoot, they shared how their lives have changed since they decided to go ahead with their journey of sex change.

The BTS video of Kerala trans couple from their maternity shoot is everything beautiful, and it has gone viral on social media. Thankfully, the pictures are not only inspiring and powerful, but they are also heartwarming.

It’s a true testament to their strength that they were able to overcome the challenges of embracing their newfound identities. They are now looking forward to a lifetime of love and happiness with their child.

Zahad’s pregnancy

A BTS video is usually a special treat to audiences as it shows the behind-the-scenes work that goes into getting a movie made. It can help them relate to the story, appreciate it more, or learn from it. A BTS video can also show the audience things that are otherwise kept private, such as time-lapse videos or footage of the cast and crew just being silly.

In this case, Zahad and Ziya are a trans couple in Kerala who are expecting their first child. The announcement of their impending parenthood has gone viral and the duo is excited to become the first natural parents in India.

The couple is from Kozhikode and they have been living together for the past three years. They have also undergone hormone therapy as part of their gender transition.

When the couple decided to conceive a baby, they looked into the options and found that the process was quite complicated. They realised that they would have to undergo legal proceedings as a trans couple. This forced them to come up with the idea that Zahad, who is still biologically a female, could conceive a baby.

Though he was hesitant at first, he changed his mind once Ziya’s earnest desire to be a mother had convinced him that it was the right thing to do. It was a difficult process, as Zahad was still undergoing his gender transformation and he was reluctant to fall back into the feminine identity that he was in the process of shunned from.

After all, he was not sure what people would think of him and it also took him some time to get used to the thought of being a mother. But eventually, he agreed to have the baby and he will be a father for the first time in his life.

The couple is expecting a healthy baby and they are very excited about it. The baby will be named “Zahad,” and it will grow up to be a happy, healthy member of society. The couple will be able to give their baby a loving and supportive environment. They will also be able to provide him with the kind of education he deserves.

Zahad’s baby

For Ziya Paval and Zahad Fazil of Kozhikode’s Ummalathoor, being parents is a dream come true. After living together for three years, the transgender couple has been swamped with joy and excitement, as they prepare to welcome their first child.

They shared the news on Wednesday, taking to social media with pictures of their maternity shoot. The pictures went viral on Instagram, and were quickly followed by a wave of appreciation and support for the transgender couple.

In the video, they posed for a series of photos while expressing their love for each other and for their new baby. They also wrote a long note to share their journey and how grateful they are for being parents.

The couple started their gender transition process two years ago. But early last year, they paused it to become parents. It was a hard decision to make, especially for Zahad who had always been reluctant to return to the femininity that he was working so hard to abandon. But when Ziya expressed her desire to be a mother, he changed his mind.

Though their sex change was stalled, the couple decided to conceive a child, which helped them overcome some of their challenges. Since they were a transgender couple, they were unsure about the legal proceedings that would be involved in adopting a child.

However, they soon realized that Zahad was still a woman biologically and could conceive. The couple enquired about the procedures, but found it difficult to pursue. They also considered adoption, but realized that they wouldn’t be able to afford the treatment, and so the idea of conceiving naturally occurred to them.

As they were undergoing their sex change, Zahad’s breasts and other organs had to be removed as part of the medical procedure for their gender affirmation, but the doctors said that he was able to conceive, because his uterus was still there. They have since been receiving treatment from the government medical college in Kozhikode, and expect to give birth to their first child next month.

After the pregnancy, Zahad will resume his hormone therapy to continue his transformation to a man. During the pregnancy, he had a lot of vomiting issues. But he’s now in his third trimester, and is hoping to deliver in March.