Dylan Harper

Since returning to action on November 26, Harper has reached double figures in four of five games, including each of the last four. With Stephon Castle (hip) out, the Spurs' perimeter rotation is less crowded, which has benefitted the rookie. Harper has been most beneficial in the points, assists and steals categories, so he's been relegated to deep-league status in redraft formats. But there is a lot to like about his skill set, and Harper has not reached his ceiling.

There aren't as many minutes for Harper as there are for other lottery picks, but he was able to make the most of his time in this game. Since returning from a 10-game absence, Harper has averaged 12.5 points, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals in just 18 minutes per game. He'll continue to have his minutes managed for now, and when he returns to a full workload, he'll still have De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle ahead of him in the rotation. Harper is valuable asset in dynasty leagues, but his role may not be large enough for him to truly pop this season.

McLaughlin has not appeared in a game since November 7. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball, even with Stephon Castle (hip) sidelined, as De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are available.

Spurs rookie Dylan Harper had seven points, three rebounds and two assists off the bench in his return Wednesday at Portland after missing 10 games because of a strained left calf.

Harper's first game back after over three weeks was uneventful. The rookie guard played only 17 minutes off the bench and shot the ball inefficiently during his time on the floor. He was averaging 14.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 25.8 minutes per game over the first five games of the season before getting hurt against the Suns on November 2. With De'Aaron Fox back in the lineup and Stephon Castle's return likely not too far away, it's hard to predict how much of an impact Harper will make from a fantasy basketball standpoint moving forward. However, his ceiling remains high.