Valanciunas doesn't need to start or play starters' minutes to provide reliable fantasy value. Hitting double figures in rebounds for the first time this season, JV's grabbed at least seven boards in five straight games. Alex Sarr (10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in 26 minutes) will continue to start, but Valanciunas should be rostered in most leagues.
After getting the start in their last game, Valanciunas returned to playing a reserve role in this one. He ended up having his best game as a Wizard and put up some excellent numbers off the bench. When he signed with Washington, the expectation was that he would start at center, but that hasn't been the case for the most part. JV is still able to make an impact in a reserve role, but his fantasy upside is far more limited when coming off the bench. Still, this was an impressive performance from him.
After starting two rookies during the team's first two games, Valanciunas will replace Bub Carrington in the opening unit. This will be a bigger lineup that will shift Sarr over to power forward, which was what he reportedly wanted to play when he was drafted. Carrington should still see a large role off the bench, but Poole will be the team's point guard.
Valanciunas came off the bench in his first official game with the Wizards, backing up lottery pick Alex Sarr. The veteran center made good use of his time on the floor, scoring 18 points and grabbing five rebounds. Fantasy managers know the defensive numbers will be meager, but Valanciunas still has value in deep leagues.