Scottie Barnes

Barnes and the Raptors didn't get the victory on Thursday, but he provided fantasy managers with another exquisite stat line. The forward/guard finished one assist shy of his first triple-double of the season, and he did so on excellent percentages. Over the past two weeks, Barnes has provided top-10 per-game value in eight-cat formats, slightly better than his season-long production. While it's still early, he's trending toward making the second All-Star Game appearance of his career.

Barnes registered 23 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds, nine assists, one steal and three blocks in 36 minutes during Thursday's 123-120 loss to the Lakers.

Due to lower back injury management, starting center Jakob Poeltl will not play on Thursday. He's been replaced in the lineup by Mamukelashvili, who is worth rostering in deep leagues even when Poeltl is available. Collin Murray-Boyles will also have added fantasy value, but Mamu is the preferred option.

Barnes, who was named Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month earlier on Tuesday, blocked two more shots against the Trail Blazers. And his defensive production is one reason why the Raptors forward ranks among the best players in fantasy basketball this season. Averaging 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, Barnes is providing first-round value in 12-team formats. And he's shown no signs of slowing down, especially with the improvements he's made offensively.

Barnes posted 28 points (10-18 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 5-7 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks over 38 minutes during the Raptors' 121-118 win over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.