Jaylen Wells

With both Ja Morant (shoulder) and Zach Edey (concussion) sidelined, Memphis will roll out a smaller starting unit for this game, which features JJJ at center. Pippen Jr. will replace Morant, and he has been a must-roster player when he gets to start this season.

Williams has been out since November 19, when he suffered a severe ankle sprain during a game against the Nuggets. While he is progressing in his recovery, the third-year wing is still at least three weeks away from being cleared to play. Williams's and GG Jackson's absences have opened up opportunities for rookie Jaylen Wells, who has locked down a place in the starting lineup.

Wells' performance on Thursday is why defensive stats alone can't be used to gauge a player's performance on that end of the floor. The rookie wing was given the arduous task of defending Stephen Curry, and he passed the test with flying colors. The Warriors star finished 0-of-7 from the field, scoring just two points. And that assignment didn't prevent Wells from providing solid offensive production. He isn't a player who should be rostered in many fantasy leagues, but deep-league managers should watch Wells moving forward.

Memphis will bump Edey back into the starting unit, which is great news for his fantasy upside. He may see limited minutes against the Warriors, since they tend to use smaller lineups. Brandon Clarke will come off the bench, but he should still see a significant role.

McCain is out indefinitely with a torn meniscus, so who could take his spot as ROY frontrunner?