San Antonio Spurs

Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul (hand) was injured in Friday's win over Detroit and was ruled out after logging 24 minutes and finishing with eight points, six boards, and one block. Unfortunately, the team revealed that the 12-time All-Star suffered a fractured left hand and will undergo surgery next week. This isn't an ideal situation for Golden State, considering the team has also been without Draymond Green (suspension). At any rate, Paul has had his share of struggles in his first season with the Warriors, averaging a career-low 9.0 points. But his absence will at least open up minutes for others, with head coach Steve Kerr indicating Moses Moody would see more time at the one, meaning he's worth monitoring in all fantasy setups moving ahead. Regarding Paul, he can be dumped in re-draft formats, especially since it may be a while before he's back on the court.

San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones is set to make his first start of the season for Thursday's tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks. Malaki Branham (ankle) is doubtful to play, slating Jones to rejoin San Antonio's starting backcourt alongside Devin Vassell after spending 65 games in head coach Gregg Popovich's first unit last year. The 23-year-old offense initiator lost his grip on the starting job at the point to Jeremy Sochan in the preseason, providing 8.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 0.8 steals per game as a strict reserve this season. Jones should experience an uptick in playing time against the Bucks, however, with Thursday's contest being the more attractive of the two games on the slate in terms of implied point total (248.5).

San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Malaki Branham (ankle) is unlikely to play Thursday versus Milwaukee. The team has listed him as doubtful for the game after Branham sprained his right ankle in Tuesday's clash with the Grizzlies. Branham played just seven minutes on Tuesday, and the injury ended a nice run of double-digit scoring he had enjoyed. The 20-year-old has done well this season, even getting regular looks as a starter. He's recorded 10.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the role. Tre Jones and Blake Wesley figure to be more involved without Branham, although San Antonio's rotation can be very unpredictable, and you never really know what Gregg Popovich is planning.

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He started and played the first seven minutes before exiting the game due to a right ankle injury. The severity of the injury is unknown, so fantasy managers will have to check back for another update. His absence will likely free up additional playing time for Blake Wesley. It also means that Keldon Johnson will likely shift back to the starting unit, assuming Branham misses time. Johnson should already be rostered in most leagues, but a move to the starting five would boost his fantasy value.

San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Keldon Johnson (back) is on track to return to the lineup Tuesday against Memphis. He was unavailable on New Year's Eve versus Boston due to back spasms. Johnson has been leading San Antonio's second unit lately, although he's still seen starter's minutes, and the 24-year-old has remained effective. He's averaged 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the four games he hasn't started.