Washington Wizards DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (illness) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Smart wasn't originally on the injury report, but it appears he came down with an illness ahead of tip-off. The Wizards will take the cautious approach and hold out Smart for at least one game. The absence of Smart should mean more playing time for AJ Johnson and Bub Carrington. Between the two, Carrington is the much better streaming choice. The 19-year-old has scored double digits in four of his last six games coming into Saturday's contest.

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (ankle) will remain sidelined for Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Just before the All-Star break, Brogdon sprained his left ankle and has not seen any action since play resumed. On Thursday, he will be out for an 11th consecutive game. The veteran is expected to return before the end of the season, but it's unclear when he will be available. This season has been frustrating for Brogdon, who has taken the court only 24 times due to health issues. He is averaging 12.7 points per game, his lowest mark since his rookie year.

Washington Wizards forwardKhris Middleton (rest) will play against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday after sitting out Monday's contest with Toronto for rest purposes. In his last outing on March 8th, the 33-year-old posted 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 24 minutes of work versus the Raptors. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Middleton's progression with his new club after he's finished with at least 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals in the last four games.

Varun Shankar of The Washington Post reports that Washington Wizards guardMalcolm Brogdon(ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. This will be his 10th straight game he's missed, thanks to a sprained left ankle. Brogdon has dealt with injuries all season long and has only been able to suit up in 24 games this season for Washington. In his absence, fantasy managers should expectKhris Middleton (rest) to continue to have an expanded role after sitting out for rest purposes on Monday against the Raptors. In the seven games since being acquired from the Bucks at the trade deadline, the veteran forward is averaging 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 steals in 24.6 minutes per outing.

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (elbow) will make his return to the court ahead of Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Poole will be back in action on Saturday after missing each of the last three games due to an elbow injury. It doesn't sound like Poole is going to be limited and he'll slide back into the starting five for this game. Before going down, Poole was on a hot streak with two games in a row of 24 points or more. Fantasy managers who have Poole rostered can get him active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.