The All Star Break usually gives players a time to rest for a few days and come back ready to battle in the second half, but the Toronto Raptors find themselves now without All Star point guard Kyle Lowry tonight. Toronto ruled out Lowry for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics with a right wrist injury.
Lowry earned a trip to the All Star Game after he averaged 22.8 points, 6.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game this season. Of greater concern is that head coach Dwayne Casey didn't indicate when Lowry would be able to return to the court and he is scheduled to undergo further evaluation. It raises some short-term concerns for fantasy owners about just how long they'll be without All Star production.
In Lowry's absence, Cory Joseph steps into the starting lineup. Joseph made a previous start this season and put up phenomenal numbers with 33 points, four rebounds and four assists against the Nets. The opponent tonight will be significantly tougher than Brooklyn.
While Joseph should see some scoring opportunities, DFS players are better off just going further in on DeMar DeRozan. With Lowry out of the lineup, DeRozan should see heavy usage and tonight's game presents a great opportunity to put up some huge numbers.