How to handle Trae Young’s injury Saturday vs. Grizzlies [UPDATE]

UPDATE: March 7, 6:37 p.m. — Young will start vs. the Grizzlies and won’t have a minutes restriction, per coach Lloyd Pierce.

UPDATE: March 7, 1:38 p.m. — Young is being listed as questionable to play vs. the Grizzlies.

UPDATE: March 7, 12:16 p.m. — Young missed Friday night’s game vs. the Wiz due to an illness and we’re unsure if he’ll play Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Chances are Young will return and was just getting some rest on the first night of a back-to-back set.

With Trae sidelined on Friday, the Hawks were led by Cam Reddish, who finished with 28 points in 29 minutes off the bench. Reddish shot 11-17 from the floor, though he did have seven turnovers. John Collins also had a solid game, going for 26 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. The Wizards were up for much of last night’s game, so minutes could look a bit different if Young is out again.

If Young returns, we shouldn’t expect nearly as much usage for Reddish. Collins is still a viable play given the fact Memphis has few healthy big men. Jeff Teague should go back to the bench and isn’t an option in DFS. Kevin Huerter takes a hit too after having 11 assists on Friday, acting as the primary ball-handler.

If Young returns, the Hawks may be an OK bet on DKSB. Atlanta is 6.5 point underdogs this afternoon and Young’s return could swing things. The Grizzlies are coming off a bad loss to the Dallas Mavericks. I view this game as closer if Trae is on the court — more of a pick ‘em.

UPDATE: March 6, 5:50 p.m. — Young has been ruled out vs. the Wizards and Teague will start in his place. With Young sidelined, there’s a lot to unpack here. The Wizards become an enticing play on the spread, which hasn’t moved much from 3.5 in favor of Washington. The O/U is at 245.5, so I’d maybe lean on the UNDER considering Young makes the pace of play slower and takes away one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA.

For DFS plays, I really like Bradley Beal at $10,400. With Young out, the Wizards should be able to dominate possessions. John Collins at $8,500 would be the other GPP play I’d recommend. Teague is an OK value play, but he’s been shaky in these spots despite starting. I’d lean on Reddish at $4,100 as a value. Huerter and De’Andre Hunter are also plus plays.

The Atlanta Hawks are making everybody miserable Friday afternoon by listing Trae Young as questionable to play against the Washington Wizards later. Young apparently has an illness and may be held out. Obviously, I hope that Young is OK but this is the second or third time he’s popped up on the injury report with an illness in the past three weeks. You’d think an NBA team could produce some solid medical advice and get Young healthy quickly. Now, it leaves a major question mark heading into Friday’s DFS slate and bets on Sportsbook.

Anyway, rant over. Let’s focus on the impact of Young potentially being out Friday night. If that’s the case, then John Collins ($8,500) is in an incredible spot for GPPs and cash games on DraftKings. We’d also potentially see Jeff Teague ($3,300) start at PG, but Cam Reddish ($4,100) seems like the player who could benefit more from Young’s absence. Also a big bump for Kevin Huerter ($5,600) and De’Andre Hunter ($4,900).

As for bets on DraftKings Sportsbook, well the O/U and money line are down with this news. If Young is out, the game seems more like a pick ‘em with a lean toward the Wizards covering. I’d still wait and see before reacting to any bets. If Young is out, obviously the UNDER may be appealing given how high it was (247.5) before it was taken down because of this news.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.