Scottie Barnes led the Toronto Raptors to a convincing 126-96 victory against the Charlotte Hornets, showcasing his skills with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds in just 20 minutes. Fellow players RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley contributed effectively, combining for 19 points while resting for the latter stages of the game. This marks Toronto's last home game of the season as they prepare for a road trip to Texas.

On the other side, Nick Smith Jr. shone for Charlotte, recording 28 points and 10 assists despite the team's fifth consecutive loss. The absence of Jakob Poeltl due to injury opened opportunities for Jusuf Nurkic, who scored 26 points. Jonathan Mogbo made headlines with a triple-double performance, becoming the first rookie to achieve this milestone this season.

Scottie Barnes showcased his skills with a double-double, leading the Toronto Raptors to a dominant victory over the Charlotte Hornets, finishing 126-96. In just 20 minutes, Barnes tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. The Raptors, who had already secured their final home game of the season, effectively utilized their depth, allowing starters like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley limited playing time. Despite the lopsided score, Nick Smith Jr. stood out for the Hornets with 28 points and 10 assists, revealing the struggles of Charlotte as they faced their fifth consecutive loss.

Toronto's rookie Jonathan Mogbo made headlines by recording his first career triple-double. This performance underlines the Raptors' commitment to developing their young talent, especially as the season comes to a close. The team is set to travel to Texas for their final games against the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, while the Hornets will conclude their season in Boston.

The All-Star break signals a pivotal time for fantasy basketball, with teams gearing up for a strong finish to the season. Week 18 brings exciting matchups, and several players are primed to make an impact, particularly those from the Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks, who each have three games scheduled. Nick Smith Jr. of the Hornets is emerging as a must-start option with LaMelo Ball's injury woes, while Stephon Castle's recent All-Star success boosts his value for the Spurs. Conversely, Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings is a sit candidate due to a limited one-game schedule, making him a tough choice for fantasy lineups.

For those managing forwards, Kyle Kuzma is starting to settle into his role with the Bucks, and Max Strus is proving to be a solid contributor for the Cavaliers. Both players come at affordable roster rates and have favorable matchups on the horizon. Meanwhile, Keegan Murray's declining performance and reduced opportunities make him a candidate for your bench. The upcoming week poses challenging roster decisions for fantasy owners, emphasizing the importance of strategic starts and sits to maximize production.

Nick Smith Jr. has stepped up for the Charlotte Hornets amid injuries, notably taking on a starting role. After playing just 729 minutes last season without any starts, he's logged 617 minutes in 14 starts this season, primarily due to the absences of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Smith's stats show promise, averaging 7.9 points with a 40.3% field goal percentage, complemented by solid three-point shooting at 34.1%. However, advanced metrics indicate he ranks low in offensive and defensive efficiency among his teammates, suggesting his current role might be temporary.

Despite his youth and limited experience, questions arise about his long-term viability as a starter. With his numbers trailing behind other Hornets, the franchise may reconsider their future plans, especially if they contemplate trading Ball. For now, Smith's growth is vital for a team navigating through significant roster challenges.