Johnson out of the doghouse: After sitting out the team’s previous two games with DNP – coach’s decisions, Raptors forward James Johnson was back on the floor on Sunday against the Thunder. He played 28 minutes in the game, his highest minutes total in seven games, as he appeared to climb back out of coach Dwayne Casey’s doghouse. While that is a good sign, a bad sign is that Johnson struggled badly, scoring five points on just 2 of 11 shooting with seven rebounds, as the Raptors lost, 91-75. (Updated 04/08/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/26/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Johnson had an opportunity to make a case for an increase in playing time, especially with Andrea Bargnani suffering another injury to his calf. Johnson was unable to take advantage of that, so while it is a good sign that he is back on the floor, Fantasy owners should still consider Johnson just a low-end Fantasy option in deeper formats. (Updated 04/08/2012).
03/30/2012 21:37 Wade, Bosh each get 30 in Heat win
Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh scored 30 points each and the Miami Heat beat Toronto 113-101 Friday night, their seventh straight win over the Raptors.
03/24/2012 23:16 Deng's buzzer beater lifts Bulls in OT
Luol Deng hit a follow-up shot at the buzzer in overtime and the Chicago Bulls beat the Toronto Raptors 102-101 on Saturday night for their NBA-leading 40th victory.
03/21/2012 21:28 Bulls rally in fourth to beat Raptors
John Lucas scored all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter, Luol Deng had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 94-82 on Wednesday night.
Johnson did not become an everyday player until he came over the Raptors mid-season from Chicago. Having played just 13 games with the Bulls as a sophomore and averaging just 9.5 minutes per night, Johnson all of a sudden became a viable Fantasy option in Toronto as he averaged 28 minutes per game over the final 25 contests. Johnson put up 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a block and steal per game in Toronto and even hit a couple threes. The 24-year-old could have major upside as a Fantasy sleeper if he keeps improving. That said, he’s going to be playing in a crowded rotation with the likes of Ed Davis, Reggie Evans, Joey Dorsey, Amir Johnson, Linas Kleiza, Julian Wright and Sonny Weems, so his value might be limited at least at first. Consider Johnson a top 90 Fantasy forward on Draft Day and someone to take with a late-round pick in deeper formats. (Updated 8/23/11)
