Ellis sits for last game: Bucks guard Monta Ellis was out as expected for Thursday’s game against the Celtics, as he continues to deal with a hand injury. The injury is not considered serious enough to bother Ellis in the offseason, as the days off near the end of the season were more precautionary than anything. (Updated 04/26/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/26/12).
Fantasy Analysis
After six seasons in Golden State, Ellis was sent to Milwaukee in a midseason trade that had him sharing the ball with Brandon Jennings in the backcourt. His scoring numbers took a hit as a result, however he was still a strong Fantasy option even after the trade. What caused his Fantasy value to take a bigger drop this season was the fact that he dropped from 40-plus minutes per game over the previous two year to just 36 per game this season. That is a trend that is likely to continue next season, so Fantasy owners should adjust their expectations accordingly. Despite that, Ellis is still a very high-volume scorer who dishes out a decent number of assists, so he should be targeted early on in most Fantasy leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 04/26/2012).
Monta Ellis has been one of the better scorers in the NBA over the past two season. Relied upon heavily in the team's offense under Don Nelson and Keith Smart, he has averaged over 20 shots per game in that span. With a new coach in town this season, there is some uncertainty as to whether or not that will continue. Fantasy owners should also keep in mind that, along with the possibility the Warriors might reel in their running game some under new coach Mark Jackson, the team also drafted a shooting guard (Klay Thompson) with the 11th overall pick in the draft. Ellis should be able to overcome both of these potentially negative factors, but Fantasy owners should account for a possible slight decline in his touches this year. Regardless, his premium scoring, solid assist and steals production and excellent 3-point shooting should have him going late in Round One or early in Round Two in any format. (Updated 8/28/11)
