Paul Pierce is listed as the probable starter at small forward Friday against the Jazz, Cody Taylor of Basketball Insiders reports.

Pierce is listed as the probable starter at small forward Friday against the Jazz, Cody Taylor of Basketball Insiders reports.

Analysis:

Pierce, who returned from a four-game absence due to a knee injury in the Clippers' previous game Wednesday against the Lakers, is averaging a career-low 17.8 minutes on the campaign, but could very well be in line for a season-high minute count Friday. The Clippers have already ruled out five rotation players -- including fellow forwards Blake Griffin and Wesley Johnson -- for Friday's game, and neither Jeff Green (knee) nor Austin Rivers (ankle) are safe bets to play either. Due to those extensive absences, the team could have as few as eight active players Friday, which virtually assures Pierce ample playing time. Despite the increased usage he's projected to see on offense, Pierce still isn't a particularly enticing DFS target, as he's reached the 20-point mark just once this season and hasn't cleared double-digit boards on any occasion.