Hickson posted 19 points (7-11 FG, 5-11 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist, and 3 blocks in 30 minutes of action Monday against the Blazers.

EDGE Analysis

Hickson got the start and didn't disappoint. The Nuggets have been rather shorthanded in the front court, and it doesn't appear that Hickson's stint in the starting lineup will last long. That being said, owners in 12 man leagues or deeper can enjoy some low-end production until Nikola Jokic (back) and Jusuf Nurkic (knee) return.

Hickson has been named a starter for Monday's tilt against Portland, Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hickson has been in and out of the starting lineup for Denver so far this season. He's starting due to injuries to Nikola Jokic (back) and Josuf Nurkic (knee) so his appearances in the starting lineup shouldn't be expected to continue throughout the season, but may continue for the near future.

Hickson started for the injured Joffrey Lauvergne (back) Tuesday against the Lakers and posted 17 points (8-9 FG, 1-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 25 minutes of action.

EDGE Analysis

Both Lauvergne and Nikola Jokic (back) are out dealing with injuries, and Jusuf Nurkic (knee) will eventually return this season -- which means any fantasy value Hickson could have will be short-lived. Still, owners who slated him into daily contests probably got their share of value, and Hickson may have another two or so solid games before he's back on the bench. It would be wise not to drop anyone valuable for him.

Hickson will start at center Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

This comes as no surprise with Joffrey Lauvergne (back) and Nikola Jokic (back) out Tuesday. While Hickson will start, he has played a total of three minutes this season, so the Nuggets may look to go small more often than not against the Lakers.

With both Joffrey Lauvergne (back) and Nikola Jokic (back) game-time decisions for Tuesday's tilt with the Lakers, Hickson could be in line to receive extended minutes, Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauvergne looks more likely to suit up than Jokic after he was at least able to participate in shootaround, but it seems unlikely that he'll be able to play his normal allotment of minutes while dealing with the back issue. As a result, Hickson should at minimum be a high-energy option off the bench Tuesday for coach Mike Malone, although he's a bit undersized at center. Hickson has played only three minutes this season, but has shown the ability to rebound at a high rate when given the opportunity to play in the past. He may be worth a roll of the dice in daily formats if you're punting the center position.

Hickson has seen a combined total of 10 minutes in the Nuggets' last two preseason games.

EDGE Analysis

While playing time in the preseason isn't usually indicative of what a player will see in the regular season, it may be in Hickson's case. With Jusuf Nurkic likely to miss the early portion of the 2015-16 campaign with a knee injury, Hickson was considered the top candidate to win the starting center role, but he's been overshadowed since the start of training camp by Joffrey Lauvergne and Nikola Jokic. The successes of both players prompted coach Mike Malone to give them more extended minutes, and that's come at Hickson's expense. It's now looking quite likely that Hickson will enter the season no better than third on the depth chart at center.

Hickson had averages of 7.6 points (48% FG, 0% 3Pt, 58% FT), 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 19 minutes per game during 73 regular season games in 2014-15. Hickson turns 27 in September, and is set to make $5.6 million in 2015-16, the final year of his current deal. Unless he's able to earn a considerable increase in minutes, Hickson's value will likely be limited to deeper leagues.

Hickson started in place of Danilo Gallinari (rest) on Saturday, scoring seven points (3-6 FG, 1-2 FT) with six rebounds in 24 minutes. When Gallinari returns, Hickson will return to his rightful place on the bench, and only owners in deep leagues need pay any attention to him. The big man is averaging 7.6 points and 6.2 rebounds this season in 19 minutes.

Hickson is starting Saturday with Danilo Gallinari (rest) sitting out the second night of a back-to-back set. Hickson is a decent option in daily leagues and as a last-minute streaming option, but his production is dependent on how well he rebounds, and his lack of diverse production makes him an erratic fantasy player.

Hickson (knee) will play Friday against the Spurs, Project Spurs reports. Hickson missed Wednesday's game because of the knee issue, but is back in the lineup for Friday's game. It's reasonable to assume he'll receive his normal minutes upon his return.