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I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday as we enjoyed a day off on Thanksgiving Thursday. I love the holiday season, gives me a nice cozy feeling sitting on my couch catching up on all NBA action. With that said, Christmas is right around the corner and we are going to likely see more stable production from the players whom struggled a bit during the early parts of the long season.
Breakout Performers of Week 5:
Kevin Love PF/C CLE – Love has had quite a week, averaging 30.7 PPG 9.7 RPG 2.7 APG on 1.3 steals with a whopping 6.3 3PTm. He broke the NBA record against the struggling Trail Blazers with 34 first-quarter points on Wednesday. Wow.
Giannis Antetokounmpo PG/SG/SF MIL – I like to call Giannis ABC because his name is simply too long to pronounce and type. Well, ABC is dominating this week with averages of 25 PPG 8.0 RPG 10.5 APG with 3 steals and 1.5 blocks. He’s doing this on 60% FG and 93% from the line. He hasn’t even hit a three-pointer this week and he’s still been the #2 best overall player this week. He’s good.
Kevin Durant SF/PF GSW – It’s almost boring KD makes this list almost every week. I don’t need to go over the stats as he’s still the #1 best overall player on the season. KD also welcomed the Timberwolves to his block party with a career high of 6 blocks on Saturday. He’s so versatile and it’s safe to say he’s enjoying the Bay Area.
DeMarre Carroll SF/PF TOR – Toronto! We have a DeMarre Carroll sighting! Carroll struggled mightily since he signed with the Raptors and we finally got a glimpse of what he can provide for this Raptors team. He’s basically a Jae Crowder-lite as he averaged 17 PPG 2 RPG 1.5 APG to go along with 2 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 3 three-pointers this week. The upside is there, and you should scoop him up if he was dropped in your league. Hopefully he stays healthy.
Bradley Beal SG WAS – Beal is healthy again and the Wizards are really a fun team to watch when they are healthy. Beal’s role was never in question as he averaged 27 PPG 4 RPG 4.3 APG with a steal and 3.3 3PTm this week. These numbers aren’t sustainable but it just shows Beal is capable of these numbers. Health is the key here with Beal.
Al Horford PF/C BOS – Horford finally came back from his concussion injury that sidelined him for nine games. Since he’s been back, he has shown no signs of rust as he put up averages of 16.3 PPG 7 RPG 5.7 APG with 2.7 blocks and 1.7 3PTm. He’s currently the #8 best overall player in 9-cat leagues on the year and I think he’s going to flirt with 1st round value all year. Keep rollin’ him out there.
Kristaps Porzingis PF/C NYK – The “Unicorn” is a beast waiting to be unleashed. KP really doesn’t know how good he is yet and when he finally figures that out, he’s going to be a scary player. He’s longer, taller, quicker than anyone in the power forward position. On top of that, he can shoot the basketball with a lightning quick release. As someone who works with the Knicks and watches him from the sidelines every game, I can tell you he’s going to be a franchise star after Carmelo Anthony. KP had quite a week as well, putting up 19.6 PPG 8 RPG with 1.6 blocks and 1.8 3PTm. I’m just sad I don’t have KP on any of my fantasy leagues.
Clint Capela PF/C HOU – Capella has been an absolute steal of all draft formats so far considering he low he was being picked on draft day. Clint Rocketz has been superb with averages of 14.7 PPG 9.3 RPG with 3 blocks on an efficient 65% FG. He’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Kyrie Irving PG CLE – Kyrie’s assists numbers are not quite what I like it to be, but I kind of expected that because he plays with a guy named LeBron James. In return, he has provided excellent efficiency with averages of 24.8 PPG 3.1 RPG 4.6 APG on 49% FG. Uncle Drew is also putting in 2.8 three-pointers as well. He’s ranked #24 on the season and I expect him to creep into the top 15 discussion soon.
Buy Lows:
Goran Dragic PG/SG MIA – Dragic is currently dealing with an ankle injury that sidelined him over the weekend. While he hopes to play Monday against the Celtics, he hasn’t exactly been the player we hoped to be when we drafted him. He’s still outside the top 100 discussion in 9-cat leagues and I would bet he doesn’t stay there very long. This is a nice time to send a low-ball offer to test the opposing owner’s patience.
Paul George SG/SF IND – PG 13 is dealing with a nagging ankle injury that will sideline him for at least 1 more game. If you think you can get him from an inpatient owner, right now would be the time to send an offer. PG13 has first-round upside.
Dennis Schroder PG ATL – Schroder’s production has really been sporadic throughout the season and you can probably have him for cheap if you send out a late-round player. He definitely has room for growth and I believe he will be much better down the stretch of the season.
Sell Highs:
Pau Gasol PF/C SAS – You really don’t want the random DNP’s down the stretch, especially the playoffs.
Dwyane Wade PG/SG CHI – I’m not sold on Wade holding up all season.
Wilson Chandler SG/SF DEN – Denver is crazy banged up, so Chandler’s value has really risen. He won’t be this good all season, I would sell.
Pickups:
Jerryd Bayless PG PHI – Now the starting PG for the 76ers, he can provide a decent source of points, triples, and assists. If you have someone you won’t miss, adding Bayless makes sense.
Frank Kaminsky PF/C CHA – Frank the Tank has been really good lately, averaging 15.6 PPG 5.4 RPG 3 APG on 2 three-pointers over the last 5 games. His outlook for this week looks even better with Marvin Williams expecting to miss time due to a knee injury.
Jamal Murray SG DEN – Murray has been scorching hot lately, mostly due to the banged-up backcourt of Denver though. However, I need to give this guy some love as he absolutely deserves a spot on standard leagues considering how consistent he has been.
Marco Belinelli SG/SF CHA – 12.5 PPG 2.3 3PTm 3.3 RPG 2.3 APG 48% FG with 0.5 turnovers over the past week. That’s called value guys, pick him up while he’s hot.
JaMychal Green PF MEM – Zach Randolph is dealing with the death of his mother and is going to miss time. Minutes and usage are going to open up for Green, who needs some attention after being dropped in most leagues a couple weeks back.
Week 6 Schedule Analysis:
4 Games – ATL, BOS, CHA, DET, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIN, NYK, ORL, PHI, SAC, TOR, UTA
3 Games – BKN, CHI, CLE, DAL, DEN, GSW, HOU, MIL, NOR, OKC, SAS, WAS
2 Games – IND, PHO, POR
Best of luck to all this week! If you’re struggling with your league, don’t be hesitate to tweet me @fungo24 and follow @otgbasketball for everything basketball!