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Ho Ho Ho, Christmas is right around the corner. The holiday season always excites me as I always look forward to watching NBA action all day long on XMAS day. It’s actually a tradition where friends and I hang out and catch up on NBA action, head home to our families for dinner, only to end the night meeting up again to watch the later games. Although I will have to work on Xmas day for the Knicks-Celtics game, I won’t complain since I love my job.
Week 8 was actually disappointing in a sense. There wasn’t a ton of breakout performers, as it wasn’t a great week for fantasy stats, in general.
Breakout Performers of Week 8:
Russell Westbrook PG OKC – 24.3 PPG 7.7 RPG 11 APG would be amazing for any other player, but for RWB, it’s simply a “decent” week. He didn’t exactly kill it as he shot only 38% from the field this week, but he makes this list for his dominating 26 points 11 rebound 22 assist night on Saturday’s win over the Suns.
Rudy Gobert C UTA – Gobert is absolutely dominating right now. Through 3 games this week, Gobert is averaging 16.3 PPG 11.3 RPG with 2.3 blocks on 86% FG. His improved FT shooting has owners smiling right now. Rudy went OFF against Marc Gasol and the Grizzlies on Sunday night, hitting 9/9 shots for 21 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal. He also locked down Gasol into a 4 for 22 night.
Myles Turner C IND – The young sophomore is having a breakout season, and that was expected. Through 4 games, Turner is averaging 17.3 PPG 6.8 RPG with 3 blocks and 1.3 3PTm. These numbers are only to be rivaled by Kristaps Porzingis. These 2 young big men are going to dominate the Eastern Conference for years to come. Turner returned 1st round value this week.
Gary Harris SG DEN – The long-awaited return of Harris brought many smiles to his owners. He exploded for 18 points 4 rebounds 6 assists 2 steals and a block to go along with 3 3PTm in his first game back. That game was a bit of an outlier but it shows to show what kind of upside Harris is. His minutes are safe as Coach Malone loves his ability to be able to defend the perimeter and hit the 3-pointer. Make sure he's not in your waiver wires in case he was dropped.
Bradley Beal SG WAS – The sharpshooter is doing it again, averaging 28.8 PPG 4.3 APG with 1.3 steal and 3.3 triples per game. He’s shooting a lights-out 53% FG this week, and while that’s unsustainable he’s still one of the best shooters in the NBA. Look to sell high if you can get something good in return.
Giannis Antetokounmpo PG/SG/SF/PF? MIL – What is he? A point guard? Shooting guard? No, he’s The Greek Freak and he’s literally carrying his team by leading his team in points, rebounds, assists, FG%, steals, and blocks. That’s pretty absurd and let’s not forget he’s 22 years of age. Oh yes, and he’s ranked #3 overall this season with averages of 22.6 PPG 9.1 RPG 6 APG to go along with 2 steals and 2 blocks per game. The Greek Freak shows no signs of slowing down, with his arrow only pointing up.
Pickups:
Brandon Jennings PG NYK – Derrick Rose has been out the past 3 games for the Knicks and he’s uncertain when he’ll be able to play. Look for Jennings to continue to carry the point guard duties until further notice.
Garrett Temple SG SAC – He’s more of a deep league add because he’s going to be irrelevant when Rudy Gay comes back. But as long as he’s starting for the Kings, he has some value.
Tim Hardaway JR SG/SF ATL – Hardaway Jr. is shooting lights out right now, averaging 14.4 PPG 3 APG 1 steal and 2 3PTm over his last 5 games. If you need some help in scoring with 3-pointers, give him a look.
Dorian Finney-Smith SF/PF – The Mavericks are in tank mode, and with a banged-up squad they are forced to start Dorian Finney-Smith. He’s been decent lately and actually exploded on Sunday with 17 points 2 rebounds 3 assists with 3 3-pointers. He’s worth a look while Dirk continues to be sidelined.
Buy Lows:
*TIP: Sending out trades to teams on the bottom of the standings probably has a better chance of getting accepted, since they probably don’t believe in their players when are they constantly losing. A change(trade) might be what they need to regain interest in fantasy again.
Otto Porter SF WAS – Porter has already flashed his upside earlier in the season where he flirted with top 20 numbers. His ability to fill up the stat sheet makes him a solid buy low candidate because his shot hasn’t been falling lately.
Derrick Favors PF/C UTA – Favors has just returned recently from his knee injury and he’s going to be eased back into action. I wouldn’t recommend trading away someone you’re going to miss. There’s a lot of injury risk here and I would only buy low if you have some extra pieces that doesn’t fit your team.
Steph Curry PG/SG GSW – Okay, you’re not going to get Curry unless you give up a top 15 guy, possibly even top 10. But perhaps if you were to send someone like a Dame Lillard with a top 100 guy the owner MIGHT consider it. It’s not a bad idea after all to gauge some interest in the market. Sending out trades in leagues can be fun and of course, rewarding.
Kemba Walker PG CHA – Kemba’s shot hasn’t been falling lately and he’s only shooting 35% from the field over the last week. He hasn’t really had any flashy lines either so this might be a time to see how patient his owner is.
Week 9 Schedule:
4 Games - BOS, CHI, CLE, GSW, LAC, LAL, MIN, OKC, SAS
3 Games - ATL, BKN, DAL, DEN, DET, HOU, IND, MEM, MIA, MIL, NOR, NYK, ORL, PHO, POR, SAC, UTA, WAS
2 Games - CHA, PHI, TOR
I hope everyone has a Merry Merry Christmas. Good luck to all out there in fantasy and as usually give us a holla when you want to talk hoops @fungo24 & @otgbasketball !