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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! On behalf of the OTG squad, we wish everyone a healthy and successful year. Let’s talk hoops.
James Harden started 2017 off with a bang (literally) with a monster 53 points 16 rebounds 17 assists triple double. This was some crazy line that not even King James himself accomplished. Harden is clearly enjoying life post-Khloe Kardashian becoming the first player ever with 50 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists in a single game.
As we open the new year, fantasy leagues owners should start looking deeply into their teams on what they need to improve. If you are in the bottom of the standings, you need to look at your team and reevaluate what you MUST improve. You have enough time to improve your team if you act now so you must seek trades or pay close attention to the waiver wire for hot pickups to salvage your team. Playoff schedules for certain teams are also a thing to pay attention to, as I will dive into that more in my next upcoming pieces. Don’t hesitate to seek help! There are many resources online such as forums to help you in case you don’t have to time to read up on up-to-date news regarding NBA fantasy. As always, don’t be shy to hit me up @fungo24 for fantasy help.
Breakout Performers of Week 10:
James Harden PG/SG/SF HOU – Harden was a monster averaging 37.3 PPG 9.8 RPG 12.5 APG with 4.3 triples through 4 games this week. He’s having a MVP season and the Rockets are 26-9 trailing the Spurs at only 1.5 games and the Warriors at 3.5 games. Great offense always beats good defense indeed.
Kyrie Irving PG/SG CLE – Uncle Drew has really stepped up his game lately, being clutch one time every another. Aside from being a hero hitting the game winner on Christmas day, Irving has really racked up his assist numbers. Uncle Drew put up 25 PPG 5.3 RPG and 10 APG this week and he’s been a theft on the defensive end, picking up 2.8 steals over the last 2 weeks. He sat out Saturday’s game due to a sore hamstring cramp, but should be fine going forward. Expect more maintenance days coming up as the Cavs prepare for the playoffs.
Isaiah Thomas PG BOS – The Pizza Guy has been crushing it over the last 2 weeks, because he was the #2 overall player during that span. IT averaged 33.9 PPG 2.1 RPG 6.4 APG with 3.7 3PTm on 51% FG to go along with 11 FTA, hitting them at 95%. He’s only turned the ball over 2.3 times. That’s insane value for a guy who was picked in the 3rd round on draft day in most leagues. He shows no signs of slowing down either. Don’t sell high guys.
Dwight Howard PF/C ATL – I honestly don’t like Dwight Howard as a basketball player, but I’m no hater if they are ballin’. Howard has been a presence on both ends of the floor for Atlanta and that’s a large reason on why they’ve been winning ball games again lately. Dwight put up averages of 15.3 PPG 16.3 RPG to go along with a steal and a block on 76% FG shooting. He’s definitely capable of putting up these numbers but it’s his FT% shooting that puts a dent to his value.
Josh Richardson SG/SF MIA – JRich has turned it around rather quickly as he was dropped in most leagues just a couple weeks back. He’s been 1st round value this week, and it’s a good example on why you should ride out a player’s struggles if they have upside, or at least a good rest of the season outlook. Richardson was super this week with 20.3 PPG 5 RPG 4.3 APG with 2 steals and a block. He also added 2.3 3PTm on 53% shooting. He benefited a bit from missing Goran Dragic, but these numbers aren’t too far off of what he’s capable of.
Pickups:
Danny Green SG/SF SAS – Danny Green has been one of the most frustrating players to own this season, it’s like you never know when he’s going to go off. However, Green has been money this week putting up 4th round value with averages of 11.7 PPG 2.7 RPG with 1.7 steals and 3.7 3PTm. He won’t hurt you anywhere as he won’t take bad shots and doesn’t turn the ball over. If you have someone to drop and need some help in the 3-pointers and steals department, Green may be your guy.
Malcom Brogdon PG MIL – Mathew Dellavedova is out with a hamstring injury and Malcom Brogdon has taken full advantage of his minutes. He had a triple-double on Saturday against the Bulls and that type of upside he flashed warrants a pickup even in shallow leagues.
James Johnson SF/PF MIA – JJ has been playing really well for the Heat and the Heat are banged up right now with Whiteside, Winslow and Dragic being day-to-day. He has the ability to rack up stats in a hurry so he’s definitely a good option in standard leagues if you have someone to drop.
Montrezl Harrell PF/C HOU – Harrell has replaced Clint Capella who is out with a fractured leg for the next 4 weeks and he’s been filling in nicely. He’s getting easy baskets around the rim from James Harden and that trend is likely going to stick. Look for Harrell to provide some solid FG% percentage with a trickle of boards and blocks.
Dwight Powell PF/C DAL – The Mavericks are surely going to realize they have to tank this season to at least have a consolation prize. Dirk Nowitzki is really showing his age and he’s a huge risk to be shut down in the upcoming months. Look for Powell to receive his share of the minutes at the power forward/center position. He’s a nice stash with upside right now.
Dragan Bender PF PHX – Much like the Mavericks, the Suns aren’t going to be throwing 50-year olds Tyson Chandler and PJ Tucker out there all season. They are solid veterans still at this point of their career, but should not be starting for a bad team who should be focusing on their young prospect’s development. Bender, along with Marquese Chriss have nice upside in fantasy. I like them in deeper leagues right now, but if the Suns ever go full development mode, I’m all for them to start popping up in my rosters.
Sell Highs:
Ryan Anderson PF/C HOU – He’s unlikely to improve his efficiency much, unless he’s your anchor for 3-pointers, you should sell high.
Devin Booker SG PHX – Same as above
Ersan Illoyasova SF/PF PHI – I think the 76ers might make moves at the trading deadline, his value has never been higher than before. Sell before a time-share situation arises.
Brook Lopez C BKN – Sell before it’s too late. He may get traded, or get shut down for tanking purposes.
Buy Lows:
Damian Lillard PG POR – Ankle injury has sidelined him for 3 games now. Look for him to bounce back when he returns.
Steph Curry PG GSW – Perhaps he may never reclaim #1 overall player with Durant in town, but he’s still Chef Curry and he’s going to get cookin’ soon.
D’Angelo Russell PG LAL – Ice in my Veinz hasn’t been a fun player to own at all this season, but the future is still unchanged as Lakers has no chance but to hope he’s their franchise for years to come.
Good luck this week and as usual, tweet me @fungo24 for anything hoops or fantasy. Check us out @otgbasketball for great basketball content!