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The Knicks are struggling in 2017. The Boston Celtics are dark horses in the East. The Golden State Warriors still have work to do. The MVP race between human cyborg Russell Westbrook and the well-oiled machine in James Harden is closer than we think. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a cheat code turned real life created from NBA 2k. Let’s take some of the breakouts from Week 12:
Breakout Performers of Week 12:
Jimmy Butler SG/SF CHI – Jimmy G Buckets. The G stands for GETS. He has absolutely been a monster over the past 3 games this week. Jimmy went off for 38 PPG 9.3 RPG 6.3 APG 2.3 STLs and 2.7 3PTm. He has been the best player overall in standard leagues (fantasy, just to be clear) and it wasn’t even close. Safe to say he’s enjoying the extra usage without Rondo.
Isaiah Thomas PG/SG BOS – IT continued his sizzling start to 2017 averaging 30.3 PPG 6 APG on 52% FG and 4.3 3PTm(!) He’s playing like a man possessed and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be in New Orleans for the All-Star game.
Tobias Harris SF/PF DET – His demotion to the bench has actually helped his value as he’s lighting up 2nd units. Coach Stan Van-Gundy still relies on him so he’s still playing the same number of minutes. Look for this as a sell high moment, averaging 23.5 PPG on an unsustainable 63% FG shooting over the past week.
Steven Adams C OKC – The New Zealand Michael Jordan has been surprisingly good this season, due to getting great lobs and passes from RWB. He’s been hovering early-round value all season because of great percentages to go along with blocks and steals from a center spot. He will stay there all season.
Myles Turner PF/C IND – Turner has fully been unleashed in Indiana as he’s quickly become a cornerstone and a perfect complement to PG13. Through 3 games this week, Turner averaged 18.3 PPG 10.7 RPG with a steal and 2.3 blocks. He averaged 1.3 3PTm this week (from his season average 0.6) and that’s why his value boosted him this week. He will become a top 15 pick in next year’s draft. Don’t sleep.
Jeff Teague PG IND – Teague’s fantasy value hasn’t skipped a beat since landing in Indiana. He’s always been a top-quality fantasy point guard because of his ability to shoot from deep to go along with 7+ dimes. Currently ranked #38 on the season, we expect him to hover around that range rest of the season.
Nikola Jokic PF/C DEN – Joker isn’t fooling anyone, as he’s making everyone pay by passing on him on draft day. His owners are getting rewarded because Jokic is basically a walking stat-sheet stuffer. After a disaster start to the season, he’s quickly bounced back to 50th overall. He’s also been 2nd round value over the past 2 weeks with averages of 20.5 PPG 9.3 RPG 5.7 APG (!) with a steal on 61% FG shooting. His passing for a big man his size is truly remarkable to watch. He does it all. Check it out;
Patrick Beverly PG HOU – Pat Bev has been so good for the Houston Rockets since his return, which explains why he’s a key part to the Rocket’s 30-9 record. He’s crushing it lately as he’s been 2nd round value over the last 2 weeks with averages of 12 PPG 6.6 RPG 3.6 APG 1.8 STL and 2.2 3PTm. He doesn’t force shots and he’s very good at taking care of the ball.
ICYMI: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis & Giannis Antetokounmpo are usual suspects who would make this list every week, just that they are so good and consistent we ran out of good things to say.
Let’s take a look at this season’s top performers:
9-cat rankings via basketballmonster.com as of 1/9/17
Rest of the Season Adds/Stashes:
Buddy Hield SG NOR - New Orleans have finally given Hield consistent minutes and he has delivered. Buddy has been top 75 over the last 2 weeks averaging 14.5 PPG 4.3 RPG 1.8 APG with 3 3PTm.
James Johnson SF/PF MIA – This black belt martial artist has been red hot as he can fill the box score in a hurry. Run, don’t walk because Miami Heat just lost Justise Winslow for the rest of the year.
Alex Len PF/C PHX – There are rumors Tyson Chandler could be headed to Portland, and to no surprise he isn’t a fit on this rebuilding Phoenix squad. Free ALEX LEN!
Brandon Ingram SG/SF LAL – The #2 pick is going to be added and dropped on a daily basis. However, I think he’s a must add the next time he clears waivers. He has enough upside to be stashed as he can be fully unleashed after the All-Star break. The Lakers NEED him to be the player they envisioned him to be.
Seth Curry PG/SG DAL – The tanking Mavericks are surely going to be busy during the trading deadline. I would stash Seth Curry in hopes he is the starting point guard in Dallas soon. Last season Mini Curry put up 15.5 PPG 4.1 APG with 2.9 3PTM in the last 10 games of the season. That’s upside.
Tim Hardaway JR SG/SF ATL - Hawks just gift-wrapped Kyle Korver to Cleveland so Tim Hardaway JR’s minutes are surely going to rise. He’s basically a Nick Young 2.0
TJ McConnell PG PHI – McConnell makes this list because he won the starting gig over Sergio Rodriguez, at least for now. The 76ers have no other healthy point guard on the roster so it makes a lot of sense to have McConnell on your roster, especially if you’re in need of assists.
Ben Simmons SF/PF PHI – His return is up in the air, but it’s not a bad idea to add Simmons if your league has a IR spot. He’s been reportedly ramping up his on-court activities. He could never step on the court this season, or he can come back in a couple of weeks, who knows?
Jusuf Nurkic C DEN – Rumor has it that he’s being actively shopped by the Nuggets. If he moves to a situation that he can get 25+ minutes, he can become a difference maker down the stretch for your squad.
Drops:
JaMychal Green PF MEM – It’s time to move on.
Dwight Powell PF/C DAL – When and if Andrew Bogut is moved, it would be a run and don’t walk moment for Powell. Until then, leave him on the waiver wire.
Raymond Felton/Austin Rivers PG/SG LAC – CP3 is back, look elsewhere.
CJ Miles – Really need an injury to the logjam in Indiana to make noise.
Week 12 Schedule:
5 Games – CHI
4 Games – BKN, DET, HOU, LAL, MIN, NYK, OKC,
3 Games – ATL, BOS, CLE, DAL, MEM, MIL, NOR, ORL, PHI, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR, UTA, WAS
2 Games – CHA, GSW, LAC, MIA, PHO
1 Games – DEN, IND
Good luck to all this week!