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Sorry for the late post, life happened and I was unable to post this piece on time. I apologize! We’re slowly getting closer to the fantasy playoffs. With just 7-8 weeks to go depending on your league settings, every move you make/don’t make is crucial. Let’s break down fantasy hoops.
Breakout Performers from Week 12:
DeAndre Jordan C LAC – DeAndre has been a rebounding machine since Blake Griffin went down. He averaged a whopping 20.5 rebounds per game this week to go along with 17 points on 77% FG shooting. To make it gravy, he chipped in 1.5 steals and 2.5 blocks as well. Free throws or not, he was the 3rd best overall player this week. This trend should continue until Blake Griffin returns.
CJ McCollum SG POR – We’re witnessing one of the best shooting guards in the league. I would argue that he’s a better player than DeMar DeRozan, which should say a lot because DeRozan has been MONEY this season. CJ has rapidly grown to be one of the best shooting guards in the league playing alongside Damian Lillard. Through 3 games this week, CJ averaged 26 PPG 1.3 STL 2.3 BLK(!) with 3.7 3PTm on 52% shooting. The blocks are obviously a bit of an outlier, but CJ has proven to us he’s capable of sustaining elite value. He’s crushing all preseason rankings, ranked #16 overall on the season. Yes, I was dead wrong about CJ. Sorry!
Devin Booker SG PHX – Don’t let his baby face fool you. Devin Booker is a sweet stroking machine. His game is so smooth Phoenix are thrilled they were able to get him pick #13 in 2015. What a steal. Booker averaged 39 PPG on 62% shooting with 4.5 3PTm through 2 games this week. Obviously, he won’t be this good, but when a 20-year old shows this type of upside, he deserves a shout out. Yes, I would sell high as points are kind of overrated in fantasy, which most players don’t understand. But only do so if you’re getting a stud with similar upside.
Nikola Vucevic PF/C ORL – Finally Coach Frank Vogel has decided to put Vooch back into the starting lineup. He’s responded well with 20.3 PPG 10 RPG with 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. He’s a great source of points, rebounds, and FG%. Look for him to get busy down the stretch.
Kawhi Leonard SG/SF SAS – Who What Where When Kawhi? The Claw has been great all season but he dominated the opposition this week. Through 3 games, Kawhi averaged 33 PPG 4.3 RPG 2.3 APG with 2 steals and a block on 65% FG shooting. He also chipped in 2.3 3PTm and 11 FT attempts with only 1.3 turnover. That’s ELITE value ladies and gents. He’s just as dominant in fantasy as he is in real life.
Ricky Rubio PG MIN – Rubioooooooooooooooo! After a brutal start to the season, and probably even showing up in some waiver wires, he’s rewarding patient owners by responding in a big way. Through 4 games this week, Rubio averaged 11.3 PPG 4.3 RPG 14 APG with 3 steals. Yes, he shot 34% from the field but he only takes about 9 attempts per game, which won’t kill you. You won’t find much elite steal and assist specialist with this type of upside. If you can sell high, I won’t blame you. But with Zach Lavine sidelined, Timberwolves has actually won 3 of their last 4 games due to better ball movement with Rubio being the primary ball handler.
Pickups:
Chasson Randle PG PHI – Okay, Who? The former rookie from the Knicks didn’t make the team, so he recently signed a 10-day deal with the Sixers. The Sixers just lost TJ McConnell to a wrist injury and he’s likely to see a small role with Sergio Rodriguez moving into the starting lineup. He’s obviously not a standard league add, but he’s a nice pick up for all 16+ teams in my opinion.
Sergio Rodriguez PG PHI – See above.
Kyle O’Quinn PF/C NYK – KO has been solid, averaging 8 PPG 10 RPG with 1.8 blocks through the last 4 games, good for mid-round value. It helps that Porzingis has been sidelined. He’s worth deploying until he cools off.
Tim Hardaway JR SG/SF ATL – I regret dropping THR after picking him up as a streamer, and he’s responded by basically being Nick Young 2.0 As long as he’s getting consistent minutes, he’s going to provide decent scoring with a nice uptick in 3-pointers. The Hawks are reportedly trying to trade him so he’s being showcased a bit, but he’s worth owning until the wheels fall off.
DeMarre Carroll SF/PF TOR – Don’t sleep on him, Carroll has had a resurgence lately with 16.3 PPG and 2.3 3PTm over his last 3 games, good for 4th round value. He’s basically a poor man’s Jae Crowder. Toronto also has a really good playoff schedule, making him a must own player until further notice.
Stanley Johnson SG/SF DET – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been sidelined, giving Stanley Johnson an opportunity. He hasn’t exactly capitalized but he’s getting heavy minutes. He’s worth a look in 14+ team leagues.
Kelly Olynyk PF/C BOS – There has been talks about moving Kelly Olynyk moving to the starting lineup. It didn’t happen Monday but Olynyk still got 26 minutes and had a line of 15 points 9 rebounds 4 assist 2 3-pointers. This type of upside from the waiver wire is almost non-existent and I’m looking to add Olynyk in all formats.
*UPDATE* Austin Rivers/Raymond Felton PG LAC – Chris Paul just “strained” his thumb in tonight’s matchup with the Thunder and he’s not going to return. It didn’t look good as CP3 was visibly frustrated heading to the locker room. It’s happening again as CP3 has had his shares of injuries. Look for Rivers and Felton to step up for the Clippers.
Fantasy Playoffs Schedule Grid:
With fantasy playoffs on the horizon, here’s a schedule grid to prepare you for possible trades you can consider making. Typically, fantasy playoffs start on Week 21. For example, I’d look to target players from the Washington Wizards where they have 4 games from Week 19-23. You want to try and plan ahead so you can have an advantage. Obviously, trades have to make sense and you shouldn’t trade your best player in James Harden just because the Rockets have a mediocre playoff schedule.
Via Basketballmonster.com
Week 13 Schedule:
5 Games – DEN
4 Games – ATL, CHA, DAL, GSW, HOU, IND, MIL, NYK, ORL, PHI, PHO, POR, TOR, WAS
3 Games – BKN, BOS, CHI, CLE, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIN, NOR, SAC, SAS, UTA
2 Games – DET, OKC
Good luck to all this week!