Fantasy basketball is one of the most popular fantasy sports in America. The game is played by teams with a total number of players who score points based on their performances during games and/or over an amount of time (such as minutes or days).
The “yahoo fantasy basketball” is a website that allows users to create and join leagues with their friends. A league can be created for any sport, but the site is most popular for its fantasy basketball games.
Who is on the rise? Which rotations are going to change? What’s new in the NBA in terms of noteworthy injuries?
For all 30 clubs, here’s a look at the most fantasy-relevant news and observations from across the league:
Kevin Huerter is a guy to keep an eye on for the Atlanta Hawks, since De’Andre Hunter’s wrist injury is projected to keep him out for two months. Huerter could see his scoring and 3-point production climb during Hunter’s extended absence, despite being drafted in just 11% of ESPN leagues due to a sluggish start. Huerter has reached double digits six times this season, including a season-high 28 points against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 9.
Boston Celtics: Prior to his scoring explosion against the Hawks on Wednesday, Jayson Tatum was an intriguing buy-low prospect due to his recent offensive problems (34 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 3s). He scored 30 points for the fourth time this season and the 40th time in his career. Before turning 24, Tatum is the 13th Celtics player to achieve 40 career 30-point games. If someone in your league undervalues Tatum, don’t be afraid to trade for him.
Patty Mills of the Brooklyn Nets is only rostered in 14.6 percent of ESPN leagues, but his output is expected to rise while Joe Harris (ankle) is sidelined. Harris has missed the Nets’ last two games and is expected to miss another against the Magic on Friday. Mills, on the other hand, has a usage rate (USG) of 17.3 this season and averages 16.9 points per 40 minutes (P/40), while also being a reliable 3 point shooter. If you’re looking for points and/or threes, he’s a good option.
Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets is one of the front-runners for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. With a USG of 24.1, he has averaging 18.4 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game, and 4.0 assists per game over the last five games. Bridges’ fantasy worth is at an all-time high, so you should consider trading him. So far, Gordon Hayward’s November productivity has been quite comparable.
DeMar DeRozan is a perfect match for the Chicago Bulls, and he shone last night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Since Michael Jordan, he is the only Bulls player to score 35 points on 65 percent shooting in consecutive games (1991). Since Jordan’s departure, DeRozan wants to join Zach LaVine (who has done it twice) as the only Bulls with three consecutive 35-point games. DeRozan is a guy I’d have in my lineup all season.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, who was having a Rookie of the Year season, sustained a right elbow injury and would be out for the next two to four weeks. Mobley’s offensive figures, such as his 17.3 (P/40) and 9.5 (R/40) per game, garner a lot of attention, while his defensive stats, such as his 1.6 blocks and 1.0 thefts per game, are overlooked. Consider going after the outstanding rookie big man if another manager in your basketball league can’t wait for him to return.
Dallas Mavericks: With Luka Doncic out with an ankle injury on Wednesday night, Jalen Brunson was given the opportunity to shine, and he delivered. He’s on the rosters of just 34.1 percent of ESPN leagues. He has averaging 18.8 points per game, 5.3 assists per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 1.1 three-pointers per game over the last five games.
Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr.’s dismal start to the season may be explained by the fact that he has been injured for the most of the season. Porter (back), who hasn’t played since Nov. 6, is sidelined for the “foreseeable future,” according to coach Michael Malone. Due to a lower back issue, Will Barton is also out. Despite the fact that Bones Hyland’s roster percentage climbed week over week, he still only appears on 2.2 percent of ESPN league squads. Hyland averages 20.6 P/40 and has a USG of 23 percent, making him a scorer to consider while the Nuggets are short-handed.
Detroit Pistons: While Saddiq Bey’s 37.5 percent field goal percentage leaves a lot to be desired, it’s important not to ignore his other contributions. With a USG of 22%, the second-year forward is averaging 17.3 P/40, 8.4 R/40, and 3.5 A/40. Only 58.2 percent of ESPN leagues have Bey on their rosters, and his presence in the small frontcourt is even more crucial now that Kelly Olynyk (knee) is sidelined for the next six weeks.
Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green is averaging 11.3 points per 40 minutes, 10.7 rebounds per 40 minutes, and 9.6 assists per 40 minutes for the Warriors, who have the best record in the NBA (12-2). In addition to his offensive contributions, Green leads the NBA in defensive efficiency, with 0.9 blocks and 1.1 steals per game on a Warriors team that allows just 96.9 points per 100 possessions.
Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun has showed flashes of statistical prowess throughout the season. He simply needs more playing time, which he didn’t receive in Wednesday’s defeat to Oklahoma City, when he played just five minutes. Sengun is averaging 19.1 P/40 and 10.2 R/40, but due to his 18.3 MPG, he is only rostered in 11.2 percent of ESPN leagues. He’s a guy to keep an eye on in the second half of the season, since he has the potential to make a significant impact.
Caris LeVert is on the brink of breaking out for the Indiana Pacers. LeVert has scored in double digits in each of his eight games this season, with a USG of 31.3, and it’s possible that the dynamic swingman will improve on his 39.4 percent field goal percentage. Fantasy managers who gambled on him in the middle rounds have reaped the benefits.
Eric Bledsoe has showed some signs of life for fantasy managers in recent games for the LA Clippers. This season, the veteran guard has averaged 15.5 P/40 and is only rostered in 63 percent of ESPN leagues. Bledsoe, who has a USG of 20.5 and has shown his ability to contribute with rebounds and assists, should not be underestimated.
Los Angeles Lakers: Talen Horton-Tucker has averaged 23.3 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, 2.7 three-pointers per game, and 1.3 steals per game in three games this season, yet he’s still only rostered in 28.2 percent of ESPN teams. Whether or whether LeBron James plays, Horton-Tucker has shown his worth. That said, Horton-current Tucker’s level of play has given us a peek of what the future Hall of Famer can do when he’s not playing.
Memphis Grizzlies: As a big man who can score, block shots, and step out and shoot the 3, Jaren Jackson Jr. has always been an interesting fantasy option, but some concerns have surfaced in other areas. For starters, Jackson’s field goal percentage of 38.3% is on track to be his lowest of his career. And, although he’s never been a great passer (his career average is 1.2 APG), his rebounding isn’t what you’d anticipate (4.8 RPG in his career).
Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat, who is currently ranked in the top 75 players in category forms, continues to dominate the race for Sixth Man of the Year. With a USG of 29.1, he’s averaging a career-high 25.6 P/40, 6.5 R/40, and 4.7 A/40. Herro is one of those guys you want to have for the whole season.
Milwaukee Bucks: On Wednesday, fantasy managers were treated to an incredible performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo against a club you may have heard of: the Los Angeles Lakers. He finished with 47 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, a block, and three 3-pointers. Antetokounmpo equaled Ja Morant for the most points in the paint in a game this season with 30.
Patrick Beverley’s position with the Minnesota Timberwolves continues to expand. Beverly (7.5 percent rostered in ESPN leagues) has averaged 10.0 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 3.5 assists per game, 0.8 steals per game, 0.8 blocks per game, and 0.8 three-pointers per game over the last four games.
Brandon Ingram’s current USG is a career best of 32 with the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram has averaging 23.0 points per game, 4.3 assists per game, and 4.0 rebounds per game in 32.7 minutes per game after returning from his hip injury. The downward trend is expected to continue until Zion Williamson returns; Zion has been approved for contact work and will resume one-on-one training.
Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks has averaging 18.6 points per 40 minutes, 4.7 rebounds per 40 minutes, and 5.3 assists per 40 minutes this season, with a USG of 21.6. Given the fragility of Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose, the second-year pro, who is rostered in just 1.8 percent of ESPN leagues, is worth considering.
Luguentz, Oklahoma City Thunder Dort has scored at least 10 points in 11 consecutive games and 20 points in five straight games. Dort scored 34 points against the Rockets, the most by any Oklahoma City player this season and the second most of his career. Despite this, the Arizona State product is only rostered in 24.6 percent of ESPN leagues, a statistic that has to improve quickly.
Orlando Magic: It’s remarkable that Mo Bamba is still a free agency in 25% of ESPN leagues, given his 14.9 P/40 and 12.5 R/40 statistics. Bamba is also averaging 2.1 APG, 2.2 BPG, and 1.0 SPG in roto and category leagues, making him even more intriguing.
Philadelphia 76ers: Matisse Thybulle has averaged 1.7 BPG and 2.3 SPG rebounds per game in nine games this season, proving to be one of the league’s most aggressive defenders once again. Thybulle (6.9% of ESPN leagues’ rosters) hasn’t played since November 4 due to the COVID-19 protocol, but he’s still a viable option if you need assistance in those two areas.
Mikal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns is enjoying a fascinating season, with new highs and lows in terms of statistics. The bad news is that his APG (1.5), SPG (0.9), and FT percent are all on track to be career lows for the fourth-year veteran (75.0). The good news is that he’s playing more than ever (33.1 MPG), averaging a career-high 13.7 PPG while also contributing 0.7 BPG and 1.6 3PG while shooting an astounding 53.0 percent from the field. There’s a lot to enjoy here.
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers is out with an ab strain and is shooting only 38.4 percent from the field. He has yet to score 30 points in a game this season, which is practically unbelievable. Nonetheless, Lillard’s 30.3 USG and established track record (he was rated one of the top 75 players in NBA history! ) make him an interesting option to roster in anticipation of a potentially dominating second half of the season if he is healthy.
Sacramento Kings: Prior to last night’s game against the Timberwolves, Chimezie Metu had averaged 14.3 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game, 0.7 assists per game, 0.7 blocks per game, and 2.7 three-point attempts per game in his previous three games. There’s no need to be concerned about his scoring four points, collecting eight rebounds, dishing out two assists, and blocking two shots in 25 minutes last night; Kings coach Luke Walton admires Metu’s rebounding abilities.
Dejounte Murray of the San Antonio Spurs is having a fantastic season, averaging 21.9 points per 40 minutes, 9.4 rebounds per 40 minutes, and 9.3 assists per 40 minutes with a USG of 26.5. Murray’s rebounding ability is the reason I’d keep him until the conclusion of the season; his per-40 rate is the second best of his career, following just 10.5 R/40 in 2017-18.
OG Anunoby, who is dealing with a hip pointer, will be sidelined for “a while,” according to Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse. Chris Boucher, a fantasy favorite last season, might receive greater playing time as a result of his absence. Boucher has averaged 16.1 P/40 and 10.4 R/40 this season (51.4 percent rostered in ESPN leagues).
Utah Jazz: Another season, another opportunity to consider Royce O’Neale as a streamer (9.9% rostered in ESPN leagues). O’Neale is one of Utah’s glue players, averaging 9.0 P/40 and 5.9 R/40 while playing 31.3 MPG and ranking 11th in the league with 1.7 SPG.
Montrezl Harrell has averaging 17.8 points per game, 8.4 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game over the last ten games for the Washington Wizards. With a USG of 21.9, you have to wonder what effect Rui Hachimura’s upcoming comeback will have on his statistical output. Given how Hachimura might eat into Harrell’s productivity in the next weeks, I’d be open to trade proposals for him.
“reddit fantasy basketball” is a website dedicated to the discussion of all things related to fantasy basketball. It’s a great resource for those who are looking for help with their team or just want to talk about the game.
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