Fantasy basketball daily notes for Thursday: Houston’s new center of attention?
A gifted playmaker for a young center, Sengun is increasingly capable at cleaning the glass and has also been effective in the assists department with multiple dimes in five straight games. With a rising role on a young roster, you can find Sengun in free agency in more than 90% of ESPN leagues.
Dennis Schroder, acquired in the Theis deal last week, also flashed strong playmaking instincts in a competitive game with the league’s top team last night. Kevin Porter Jr. will likely limit Schroder’s statistical value at times going forward, but there’s now evidence of real upside whenever Houston places trust in the veteran point guard.
Highlights
Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards: 26 points (9-27 FG), 15 rebounds, 6 assists
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: 44 points (11-20 FG), 5 rebounds, 11 assists
Lowlights
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves: 6 points (0-8 FG), 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Brooklyn orchestrated a 28-point comeback in Madison Square Garden, matching their largest come-from-behind victory over the last 25 seasons. Rookie Cam Thomas came off the pine to contribute 21 points off the bench, with 16 of them coming in the decisive fourth quarter. Thomas could help fantasy teams with both his shooting and scoring until Kevin Durant is back in the mix.
Detroit’s Saddiq Bey was stellar in last night’s upset of the surging Celtics. The second-year forward’s breakout season continued, as he posted his fourth career game with at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Ranked 30th on the ESPN Player Rater over the last two weeks, Bey (available in 40% of ESPN leagues) has league-winning potential.
Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. is another breakout perimeter player who shined last night, producing his eighth 30-point game of the season. Among the league leaders in both 3-pointers and steals, Trent epitomizes 3-and-D value.
Speaking of 3-point volume, Anfernee Simons dueled with Morant in a rousing win for the Trail Blazers. Simons scored 31 points and sank five 3-pointers and has produced elite numbers as a starter for several months now. You can still add Simons in over 40% of leagues.
Josh Giddey is another must-roster option to target going into the break. The teen just became the youngest player in NBA history to have triple-doubles in three straight games. Giddey is rostered in right around 68% of leagues and over the last few weeks has been regularly surpassing his combined assist and rebound props.
Suns point guard Chris Paul was ejected after just 17 minutes of play last night against the Rockets. The key storyline, however, is that Paul suffered a hand injury in the win which will require further testing on Thursday.
The Hornets won’t have Gordon Hayward in the lineup yet again due to an ankle injury. Kelly Oubre Jr. figures to serve a larger offensive role with Hayward sidelined.
The Mavericks won’t have either Tim Hardaway Jr. or Marquese Chriss in the lineup this evening against the Pelicans due to injuries. The absence of these two should actually help fuel a nice line from forward Maxi Kleber. With Hardaway and Kristaps Porzingis off the floor this season, Kleber has lofted 6.6 3-pointers while pulling down 9.7 rebounds per 36 minutes. The “stretch big” shot eight 3-pointers and swatted a season-high five shots against the Heat earlier this week, evidence he has the ability to deliver strong lines.
Montrezl Harrell, Charlotte Hornets: The absence of Hayward also helps Harrell’s fantasy profile, as he’s likely to have a busier offensive role against the Heat this evening. With the ability to build out a big line with rebounding and defensive production, Harrell is the rare bargain center with the potential to flirt with 50 fantasy points.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Washington Wizards: A depleted roster in the wake of the trade deadline means “KCP” has become a featured perimeter scorer for Washington. Averaging 16.5 shots over the last two games, Caldwell-Pope is in a nice spot for both scoring props and DFS value for just $4,400 on DraftKings.