Fantasy basketball daily notes for Thursday: Nikola Jokic dominates on historic scoring night
Denver’s Nikola Jokic became just the third starting center since 1971 to record a 45-point triple-double, joining Alvan Adams and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Joel Embiid, meanwhile, produced 50 points in just 27 minutes, marking the eighth-most points per minute ever in an NBA game (minimum 25 minutes played).
For all of the competitive banter between Denver and Philadelphia fans about which of these elite performances is more impressive, it’s likely best to simply enjoy the historic level of play we are witnessing.
Wednesday recap
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: 50 points (17-23 FG), 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 49 points (16-25 FG), 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat: 4 points (1-4 FG), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 TO
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: 12 points (5-19 FG, 0-7 3PG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 TO
• The Sacramento Kings have been a popular roster for trade rumors with the team potentially eyeing a significant shake-up as the deadline looms. One player likely to stick around is Terence Davis, who just posted a career-high 35 points and could secure a starting role if the team does deal the likes of Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield in the next few weeks.
• Saddiq Bey was brilliant for the Detroit Pistons last night orchestrating a comeback win over the Kings. Bey has fully broken out as a fantasy-worthy option scoring 30 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Kelly Olynyk simply has a fantasy-friendly game, as he stuffed the stat sheet last night with 22 points and strong peripherals numbers in 22 minutes of play.
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• I was in South Philly for Embiid’s opus that saw him tie his career-high. While Embiid’s performance was remarkable, it was also countered by a career-high 32 points from Mo Bamba. The 82 points between the two is the most combined points by opposing starting centers in a game since starters were first listed on the box score in 1970-71. Bob McAdoo and Dave Cowens combined for 82 in a game in 1974. The Sixers essentially dared Bamba to keep hitting pick-and-pop 3-pointers and he obliged, but my favorite, and most enduring element of Bamba’s fantasy profile is his rim protection. He compiled three blocks last night and now sits fourth in the entire league in blocks per game. Bamba’s market this summer is a compelling storyline for fantasy purposes.
• Indiana outscored the reeling Los Angeles Lakers 35-24 in a decisive fourth quarter. Indiana had lost 30 straight games when trailing by at least four points entering the final quarter. Caris LeVert scored 22 of his 30 points in fourth, marking his second-most points in a quarter in his career. If LeVert remains in Indiana past the deadline, he could arguably gain real value if the team deals off several veteran peers.
• Speaking of the Pacers, Domantas Sabonis posted a triple-double in the win, but sprained his ankle in the process. It’s unclear if the injury will limit him going forward, as he did finish the game.
• The Warriors will be without Draymond Green for yet another game as he recovers from a calf injury. Jordan Poole often sees a sizable uptick in playmaking duties with Green ailing.
With Deandre Ayton and Frank Kaminsky both sidelined, JaVale McGee becomes a strong streaming option during a limited three-game schedule. McGee has at least one block in three straight games and is positioned to play big minutes this evening.
Chris Duarte, Indiana Pacers: The Pacers have leaned on this rookie wing for big minutes in recent games. With a nice steal rate and the potential for a lot of good looks in an up-and-down game with the Warriors, Duarte is a nice bargain to target.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors: Flashing impressive transition playmaking and an ability to clean the glass at a young age, Kuminga could be busy this evening with Green sidelined.