Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: Fred VanVleet, from far and wide
VanVleet incredibly made nine out of his 11 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. The only player with more single-game catch-and-shoot 3-pointers (since tracking began eight years ago) is Klay Thompson, who made 10 such shots on two different occasions. There have been 900 games where players have had double-digit catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts. VanVleet’s 81.8% performance is tied with Duncan Robinson (from December 2019) for the highest in a game.
VanVleet was also productive on defense in the win over Orlando, becoming just the fifth player ever with 50 points, three blocks and three steals in a game and the second guard to ever do so — joining some guy named Michael Jordan. Now up to No. 12 overall on the ESPN Player Rater, just ahead of leading MVP candidates LeBron James and Joel Embiid, VanVleet is making his case to become a second-round fixture in fantasy drafts going forward.
Highlights
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: 38 points (12-21 FG), 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals
Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers: 32 points (13-15 FG), 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks
Lowlights
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: 10 points (2-10 FG), 1 rebound, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4 TO
Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic: 3 points (1-8 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Toronto’s Norman Powell returned to the lineup after missing two games due to a quad injury and complemented VanVleet’s huge game with an efficient 23 points and four steals. A steady scoring option for Toronto in recent weeks, Powell is a free agent in nearly 70% of ESPN leagues.
In the loss to the Raptors, Orlando’s rookie guard Cole Anthony played well yet again with 16 points and nine combined assists and rebounds. Anthony won’t wow you in any single category, but is playing heavy minutes in an important role for the Magic.
Portland’s Carmelo Anthony enjoyed the soft defense of Washington with 21 points in 26 minutes off the bench. In the process, Anthony passed Dominique Wilkins to become No. 13 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The main fantasy storyline from Portland’s victory is the continued success of scoring guard Gary Trent Jr., as the sharpshooter tied a career-high with seven 3-pointers as part of a 26-point outburst.
Detroit’s Josh Jackson was a key positive in another loss for the Pistons. A reclamation project of sorts for the Pistons, Jackson posted 22 points and eight rebounds off the bench for Detroit in the loss to Utah.
San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge has been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Timberwolves due to a hip injury. DeRozan and Keldon Johnson have both enjoyed sizable leaps in usage with Aldridge off the floor this season.
Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns will miss yet another game while in the league’s health and safety protocol. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt makes for a worthy streaming option in deeper leagues.
Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. will not play on Wednesday against the Clippers due to a lingering wrist injury. Taurean Prince is likely to take on a larger role with Nance ailing. Center Andre Drummond is questionable with a back issue, but appears likely to play.
Charlotte’s P.J. Washington will miss Wednesday’s matchup against the 76ers due to a foot injury suffered in the Hornets’ last game. Cody Zeller is a key streaming pickup with Washington sidelined. Terry Rozier is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. If Rozier can’t go, Malik Monk becomes a fun plug-and-play candidate.
Houston’s John Wall will rest this evening for scheduled maintenance after missing so much time with a serious Achilles injury. With Wall off the floor this season, shooting guard Eric Gordon has thrived statistically thanks to a 3.8% leap in usage rate and 7.1 more DraftKings points (per 36 minutes). A free agent in roughly 60% of ESPN leagues and already riding a nice scoring stretch with 20-plus points in six of his last eight games, Gordon is poised for another big line.
Ever since being traded for one another on draft day a few years back, there is a lasting connection between Atlanta’s Trae Young and Luka Doncic of Dallas. These All-Star talents meet tonight in Atlanta in a marquee matchup. Young is found at No. 25 on the Player Rater and ranks third in total assists, while Doncic is No. 10 on the Player Rater and second in assists.