Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: Grizz, Spurs show stretch-run upside as NBA resumes
Valanciunas wasn’t the only impressive performer for Memphis, as Ja Morant tallied 21 points and 10 dimes to give him his his 12th career game with 20 points and 10 dimes, tying Jason Williams for third most in franchise history.
The top fantasy narrative from this contest might be to make some trade offers and waiver bids for key members of the Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs. Both teams played last night, but each still plays a league-high 39 games to conclude the season. The Clippers, for instance, play a league-low 34 games the rest of the way, setting up a sizable gap in playing volume for those competing in rotisserie formats.
Targeting players from Memphis, such as impressive rookie shooting guard Desmond Bane, could prove rewarding. Bane is tied for fifth in the NBA in 3-point percentage and just scored a career-high 20 points last night. While his scoring efficiency didn’t look stellar last night, I’d be interested in adding Justise Winslow, who is forging a role as the sixth man for Memphis and has a strong playmaking history dating back to his career in Miami.
It could also be wise to stash Jaren Jackson Jr. as he nears a return from injury. Jackson will likely take some time to build to full strength, but he’s a potential league-winning option, who is still a free agent in nearly 40% of ESPN leagues.
Highlights
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: 22 points (9-20 FG), 12 rebounds, 12 assists
Jonas Valanciunas, Memphis Grizzlies: 29 points (12-21 FG), 20 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks
Lowlights
Derrick White, San Antonio Spurs: 6 points (1-8 FG), 0 rebounds, 1 assist
Speaking of the Spurs, former All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge will no longer be with the team as San Antonio is working on trade scenarios for the veteran big man. Last night saw stretch forward Trey Lyles essentially pushed out of the rotation even with Aldridge’s absence, which might suggest it’s worth scooping up Rudy Gay to see if last night’s strong performance is the beginning of an improved role.
Doncic registered his eighth triple-double of the season and now has at least 8 triple-doubles in each of first three seasons to begin career. The performance marked the 33rd triple-double of his career, tying Bob Cousy for 11th all-time.
In addition to Doncic, Dallas netted a great game from Kristaps Porzingis, who produced a season high in rebounds and the second most points of the season in beating the Spurs. Maybe this was a single-game surge for Porzingis, who has struggled at times this season on the glass and scoring in the paint, but maybe the break primed him for a strong second half.
Free agent power forward Ersan Ilyasova has agreed to a sign a rest-of-season contract with the Utah Jazz, but this is essentially a non-story in fantasy terms, given what should be a minor role for an established rotation.
Rookie standout Tyrese Haliburton will be on a minutes restriction tonight for the Kings, but it’s still a good sign that he’s ready to return from a calf injury.
The Brooklyn Nets will be without Kevin Durant due to a lingering hamstring injury. The debut of Blake Griffin will have to wait, as the newly signed forward is still working on his conditioning before hitting the floor for the Nets.
Mitchell Robinson remains sidelined for the Knicks, setting up Nerlens Noel for another solid showing. The team will also be without Derrick Rose, aiding Elfrid Payton’s fantasy stock.
Orlando won’t have scoring guard Evan Fournier or point guard Cole Anthony in the lineup tonight. Michael Carter-Williams and Terrence Ross both figure to play large roles for the Magic.
Houston’s Christian Wood is still roughly a week from returning to action. It’s likely a good time to get in any trade offers for Wood before he’s back to posting big lines.
The Toronto Raptors are dealing with a wave of COVID-19 concerns, which means OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet will miss tonight’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks due to health and safety protocols.
An obvious target in DFS play and in any redraft formats would be Norman Powell, who has seen a team-high 6.9% leap in usage while averaging a team-high 29.4 points per 36 minutes with those three teammates off the floor this season. Stretch big Chris Boucher has been remarkably productive in such scenarios, as well, producing 26.4 points and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes.
While Kyle Lowry is an obvious DFS building block for tonight, I’d also be interested in Terence Davis and Aron Baynes to complete an affordable stack of this depleted Toronto roster.
The 76ers enter the second half of the season leading the Eastern Conference but will be without All-Stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid for tonight’s matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Simmons and Embiid missed the All-Star game due to potential exposure to COVID-19. Due to contact tracing rules, Embiid can return to the team tomorrow, with Simmons sidelined until Saturday.
This means that Dwight Howard becomes a really fun player to watch on Thursday against a weak Chicago frontcourt. If you need a boost in boards and even blocks, Howard could be your guy. It’s also a good game to roster Shake Milton, given his usage has risen a team-high 7.1% with his star teammates off the floor this season.