Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: James Johnson making the most of his minutes
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Johnson was dealt by the Dallas Mavericks to New Orleans for JJ Redick last week in a somewhat sleepy transaction in regards to expected fantasy impact. But New Orleans has since lost Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to multi-week injuries and have had both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram dealing with ailments. A depleted rotation has led to steady minutes for Johnson, who has responded with stellar statistical production.
Maybe it’s a blip of great production and Johnson will sink back to playing merely a marginal role in an NBA rotation. Maybe it’s a savvy veteran taking advantage of a unique opportunity, just as he did with Minnesota last season. It won’t cost you much to find out, as Johnson is a free agent in roughly 85% of ESPN leagues.
Highlights
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: 41 points (14-21 FG), 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls: 32 points (14-29 FG), 17 rebounds, 5 assists
Lowlights
OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors: 2 points (1-3 FG), 0 rebounds, 3 assists
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: 10 points (3-8 FG), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 7 TO
Bogdan Bogdanovic continued to serve a pivotal role for Atlanta last night in cruising to 21 points with eight combined assists and rebounds in the team’s win over the Pelicans. The shooting guard is averaging 21.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, and an absurd 4.4 3PG during the past five games, all starts. Still a free agent in nearly 40% of leagues, Bogdanovic could be a league-winning addition.
The Clippers debuted DeMarcus Cousins at center last night. Boogie tallied seven points and four rebounds in eight minutes of action. With Serge Ibaka and Ivica Zubac both ahead of him for minutes at center, Cousins isn’t likely going to help fantasy rosters this season.
One of the key positives for Detroit this season has been the play of rookie Saddiq Bey. The Villanova product scored 25 points last night in a loss to the Nuggets. This marked his seventh game this season with at least five made 3-pointers, while no other rookie has more than three such performances. With Detroit likely to field one of the youngest lineups in the league next season, Bey could really ascend as a fantasy force.
Boston’s Evan Fournier is unlikely to play this week due to placement in the league’s health and safety protocols.
Orlando lists Cole Anthony as questionable for tonight’s matchup against Washington. The rookie guard hasn’t played in weeks due to a rib injury but would serve a sizable creation role once back.
Bradley Beal is questionable to face the Magic due to a hip injury that has cost him the last few games.
James Harden is listed as out Wednesday due to a hamstring injury and is scheduled to be reevaluated in around two weeks. Kevin Durant is listed as probable to return from a multi-week absence due to a hamstring injury of his own.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Darius Bazley will all miss tonight’s game for the Thunder. Theo Maledon and Svi Mykhailiuk both figure to start and play sizable roles for Oklahoma City.
Gordon Hayward will miss around a month of play due to a foot injury. It might not make sense to roster Hayward outside of truly deep leagues given the real potential he doesn’t play again in the regular season.
Miles Bridges should net a larger role with Hayward sidelined, as the young forward has averaged nearly 14 points and 7.6 rebounds per 36 minutes with Hayward off the floor this season. Ahead of an inviting matchup with a depleted Thunder lineup, you can still find Bridges in free agency in nearly 40% of ESPN leagues.
All eyes are on Durant in Brooklyn. The superstar is likely to make his return to action this evening and could enjoy facing a Pelicans defense allowing 115.3 points per 100 possessions, third most in the league.