Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: Kevin Porter Jr. makes history
In fact, in an offensive opus where Porter either scored or assisted on 77 of Houston’s whopping 143 points, he became the youngest player NBA history to have 50 points and 10 assists in the same game. The previous youngest to do so was James at the “ripe old age” of 23.
Acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this season, Porter has averaged 16.7 points and 6.4 assists for Houston over 23 games. While Porter will likely face more competition for both touches and shots next season as Houston embarks on a roster rebuild, his ability to fill out the box score is undeniable.
With high-usage point guard John Wall have been shut down due to injury, Porter should continue to command a massive workload for the Rockets over the final two weeks of the season.
Highlights
Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets: 42 points (16-24), 3 rebounds, 10 assists
Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas Mavericks: 42 points (13-23 FG), 1 rebound, 3 assists
Lowlights
Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers: 1 point (0-5 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Durant became the first Nets player with 30 points in a half since Deron Williams back in 2013. It was also his second career performance with 40 points and 10 assists. While Durant was brilliant in downing the Pacers, fantasy managers will likely be most intrigued by Alize Johnson, who tallied 20 points and 21 rebounds off the bench for Brooklyn last night. Johnson became just the fourth player over the last 20 seasons with 20 points and 20 rebounds off the pine, joining Enes Kanter, Hassan Whiteside and Kevin Love. Johnson had averaged just 6.2 minutes during his last four appearances and, last night, neither Nicolas Claxton or DeAndre Jordan played. As a result, I’m dubious that we’ll be able to trust this performance as anything more than an isolated outburst.
Even as the Warriors lost to the Timberwolves last night, Stephen Curry put the finishing touches on one of the best individual offensive months in league history. Curry sank six 3-pointers against Minnesota to give him an NBA-record 96 for the month of April. Curry becomes the first player to ever average 35 points on 50% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from 3-point range while also making 90% of his free throws. Showing no signs of slowing down, Curry is a league-winning fantasy force.
Say it with me, “I will start Isaiah Stewart whenever Mason Plumlee rests.” If we can just follow this simple directive, good numbers will follow. Detroit’s rookie center produced a career-high 20 points to go along with 10 rebounds and three blocks in a loss to the Mavericks last night with Plumlee sitting this one out.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo left last night’s loss to the Rockets due to an ankle sprain suffered less than a minute into the game. We’ll learn more about his injury in the coming days.
Kristaps Porzingis of the Mavericks also left his game early due to a knee injury. With the team facing a back-to-back series over the weekend, it’s important for fantasy managers to track this injury scenario.
Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic both appear likely to return to action this evening for the Hawks. The pair has been upgraded to questionable after each player missed Wednesday’s game against the 76ers.
Sacramento’s Marvin Bagley III is probable to play against the Lakers tonight. The former No. 2 pick hasn’t played since mid-March due to a hand injury, so he may only be eased back into the rotation.
Boston’s Kemba Walker is listed as doubtful. If Walker doesn’t play, Evan Fournier becomes a more intriguing fantasy option.
While Bagley is making his return to the court tonight, the Kings will be without the injured De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes. The absence of two offensive cogs creates some interesting value on the Sacramento roster, as rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton has produced 18.5 points and 8.7 assists (per 36 minutes) with Barnes and Fox off the court this season.
Stacking Fox and Richaun Holmes — who has averaged 22.4 points (per 36) sans his two starting teammates — could prove profitable in DFS play. For those seeking a streaming option, Delon Wright is expected to play a larger role and has been productive whenever Fox is off the floor. After all, Wright averages more shots, points, and assists in such lineup looks.
The Nets are currently 1.5 games ahead of the 76ers for the top seed in the East. The Trail Blazers are just one game behind the Mavericks for the No. 6 seed, as the teams jockey to avoid the play-in tournament. Durant is expected to rest this evening, while Kyrie Irving is expected to return to the floor for the Nets after missing Thursday’s game due to a groin injury. The matchup between Irving and Portland’s dynamic backcourt should make for some riveting play between two teams with a lot still to play for.