Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: Norman Powell thriving for Raps
Powell has now scored at least 22 points in three consecutive games and has averaged 20.3 PPG during his past nine outings. The absence of Fred VanVleet from the lineup due to a knee injury has played a part in his surge, but we also find Powell having averaged 21.3 PPG in the four games leading up to FVV’s injury suffered in Philly last week.
While the return of VanVleet and regression could serve to balance out some of Powell’s awesome scoring efficiency, we’re also witnessing a player producing career-highs in key defensive categories (i.e. four steals against Cleveland last night) that prove more stable than the inherent variance of shooting results.
Rostered in just 15% of ESPN leagues as of Tuesday morning, Powell has become a key part of Toronto’s rotation this season and merits much more attention from fantasy managers, as well.
Highlights
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: 48 points (18-31 FG), 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 TO
Chris Paul, Oklahoma City: 30 points (9-12 FG), 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 5 TO
Normal Powell, Toronto Raptors: 26 points (11-15 FG), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals
Lowlights
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: 7 points (1-3 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 TO
Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas Mavericks: 2 points (1-10 FG), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 TO
With the Mavericks’ ending the Bucks’ 18-game winning streak, Antetokounmpo had the most points ever in a loss that ended his team’s winning streak of at least 15 games. Teammate Donte DiVincenzo posted nearly 40 fantasy points using DraftKings’ scoring key in a starting role with Eric Bledsoe sidelined thanks to notching 19 combined assists and rebounds, helping offset him making just two of eight field goal attempts.
Dallas’ Jalen Brunson was stellar in helping end the Bucks’ historic run with 13 points and 11 dimes as the team’s primary facilitator with Luka Doncic sidelined. You can still find Brunson in free agency in nearly 96% of ESPN leagues.
Carmelo Anthony sank four 3-pointers, pulled eight rebounds, and tallied 23 points in a one-point win over the Suns on Monday evening. I’ve since admitted I was a bit too dismissive of Anthony’s utility as a fantasy option once he signed with Portland, as the team’s lack of frontcourt scoring has afforded him rewarding usage.
Speaking of Banana Boat members, Paul took over in the final quarter for the Thunder in a rousing comeback win over the Bulls. CP3 delivered 19 points in the decisive final quarter, the most in a fourth quarter in his storied career. Paul scored or assisted on 24 of the team’s 27 points in the fourth quarter, while the Bulls scored just 16 points.
For the Suns, it’s nice to see second-year Nova product Mikal Bridges begin to post increasingly valuable lines, such as last night’s three stocks (blocks plus steals) and 13 combined assists and rebounds in the loss to Portland. For those in deeper leagues, there could be something fun brewing for this talented two-way wing.
Isaiah Thomas returned to action for the Wizards on Monday to post 23 points and six dimes in a rout of the Pistons. The 23 points mark Thomas’ most since March of 2018. Sharpshooter Davis Bertans was also solid with 17 points on 11 shots. Both are widely available in ESPN leagues and should continue to play integral respective roles for Washington.
This is your weekly reminder that Ben McLemore has become a valuable 3-and-D contributor in a rewarding role for Houston. As mentioned in this week’s fantasy hoops free agency edition, McLemore is found at fifth overall in the NBA in catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts per game on the season as a floor-spacer for coach Mike D’Antoni.
Markieff Morris tied his season high with 22 points on Monday in place of an ailing Blake Griffin. Morris was second on the team in minutes and shots on the evening, suggesting he won’t be shy when afforded increased opportunity rates sans Griffin.
A forearm injury kept Devin Booker out of the Suns’ lineup against the Trail Blazers on Monday evening. Bridges moved into the starting lineup with real success, signaling for fantasy investors to stream him if Booker misses any more games.
The Wizards’ Rui Hachimura left Monday’s win over the Pistons with a groin injury. Bertans shifted into the first unit to start the second half, evidence he could start in Hachimura’s place if the rookie were to miss any more time.
After missing five games, Utah’s Mike Conley is probable to play against the Magic on Tuesday.
A six-game slate awaits fantasy gamers on Tuesday, with the matchup between the Nets and Pelicans standing out as a particularly intriguing contest for statistical fun. The Pelicans rank 26th in the league in defensive rating during the past 10 games, allowing a generous 116.6 points per 100 possessions, setting up the likes of Taurean Prince, Garrett Temple and Joe Harris as solid streaming and DFS values.
For the Pelicans, we find JJ Redick ruled out with a sore groin, but it’s likely more realistically a bit of load management, given the Pelicans also play again on Wednesday against the Timberwolves. With Redick off the floor this season, rookie Nickeil Alexander-Walker has enjoyed a sizable jump in fantasy points per game, although Josh Hart is likely the safest bet to earn a rewarding bump in opportunities tonight.
Tuesday signals the return of De’Aaron Fox to the Kings’ rotation. Fox has missed multiple weeks with an ankle injury, but the gifted playmaker is listed as probable for this evening’s matchup with Devonte’ Graham and the Hornets. It will be compelling to see how Fox orchestrates the Sacramento offense in his return and how he defends Graham’s prolific shooting skills.
We also find Phoenix getting the top pick from the 2018 draft back in the lineup on Tuesday, as Deandre Ayton‘s 25-game suspension has concluded, allowing him to play against the Clippers tonight.