Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: Raptors on the rebound
Powell has scored 57 points over the last two games and is posting a rich line of 23.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 3.2 3PG during his last nine games. Prior to this nine-game run of scoring fun, Powell had averaged just 11.7 PPG in his prior 14 appearances.
Just like his teammate Chris Boucher, you need to acquire Powell from the waiver wire now, while he’s on the rise, or you’ll miss out on the fantasy fun. Powell is rostered in just 60.2% of ESPN leagues, yet is deserving of universal attention given that his strong recent play is quite reminiscent of last season’s breakout production.
Highlights
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: 47 points (15-23 FG), 11 rebounds, 5 assists
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls: 46 points (17-25 FG), 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Lowlights
Eric Bledsoe, New Orleans Pelicans: 5 points (2-5 FG), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 TO
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers: 3 points (1-4 FG), 3 rebounds, 0 assists
We recommended Lou Williams of the Clippers as a key free agent last week, and he continues to shine. He scored 27 points last night — his most in any game since February 13 of last season — while adding nine combined assists and rebounds in a win over the Timberwolves. Williams has served an important offensive role with Paul George sidelined and is a free agent in nearly 50% of ESPN leagues.
The main story from the matchup between the Mavericks and Hawks was, understandably, the epic statistical showdown between Luka Doncic and Trae Young. Doncic recorded his 32nd career triple-double, breaking a tie with Magic Johnson for the second-most by any player in his first three NBA seasons. Only Oscar Robertson had more with 87. Doncic improved to 3-1 in head-to-head matchups against Young. Atlanta’s Kevin Huerter was also impressive. The smooth shooting guard scored 23 points and pulled down eight boards in the loss to Dallas. He has averaged 19.3 PPG with strong peripherals over the last seven days.
The Hawks have another interesting player in stretch forward Danilo Gallinari, who played a season-high 30 minutes last night. The production isn’t impressive just yet, but with De’Andre Hunter sidelined for up to two months, Gallinari could play an important role for Atlanta going forward.
The Bulls made a franchise record 25 three-pointers. They were led by LaVine, who made nine, and Coby White, who finished with eight. They are the first teammates in NBA history to both make eight three-pointers in the same game. They also tied the NBA record for the most three-pointers by a starting backcourt.
Charlotte’s Miles Bridges tallied his third straight double-double and is proving that he should be rostered in more than 60% of ESPN leagues.
Frank Kaminsky nearly notched a triple-double in Phoenix’s fun win over the Bucks. While he doesn’t score much, Kaminsky’s unique blend of shooting and passing production is interesting for those in deeper leagues.
With Anthony Davis sidelined due to an Achilles problem for the second straight game, Kyle Kuzma was solid for the Lakers while flirting with a double-double. If Davis misses any more time, Kuzma could certainly help fantasy managers.
Baseball is back, and so is fantasy! Get the gang back together, or start a new tradition.
Join or start a league for free >>
Rookie James Wiseman will miss another game for the Warriors due to a lingering wrist injury, setting up Juan Toscano-Anderson as a likely starter (and a fun streaming option) in tonight’s game against the reeling Magic.
Philadelphia’s Shake Milton rolled his ankle late in the team’s win over Sacramento on Tuesday, leaving him doubtful to play tonight against the Trail Blazers. Seth Curry looked good for the first time in weeks in the win over the Kings and is a fine addition to fantasy rosters ahead of this matchup.
Miami’s Goran Dragic and Avery Bradley both remain sidelined for tonight’s matchup against the Rockets in Houston. Combo guard Kendrick Nunn has averaged 31.9 MPG and 17.3 PPG over the past three games with his two backcourt peers sidelined. Nunn has sported a healthy 22% usage rate in those games, to go along with a stellar .689 true-shooting rate. Nunn is currently available in 65% of ESPN leagues.
Boston’s top talents are wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Toronto’s top talents are smaller guards Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet. This leads to tonight’s interesting matchup of contrasting NBA rosters as the Celtics host the Raptors. Can Powell sustain his strong play against Boston’s strong perimeter defense? This should be a fun and revealing meeting between Eastern Conference foes.