Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: Rockets getting boost from Kevin Porter Jr.
On Tuesday, Porter scored 22 points on a game-high 21 shots and led the Rockets in assists, steals, and blocks. Porter has produced at least seven dimes in each of his four appearances for Houston thus far, flashing awesome creation talent for a scoring guard. Even more vital to his fantasy profile is Porter’s dynamic defense, as he’s averaging 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game with Houston.
With John Wall dealing with a knee injury and likely to miss more time this season and with Victor Oladipo as a prominent name in trade rumors, Porter could enjoy a uniquely strong second half of the season. Go ahead and add the USC product to your fantasy rosters. He is still available in 35% of ESPN leagues.
Highlights
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls: 40 points (15-20 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers: 50 points (13-20 FG), 6 rebounds, 10 assists
Lowlights
CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers: 10 points (3-11 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 TO
Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls: 2 points (1-9 FG), 3 rebounds, 0 assists
Lillard only needed 20 shots to score his 50 points, marking the third-fewest FGA in any 50-point game in the shot-clock era. It was also Lillard’s 12th career 50-point game, matching LeBron James for the fourth-most since the merger. McCollum struggled with his shot in his return from a two-month absence, but it’s safe to assume he’ll round into form in the coming games. It was telling to see Gary Trent Jr. thrive as Portland’s sixth man, while Derrick Jones Jr. might lose the most value with McCollum’s return.
LaVine only needed three quarters to score all 40 of his points in Chicago’s win over the Thunder. LaVine shot 15-20 (75%) in the game, making him the first Bulls player to shoot 75% from the field in a 40-point game since Elton Brand in April 2000. Chicago recently tweaked its starting lineup, sending center Wendell Carter Jr. and guard Coby White to the bench in favor of Thaddeus Young and Tomas Satoransky. Last night, Satoransky was second on the team in plus-minus, pacing the Bulls with seven assists and three steals. Satoransky is a free agent in 90% of ESPN leagues.
Oklahoma City’s Moses Brown produced a prolific line against LaVine’s Bulls with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, setting career-highs in all three categories. Brown should be a useful streaming option whenever Al Horford rests.
Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio delivered an impressive double-double against the Lakers, while sixth man Jaylen Nowell also produced a solid line. Rubio is relevant for fantasy purposes until D’Angelo Russell is back from injury, while Nowell still has at least another week of value before Malik Beasley returns from suspension.
Philadelphia’s Seth Curry kept his team in the game last night against the Knicks, scoring 15 of his 20 points in the third quarter. The76ers haven’t lost in any of the seven games where Curry has scored 20-plus points this season. Curry has been great so far in March, yet is still a free agent in roughly 45% of ESPN leagues.
Lonzo Ball’s shooting efficiency has (deservedly) captured a good deal of attention this season, but he’s also enjoying a breakout year as a creator for others. Last night, Ball dished a career-high 17 assists in the loss to the Trail Blazers.
Sacramento’s Marvin Bagley III suffered a fractured hand and will miss several weeks due to the injury. This season, forward Nemanja Bjelica has averaged 16.1 points (per 36 minutes) with Bagley off the floor. However, it’s unclear how much playing time he’ll see for the Kings as he is a prime candidate to be traded next week.
Fred VanVleet is listed as doubtful and OG Anunoby has been ruled out for Toronto’s matchup against Detroit due to their placement in the league’s health and safety protocol. Pascal Siakam is also considered questionable to play.
Point guard Patrick Beverley won’t suit up for the Clippers tonight, which should result in another start for Reggie Jackson.
DeMar DeRozan is out for the Spurs this evening due to personal reasons. LaMarcus Aldridge remains sidelined as the team pursues potential trade options for the big man. With those two players off the floor this season, guard Derrick White has averaged nearly 9.0 more DraftKings points per 36 minutes. White has scored 17 points in two of his last three games (to go along with some impressive defensive rates), suggesting he’s a strong streaming candidate against a Chicago backcourt that struggles on defense.
Luka Doncic and the Mavericks host Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers in Dallas. In Monday night’s loss to the Clippers, Doncic recorded his 34th career triple-double. Leonard, meanwhile, has scored at least 15 points in 51 straight games, the second-longest active streak in the NBA.