Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: The budding stardom of Anthony Edwards
In mounting a compelling comeback to defeat the Phoenix Suns, Karl-Anthony Towns posted 41 points to join Edwards in becoming just the second pair of teammates to each score 40 in a game in franchise history. Edwards and Towns are just the second rookie-veteran duo in league history to each score 40 points in a game, joining Walter Davis (rookie) and Paul Westphal (veteran) for the Suns in 1978.
Minnesota has now won three of five games out of the All-Star break and claim a potential rising star in Edwards, who has averaged 30.6 PPG during his past five games. During the past 15 days, Edwards has been a top-50 value on the Player Rater, suggesting he might be a worthy mid-round target in drafts next season and a special prospect in keeper and dynasty formats.
Highlights
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: 37 points (14-22 FG), 8 rebounds, 6 assists
Russell Westbrook, Washington Wizards: 35 points (12-23 FG), 15 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals
Lowlights
Eric Bledsoe, New Orleans Pelicans: 7 points (3-8 FG), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers: 11 points (3-16 FG), 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Speaking of dazzling rookie performances, LaMelo Ball delivered his third game with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists this season, while all other rookies have combined for three such performances.
A fun game unfolded in Washington, D.C. last night. The Jazz and Wizards backcourts combined to score 154 points, the second most by opposing starting backcourts since starts were first tracked in 1970-71. Bradley Beal led all scorers with 43, one more than Donovan Mitchell, while Westbrook outscored Joe Ingles, 35-34. Yesterday morning, I tabbed Ingles to have a strong game without Mike Conley in the lineup, and the Aussie responded with a career-high 34 points. A key fantasy take from this contest is just how valuable Ingles becomes whenever Conley sits. It’s also worth rostering Washington’s Rui Hachimura, given his recent scoring success.
The Atlanta Hawks moved to 7-0 since Nate McMillan took over as head coach, marking the third-longest win streak to begin a tenure by a coach that took over during season. Danilo Gallinari has been productive under McMillan and yet is rostered in roughly 58% of leagues. Gallo almost tallied a double-double last night and has slashed for 17.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG and 3.1 3PG under his new coach.
Julius Randle delivered his third triple-double of the season, the most by a Knicks player in a season since Michael Ray Richardson had seven in the 1981-82 season. While Randle has been awesome all season, we find scoring guard Alec Burks heating up lately, as he’s averaged 16.8 PPG with strong peripheral stats during the past five games. You can find Burks in free agency in 87% of ESPN leagues.
Houston’s John Wall is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against Detroit. If Wall can’t go, Kevin Porter Jr. becomes a must-start option in both redraft and DFS formats.
Detroit won’t have sharpshooter Wayne Ellington in the lineup tonight due to a right abductor strain. This could lead to even more shooting volume for thriving rookie Saddiq Bey, who is currently underappreciated as a fantasy option.
Tristan Thompson won’t play for the Celtics this evening, which means Robert Williams III is an ideal pickup to consider. Even in limited minutes, Williams can build big box scores thanks to his prolific rebounding and block rates.
The Golden State Warriors have listed Stephen Curry as doubtful to play against the Memphis Grizzlies this evening due to a tailbone contusion. Wing Kelly Oubre Jr. is also listed as doubtful due to a foot sprain. If both starters miss the game, it’s worth noting that Andrew Wiggins has seen a team-high 6.3% bump in usage with them both off the floor this season.
For those seeking a strong streaming candidate, guard Jordan Poole hit six 3-pointers last time out and would likely play a sizable role for the Warriors if Curry misses the game in Memphis.
Let’s see if Edwards and Towns can continue their elite scoring success in a rubber match with the Suns. Phoenix clearly struggled to contain the duo on Thursday, setting up a fun rematch in Arizona this evening.