Fantasy NBA Daily Notes: Timberwolves offering some sneaky-good upside
The game included some strong performances from two intriguing fantasy free agents in Jaylen Nowell and Jaden McDaniels. Growing up together in the Seattle area and eventually becoming teammates at the University of Washington, Nowell and McDaniels have been buddies since second grade.
Nowell scored a career-high 28 points while missing just two of his 13 shots. The shooting guard had just five points in the first half but sank four 3-pointers in just a three-minute stretch in the third quarter to help secure the win for Minnesota.
Averaging 14 PPG to go with solid shooting, passing and rebounding rates in 24.5 MPG during the past four games for the Timberwolves, Nowell has enjoyed a sizable uptick in usage since Malik Beasley was suspended. Having earned Finch’s trust, Nowell — available in free agency in roughly 99% of ESPN leagues — is a worthy interim acquisition until Beasley’s return.
McDaniels joined his fellow Husky in setting a new career scoring peak with 20 points while missing just one of his nine shots. The efficient performance included 4 3-pointers, 2 steals and 3 blocks. For the season, McDaniels is averaging more than a block per game in just 19.3 MPG, thanks to a stellar 4.5% block percentage. With Finch empowering the rookie as a versatile defensive force, McDaniels is also worth targeting off the waiver wire.
Highlights
De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings: 30 points (11-19 FG), 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals
Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets: 40 points (15-23 FG), 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Lowlights
Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans: 13 points (5-14 FG), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 TO
Nerlens Noel, New York Knicks: 2 points (1-2 FG), 1 rebound, 0 assists, 2 blocks
Fox delivered his seventh 30-point game this season for Sacramento, which proves especially impressive, considering he amassed 10 in his first three pro seasons combined. The most revealing angle from the Kings’ win over Houston might just be how good of a fantasy matchup Houston has been lately. The Rockets have lost 14 straight games, and without any real rim protection, they have been allowing big games to opponents each time out.
Rockets forward P.J. Tucker decided not to play on Thursday night and is not expected to return to the team, coach Stephen Silas said. The team is working on trade scenarios involving the defensive stalwart, but there really isn’t any fantasy value to consider with Tucker.
Boston’s Marcus Smart returned to the floor for the Celtics after missing 18 games due to a calf injury. The combo guard scored 19 points in 21 minutes and should be added in all formats as he reclaims vital creation and defensive duties for Boston.
Devonte’ Graham of the Hornets also returned to the floor last night after an extended injury absence. Graham wasn’t quite as productive as Smart, but he could help fantasy teams in need of shooting and assist production.
Detroit’s Delon Wright played last night after missing seven games due to a significant groin injury. Wright, who is a free agent in nearly 40% of leagues, played just 22 minutes in the loss to Charlotte, but he started and looked good on the floor. The Pistons started Svi Mykhailiuk last night, and the shooting specialist flashed some surprising play-making ability with a career-high eight dimes in the game. We’ll want to see more from Mykhailiuk, but the Pistons’ rotation appears somewhat fluid.
Another return from injury included Aaron Gordon playing 14 minutes for Orlando. The athletic forward made just three shots, but it was good to see him back on the floor for an otherwise depleted Magic roster. Given his extended absence, Gordon is a free agent in just over a third of ESPN leagues. Orlando’s backcourt injuries have opened up a large role for Michael Carter-Williams, who produced a strong line last night and has become a relevant fantasy option in deeper leagues, at least for as long as Cole Anthony is sidelined.
Patrick Beverley left last night’s win over the Warriors after just 11 minutes of play due to a knee injury. Reggie Jackson is a solid streaming option if Beverley misses any games, which appears likely.
Anthony Davis isn’t ready just yet to return for the Lakers for tonight’s tilt against the visiting Indiana Pacers. Both Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell make for strong streaming options with Davis ruled out.
DeMar DeRozan will miss San Antonio’s matchup against the Magic tonight due to personal reasons. LaMarcus Aldridge is sitting out until the team finds a trade or negotiates a buyout. Focusing on Keldon Johnson and Dejounte Murray in DFS could prove rewarding, while streaming Derrick White in redraft formats could also pay off.
Houston’s Eric Gordon appeared to suffer a significant groin injury last night. The veteran shooting guard needed help to leave the court and appears likely to miss multiple games due to the injury. With Gordon likely out for tonight’s game and Tucker no longer with the team, it’s time to add Kevin Porter Jr. in all but the shallowest of fantasy leagues.
Porter Jr. made his debut with the Rockets last night and produced stellar assist (49.7%) and steal (4.6%) percentages while tallying a career-high 10 dimes. Lead distributor John Wall suffered a contusion to his left knee during Wednesday’s practice and appears unlikely to play against Utah tonight, setting up Porter with another sizable creation role.
Kevin Love has played just 46 minutes this season due to a calf injury. Having practiced with the Cavaliers on Thursday, and listed as questionable to play in tonight’s matchup against the Pelicans, it’s an ideal time to roster Love, who is a free agent in nearly 60% of ESPN leagues.