BKN • • #
4 months ago
Currently on a 10-day contract, Hayes has his best game as a Net on Wednesday. The 7-of-13 night from the field included Hayes shooting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. He’s a career 27.6 percent shooter from three, so fantasy managers need to keep this night in perspective. However, Wednesday’s performance may improve Hayes’ chances of getting a second 10-day, especially if D’Angelo Russell (ankle) remains out.
BKN • Center • #20
4 months ago
Starting for the suspended Nic Claxton, Sharpe had the best game of his NBA career on Wednesday. He established season-highs in points (25) and rebounds (16), with the former also being a career-high. Also, this was just Sharpe’s fourth 20-point game as a professional and first since March 2023. This night won’t change much in the short term, as Claxton will be eligible for Friday’s game against the Trail Blazers. However, fantasy managers should file this away for the “silly season,” especially if Noah Clowney doesn’t return from his ankle injury anytime soon.
OKC • Guard • #21
4 months ago
Wiggins has been on a roll over the past month, emerging as a player worth adding in deep leagues. A double-digit scorer in 12 straight games, the Thunder wing has been a third-round player in nine-cat formats since February 1. Wiggins is rostered in 23 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and he’s worth a roll of the dice in deep leagues while this run continues.
OKC • Guard-Forward • #8
4 months ago
Williams ended a streak of five games in which he shot below 50 percent from the field on Wednesday, hitting that percentage in a win over the Nets. However, the field goal percentage hasn’t done much harm to his value, as J-Dub has provided fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Williams remains a third-round player for the season, and it would be unsurprising if he cracked the top 25 by the end of the season. Oklahoma City finishes Week 17 and its current road trip with games against the Hawks (Friday) and Spurs (Sunday).
OKC • Guard • #2
4 months ago
Gilgeous-Alexander has been so dominant this season that it’s nearly an achievement to hold him under 30 points. The Nets managed to do that on Wednesday, as he only attempted 11 shots from the field. However, SGA was 12-of-13 from the foul line, boosting the final point tally. Gilgeous-Alexander has “only” been a top-10 player since the trade deadline, indicating what fantasy managers have come to expect from him in recent seasons.
OKC • Center-Forward • #7
4 months ago
Back in the lineup after sitting out Monday’s overtime loss to the Timberwolves, Holmgren was sensational in Brooklyn. Not only were the 17 rebounds a season-high, but that’s the most he’s had in his NBA career. Add in the points, assists and defensive stats, and fantasy managers benefitted greatly from Holmgren’s robust stat line. Since returning from his fractured hip on February 7, Chet has provided top-20 value in nine-cat formats. The only concern is back-to-backs, as he hasn’t reached the point where the Thunder will let him play both ends. Given how far ahead of the pack Oklahoma City is in the West, there’s no need to push things in that regard.
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
4 months ago
Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game with a calf injury, Adebayo played 35 minutes and was largely effective in Miami’s win over the Hawks. And he had help, as Kel’el Ware added 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two three-pointers in 29 minutes. While the lineup change made on January 21 hasn’t boosted Adebayo’s fantasy value significantly, he’s managed to maintain fifth-round value in eight-cat formats.
MIA • Guard • #45
4 months ago
Mitchell was sensational on Wednesday, as he was impactful on both ends of the floor. “Off Night” harassing Trae Young into a subpar performance is unsurprising, but that can’t be said for his offensive output. Mitchell matched his season-high with 20 points and his career-high with five three-pointers. Rostered in four percent of Yahoo! leagues, he has been a top 100 player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Even with Wednesday’s performance, Mitchell certainly isn’t a must-add player, but that may change if he can tighten his grip on a place in the starting lineup.
MIA • Guard • #14
4 months ago
After the Hawks (Dyson Daniels) limited him to 11 points on Wednesday, Herro was far better in Wednesday’s rematch. He’s scored 24 or more points in four of his last five outings, including two 40-point games. Miami solving the Jimmy Butler situation appears to have boosted Herro, who has been a top-25 player in eight-cat formats since the trade deadline. The Heat finish Week 17 with home games against the Pacers and Knicks.
ATL • G • #3
4 months ago
LeVert has reached double figures in five of the seven games he’s played for the Hawks. While the move from Cleveland to Atlanta meant he would not be playing for a contending team, he has more opportunities to provide value. However, since the trade, LeVert has only provided 14th-round value in eight-cat formats. Meanwhile, Georges Niang (7/4/2/0/1 with one three-pointer in 24 minutes) has been close to a top 100 player after being included in the deal that sent De’Andre Hunter to Cleveland. Yet he remains rostered in 15 percent of Yahoo! leagues to LeVert’s 23.
ATL • G • #5
4 months ago
After Daniels racked up seven steals in Monday’s win over the Heat, Miami did a better job of caring for the basketball around him on Wednesday. He only had two steals, but the 80 percent night from the field will have value in fantasy leagues. Daniels has been one of the most valuable players in fantasy basketball this season, providing top-30 value despite having a Yahoo! ADP well outside the top 100. Friday’s matchup with the Thunder should be fun, as Daniels will take on the unenviable task of defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
ATL • Guard • #11
4 months ago
Scoring-wise, the Heat kept Young in check in their home-and-home to begin Week 17. He scored 25 points on 8-of-26 shooting, and being pestered by Davion Mitchell had much to do with that. Shooting 40.7 percent from the field, Young has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats over the past three weeks. That isn’t terrible value, but it is slightly worse than what he’s done throughout the season. Things won’t get easier for Young, as the Hawks will host the Thunder on Friday.
NYK • Center • #55
4 months ago
Hukporti started Wednesday’s game for the injured Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rookie got an alley-oop dunk on the Knicks’ first offensive possession. However, while he did shoot the ball well, the rebounding output was limited. Making matters worse was Hukporti suffering a sprained right knee early in the third quarter. While he would return briefly, the decision was ultimately made to sit him for the rest of the night. Helping Hukporti was the work of Josh Hart (7/17/4/1/1 in 39 minutes) and Precious Achiuwa (7/6/2/0/4 in 31 minutes), who combined for 23 rebounds and five blocked shots. Those two will be critical if Towns is unavailable for Friday’s game in Memphis, regardless of what happens with Hukporti.
NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
4 months ago
Over the past three weeks, Bridges has averaged 13.9 points per game, shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 50 percent from the foul line. To say he, and those who have him rostered, needed a night like Wednesday would be an understatement. Bridges shot 7-of-9 from the field in the first quarter, and the 28 points were the most he’s tallied in a game since January 27 (28 vs. Memphis). The Knicks being without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) on Wednesday likely helped Bridges’ offensive aggression; he needs to consistently come out with that kind of force, regardless of who’s available.
NYK • Guard • #11
4 months ago
The Knicks are likely thankful for two things after Wednesday’s victory: Tyrese Maxey’s bad right hand (he shot 0-of-10 from three) and Brunson. “Captain Clutch” went on a personal 9-0 run during the fourth quarter to save the Knicks from what would have been an embarrassing defeat, especially after getting blown out by the Cavaliers and Celtics over the weekend. After dishing out all seven of his assists during the first quarter, Brunson was ultra-aggressive as a scorer in crunch time to get the Knicks back into the win column.
PHI • Forward • #8
4 months ago
George announced earlier Wednesday that he would put his podcast on hiatus to focus on getting the 76ers back on track, but that wasn’t enough to keep the team from losing a ninth straight game. However, George’s stat line against the Knicks was solid by fantasy standards, as he shot 45 percent from the field and finished one blocked shot shy of a complete line. Over the past two weeks, George has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats. However, he and the 76ers face a challenging climb for the rest of the season, especially if Joel Embiid (knee) cannot return anytime soon.
PHI • Guard • #0
4 months ago
Maxey finished Wednesday’s defeat with a gaudy point tally, the tenth time in 14 games that he’s scored at least 30 points. However, it’s clear that Maxey’s injured pinky finger on his right (shooting) hand is having an impact. The 76ers guard missed all 10 of his three-point attempts Wednesday night, but the Knicks could not stay in front of him defensively. With Philadelphia suffering a ninth consecutive defeat, it’s fair to question if there will be a point when the team uses Maxey’s finger injury as a reason to shut him down. We haven’t reached that point yet, which is good news for those who have him rostered.
PHI • Center • #1
4 months ago
With Joel Embiid (knee) and Guerschon Yabusele (eye) out, Drummond moved into the starting lineup Wednesday night. While the scoring output was limited, the rebounds, assists and steals can be helpful to deep-league managers. During the game, ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth reported that there may be more clarity regarding Embiid’s status coming within the next 48 hours, which will impact Drummond’s fantasy prospects for the rest of the season. Rostered in 11 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he may become a “must-add” player by the end of Week 17.
PHI • Forward-Guard • #9
4 months ago
In an infuriating season for 76ers fans, Oubre has been one of the few bright spots. And he’s come through for fantasy managers recently, providing sixth-round value in eight-cat formats over the past three weeks. Oubre scored 19 points in the first half of Wednesday’s loss, keeping the 76ers within striking distance before Tyrese Maxey got going (inside the arc, at least) after halftime. Oubre is rostered in 67 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and that number may increase if Joel Embiid (knee) gets shut down for the rest of the season.
WAS • F • #24
4 months ago
After scoring 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting in games against the Magic and Nets, Kispert got back on track Wednesday night. He’s scored 20 points or more in two of his last five games and can provide solid three-point value. Before that two-game slump, he ripped off a run of seven straight games in double figures, averaging 16.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.3 three-pointers while shooting 55.6 percent from the field. Kispert is only rostered in seven percent of Yahoo! leagues; he’ll be worth a dice roll in deep leagues for Saturday’s game against the Hornets.
WAS • F • #22
4 months ago
Starting for the injured Alexandre Sarr (ankle), Holmes did not miss a shot on Wednesday. The 20 points were a season-high, with the offensive output making up for the non-existent defensive stats. Holmes is unlikely to revisit his fantasy basketball “glory days” at this stage in his career, but he’s worth a look in deep leagues when allowed to start. Sarr’s absence also means more playing time for Tristan Vukcevic, who finished Wednesday’s defeat with eight points, two rebounds, one assist, one block and one three-pointer in 19 minutes.
WAS • G • #13
4 months ago
After a rough 2023-24 campaign, Poole has been much-improved, even if the strides taken have not resulted in more wins for the Wizards. He’s provided top-50 value in eight-cat formats, something few (if any) fantasy managers expected. With Wednesday’s effort, Poole has scored 20-plus points in consecutive games for the first time since February 7-8, and he has been a top-40 player over the past three weeks in eight-cat. Even better for fantasy managers is that Poole and the Wizards end Week 17 with a game against the Hornets on Saturday.
Source: The Athletic
POR • Forward • #9
4 months ago
Grant shot the ball poorly again on Wednesday, and he’s only made 27.5 percent of his attempts over the past two weeks. However, the rebound production has increased in recent games. During that same two-week stretch, the veteran forward averages 5.3 rebounds per game, nearly two more than his mark for the season (3.5). However, the combination of decreased scoring and limited output in the other fantasy-relevant categories makes Grant a problematic player to hold onto in 10-team formats, even though he remains rostered in 74 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
POR • Guard • #1
4 months ago
After scoring eight points in his first game out of the All-Star break, Simons tallied 25 and 28 in wins over the Hornets and Jazz. He wasn’t as productive against the Wizards, but there was some value in the rebound, assist and steal numbers. Over the past two weeks, Simons has been a top 100 player in eight-cat formats, which aligns with his season-long value. Unless there’s a significant spike in production in one of the categories where Simons doesn’t traditionally provide consistent value (rebounds or field goal percentage), his ceiling will be limited.
POR • Guard • #17
4 months ago
Wednesday’s game was the best of the season for Sharpe in terms of production and highlights. Shaedon notched a season-high point total (36) and put up that number efficiently. He shot 50 percent from the field and 70 percent from the foul line and was also effective in the rebound and assist categories. Add in arguably the best in-game dunk in the NBA this season, and this was an excellent night for Sharpe, who scored 18 points in each half. Another note is the left quad injury that sidelined Deni Avdija before halftime. Sharpe started the third quarter, which may indicate his place within the rotation if Avdija misses time.
Source: NBA
TOR • Center • #19
4 months ago
Poeltl returned to the Raptors lineup after missing seven games with a hip pointer, and his minutes were restricted. The injury may have factored in Myles Turner punishing the Raptors from beyond the arc, as he made all five attempts on the night. The Raptors play twice more during Week 17 without a back-to-back, so availability may not be an issue for Poeltl. However, with the team six games out of the last play-in spot, there may be little motivation to increase the seven-footer’s minutes.
TOR • Guard • #30
4 months ago
With Scottie Barnes ruled out, Agbaji made his first start since February 11 on Wednesday. While the final stat line wasn’t all that impressive, this was his first double-digit scoring effort since the Raptors’ final game before the All-Star break. Agbaji is among the players to watch in Toronto as the season winds down, as his playing time will likely increase if the front office decides to pull the plug. There’s no need to roster Agbaji, but adding him to deep-league watchlists is fine.
IND • Forward • #43
4 months ago
While Siakam has corralled at least eight rebounds in three straight games, the decreased scoring output has negatively impacted his fantasy value. Spicy P has scored 19 points or less in five consecutive games. Add in the limited defensive production, and Siakam is ranked outside the top 250 in nine-cat formats during this stretch. With the Pacers forward being a top-50 player for the season, this may be a good time to buy low on him, especially with Indiana having an advantageous fantasy playoff schedule (four games each in weeks 20-22).
IND • Center-Forward • #33
4 months ago
Turner was scalding hot from deep Wednesday night, making all five attempts. Also, he recorded his second double-double in the last 10 outings. The rebounding tally is encouraging, as Turner’s average of 6.6 per game is the lowest since the 2020-21 campaign (6.5). However, while that was a season in which he led the NBA in blocks (3.4 per game), the production in that category hasn’t been as robust this season.
IND • Guard • #0
4 months ago
Haliburton put on a show Wednesday night, shooting 80 percent from the field and recording his third consecutive points/assists double-double. Also, this was his fifth 30-point double-double and first since January 2 against the Heat. Over the past three weeks, Haliburton is ranked second in eight-cat formats, per Basketball Monster. After an uneven start to the season, the Pacers point guard appears to be rounding into form as the fantasy playoff weeks approach. That’s excellent news for those who have Haliburton rostered.
