Orale is a Mexican word that has so many different meanings.
- I agree with you
- Come on!
- Bring it on!
- Yes
- Hurry up
- That’s amazing!
- I’m flabbergasted
- There you go
- Ok
- Exortation
- It’s your turn
- Go ahead
- I’m waiting for you
- Watch it
It’s such a cool word, flows off the tongue, and is pleasant to listen to, even if someone is saying it to hurry me up. Anyways, it’s one of my favorite words. Granted, I don’t know too many words, but whatever. With that said, I guess it only makes sense then that Richaun Holmes is not only one of favorite players lately, but a favorite of many in the fantasy basketball world.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 8/13 | 6/6 |
In 31 minutes. He’s been the #12 player for fantasy over the past 16 games. Orale, Holmes! Points, boards, defensive stats, and excellent percentages (67% from the field and 89% from the line on 2.9 attempts). To date, he has to be the fantasy MVP, right? Beep. Boop. Bop. You know what’s always the MVP? The Stocktonator. There was worry that when Marvin Bagley returned that Holmes would be relegated back to the bench. As much of a bobo I think Luke Walton is, he isn’t that much of a bobo, as he played Holmes and Bagley alongside each other. Now, Bagley is hurt, so Holmes can run free like the bison did in the American plains many years ago. But unlike the bison, Holmes will not get eradicated when Bagley returns. Orale, Holmes.
Before I get into what I saw yesterday…..
We are at the halfway point for most fantasy leagues. Send out the scouts and emissaries to get a lay of the trade lands. Mine the waiver wire. Offer virgin sacrifices to the injury gods. Do whatever is necessary so that fantasy glory will be yours.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 11 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3/14 | 6/25 | 6/6 |
Played 40 minutes! By George, I think he aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllmmmmmmmmooooooossssst messed around. Over the past three games, George has been shooting 27% from the field. Curious indeed. He’s a 42%-ish shooter, so expect some positive regression in the efficiency. Everything else is magnifique and top 15 production should be the end result, health permitting.
Landry Shamet
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3/4 | 3/5 | 0 |
Got the start and played 25 minutes because Patrick Beverley was out with a wrist injury. My washing machine broke over the weekend, so I went to the Landry mat and Shamet an individual who was peddling a drink to quench my thirst. He called it threecola. Not sweet. Not savory. Actually no taste at all. Just liquid, but it did it’s job and quenched my thirst.
Derrick Walton Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2/3 | 4/5 | 0 |
Played 19 minutes off the bench. Lou Williams did not play for personal reasons, so Walton Jr. got some run. The prior four games, Walton received 1, 12, 7, and 3 minutes of run. A few weeks ago, he received 30 minutes in back-to-back games. He didn’t do much in either game, so if you are having visions of grandeur that Derrick is the reincarnation of Bill Walton, then I must say, “It’s going to be a rough ride coming down from that shroom high.”
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3/10 | 7/17 | 3/3 |
He’s been much better the past four games, and looks to be almost out of his slump. With that said, the shooting efficiency is still low at 40%. At least he’s improved from the 30% mark he was treading at. Our Buddy will never provide much in the defensive stats, but points, tres, boards, and dimes should be decent. He’s primarily a shooter, though, and he will get hot at some point.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4/7 | 10/18 | 0 |
Everytime I think of Tatum, I see Channing grinning from ear-to-ear or Statham transporting someone. I know, I know. I have issues. Wanna subscribe? Anyways, Tatum was so impressive his first two seasons in the league. He was polished offensively and showed that he belonged. I was worried that the ceiling could be a glass one. Well, he’s shattered through those stupid thoughts and has shown that he is a star (top 30 player for fantasy). Now, the question is whether or not he can be a superstar?
Gordon Hayward
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3/6 | 9/14 | 0 |
As for Hayward, I think he’s tapped out where he is. I don’t mean that negatively, as he’s a top 40 player, which is damn good. I just have doubts if he has an extra gear to be a superstar like Tatum. For fantasy, Hayward doesn’t provide much in the defensive categories, but he contributes everywhere else. The field goal percentage is definitely an allure, as he’s converting 53% of his 12.6 attempts per game.
Kemba Walker
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3/7 | 9/19 | 1/1 |
Why hasn’t Diageo added a Kemba Label to the Johnnie Walker collection? I’m available, Diageo, but I don’t come cheap. Anyways, is it because Johnnie is territorial? For fantasy, Kemba is a top 30 player. Is everyone on the Celtics a top 30-40 player? No wonder the Celtics are 23-8. Do you think there’s a secret magic quest that only Danny Ainge has been privy to? If you can assemble a starting lineup with all top 30-40 players, then all five players will jump into the sky, voltron up, and morph into a fighting force of extraordinary magnitude?
Enes Kanter
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6/7 | 1/2 |
In 23 minutes off the bench. He’s been a top 25 player over the past four games. Ahhhh, it’s happening!!! I kid. Kanter is not known for blocks, so the 6 from last night must’ve arrived from an open portal from another galaxy. He’s only getting around 20 minutes of run per game, so he’s tough to count on, but the dub-dub probabilities are high anytime he steps on the court. When Robert Williams returns, though, I can see his playing time decreasing.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1/1 | 5/9 | 3/3 |
Many have walked many Miles, and looked under numerous Bridges, yet the fear was that Miles Bridges was lost forever. Soon to be plastered on milk cartons across the nation. But like Jesus, he rose from the dead and delivered. Maybe this performance arrived from the same portal that brought the six blocks for Kanter. Can’t completely dismiss it. There’s also the chance that this could be the start of something. Bridges has talent, potential, and will get plenty of run. Someone to keep an eye one, as he has the ability to contribute across the board.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4/9 | 5/10 | 0 |
Got the start and played 35 minutes because Kristaps Porzingis did not play because he tweaked his knee during layup lines. As a result, the elves rejoiced and took a break from making cookies, to watch their comrade deliver the deliciousness from downtown. When KP is healthy, though, Kleber averages around 22 minutes per game and provides tres and boards.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 35 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3/16 | 12/29 | 8/12 |
In 40 minutes. Without Porzingis on the court, Doncic has an usage rate of 40.5, an increase 3.6%. Halle-f’ing-Luka! Now, the shooting efficiency has been poor the last few games, but he is still getting back into the groove after missing some games due to injury. My, how the world turns. In the offseason, my main concern was the shooting efficiency, which I had doubts that he would ever improve. Now, I have no doubt he will return to the 47% mark he’s been posting on the season. I. Heart. Luka.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1/2 | 7/15 | 2/2 |
I want Paul on the Lakers. It’d be the perfect spot for both parties. Lakers need a ball handler/shot creator and Paul could win a title. Win/win. Now, the salary cap makes it a pipe dream but what else do I have going for me. Might as well smoke the good shit. Over the past 15 games, Paul has been a top 15 player for fantasy. He is unbelievable. The only worry is injury.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0/2 | 6/15 | 7/8 |
Oh baby! The only thing missing from his game were the dimes. Well…..Hmmm, it was a strange night, so maybe those 10 dimes came through the same portal that delivered the Kanter blocks and Bridges performance. Good point, Son. Whatever. Over the past seven games, Shai has been oh so Gilgeous-Alexander and been the #7 player for fantasy. That’s without the dimes! 36.6 minutes, 26.1 points, 1.3 tres, 5.7 boards, 2.3 dimes, 2.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks. He’s been shooting 51% from the field, 88% from the line, and the turnovers have been a miniscule 1.1. He’s not going to shoot over 50% from the field all season, so expect that number to come down to the 45% range. That will bring his points down, but if he can get those dimes up, that could wash any negative effect. I just looked down and have a tent in my pants.
Nerlens Noel
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5/9 | 2/4 |
In 23 minutes. Noel only averages 19 minutes per game, but he’s been a top 70 player for fantasy regardless! Boards, steals, blocks, and good percentages. Sing and exalt his name.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2/7 | 7/17 | 4/4 |
In 31 minutes off the bench. Dennis can be menacingly inconsistent, but when he’s on, he provides points, boards, and dimes. He averages over 30 minutes per game off the bench, so the floor is relatively high. Just don’t expect defensive stats and the turnovers can be high.
Paul Millsap
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1/3 | 6/13 | 0 |
Got the start and played 27 minutes. When Millsap is healthy and plays, he provides across-the-board production. He just hasn’t been able to stay healthy and the minutes have been all over the map.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/4 | 1/4 | 0 |
Received the start and played 21 minutes because Gary Harris did not play due to a shin injury. I assume Malone wanted Craig for his defense against the Rockets. Well, the Nuggets lost 104-130, so he did not choose wisely.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1/3 | 8/12 | 1/1 |
Played 23 minutes off the bench. Got extra run due to the Harris injury and the fact Craig sucked. He’s not viable for fantasy because he averages 17.8 minutes per game. When he does play, the low turnovers are his calling card, while he can provide points, tres, dimes, and steals.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7/12 | 2/4 |
Returned from injury and played 30 minutes. Capela is a top 25 player for fantasy, as he provides points, boards, steals, and excellent field goal percentage. If only he could shoot. If only the scarecrow had a brain.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 35 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6/9 | 10/17 | 9/13 |
Most players fluctuate a bit in overall value depending on the time frame. For Harden, on the season he’s #1. If I expand the time frame to three and six games, he’s the #2 player. After that, for every time frame, he’s #1. I am so Harden excited right now.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6/8 | 4/6 |
In 18 minutes off the bench. Very, very interesting. He may now be the direct backup to Capela. If so, 12-15 minutes of consistent run could be in the works. Someone to monitor. Hartenstein is a points, boards, and will contribute some defensive stats. The field goal percentage will be excellent, while the free throw shooting will be above average.
Cedi Osman
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4/8 | 5/12 | 0 |
He wasn’t Osman. He rarely is. At least he wasn’t Os (pronounced ass). Usually, Cedi is a one-dimensional player, contributing only in points, so anytime he delivers boards and dimes deserves a blurbout.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/6 | 6/17 | 0 |
Played 28 minutes off the bench. Over the past three games, he’s averaged 27.8 minutes. He’s scoring, grabbing boards, and dishing out dimes. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to his game. Oh, and the shooting efficiency has been poor (sub-40% poor). He will likely end up shooting in the low-to-mid 40% range, so better times should be in the offering. The Cavs could trade some players and open up opportunities, with Porter possibly being a beneficiary.
Serge Ibaka
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2/3 | 8/11 | 2/2 |
Since Gasol succumbed to injury, Ibaka has been a top 75 player. I would’ve thought he was balling out better than that, but as Shakira sang, “Numbers don’t lie.” Ibaka has been providing plenty of points, boards, and tres. The defensive stats haven’t been plentiful, though. And the free throw shooting has been poor. When/if Gasol returns, he will likely go back to playing around 22-24 minutes per game.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5/9 | 4/5 |
Got the start and played 28 minutes, as Nurse made a lineup change and relegated O. G. Anunoby to the bench. RHJ is a points and boards guy. Don’t expect tres, as he operates in the paint.
O. G. Anunoby
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2/3 | 5/8 | 0 |
Still played 30 minutes off the bench. He’s tough to trust for fantasy. The defensive stats aren’t eye popping and the offensive game is lacking. Over the past eight games, he’s been a top 200 player. The Force may not be as strong in this one as we initially thought.
Patrick McCaw
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1/2 | 2/5 | 1/2 |
Continues to start but only played 22 minutes because he kept going to the locker room due to an injury. McCaw is a low usage player. Maybe he should McCaw louder for the ball. I take donations via Venmo or PayPal, thank you very much. Don’t expect many points, but he can provide boards, dimes, and steals. With McCaw going to the locker room, Terence Davis received 25 minutes of run and scored 19 points with 4 boards and a dime. Only viable when injury strikes.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2/6 | 4/11 | 0 |
Aaaaaaaaalllllllllmmmmmooooooooooostt messed around. Dray has messed around 34 times in his career. He played 36 minutes last night and is averaging 32 over the past seven games. He’s a top 85 player for fantasy, contributing in every cat. The low points and shitty field goal percentage keep his overall value low.
Marquese Chriss
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3/6 | 1/2 |
Got the start and played 34 minutes. The Universe must be bored because it wants to see people just keep falling for the banana in the tailpipe. F U Universe! I will not…..checks to see if Chriss is available in every league.
Glenn Robinson III
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3/5 | 10/17 | 2/2 |
Bow wow wow yippee yay yippee yo. III dog was in the mother f’ing house. Played 40 minutes and is averaging 35.1 over the past four games. III dog provides points, tres, boards, and steals. The percentages have been excellent; 50% from the field and 91% from the line. Those numbers are coming down, but by how much? He shot 42% from the field the past two seasons, but that’s when he wasn’t getting consistent run. Mid-40% from the field and low-80% seem reasonable.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4/5 | 9/20 | 6/9 |
Got the start and played 38 minutes because D’Angelo Russell hurt himself snitching. I kid, I kid. He had a shoulder injury. Top 50 player over the past 15 games. He’s providing plenty of points, tres, boards, dimes, and steals. The percentages are good and the turnovers are low. The only thing he’s not doing is getting his Mutombo on.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2/3 | 8/13 | 2/2 |
Continues to start and played 40 minutes. He’s been the #11 player over the past four games. Now, he’s a two-way player who’s time is almost up. Will the Warriors send him back down or make a move to clear a spot for him? No idea. Ride him if you got him and try to trade, but I’d be weary of trying to acquire him.
LaMarcus Aldridge
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1/3 | 7/13 | 2/2 |
LMA with the O and the D! Top 5 player over the past six days. Top 15 player on the season. I ain’t laughing. My mouth is wide open, with the bottom reaching the floor like in the old cartoons.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1/1 | 6/12 | 2/2 |
Continues to start and played 27 minutes….in an OT game. I guess DM is not going to get unleashed after all. Which is a shame because he’d be a fantasy beast, contributing boards, dimes, and steals. He’s been a top 40 player over the past 12 games. If he received five more minutes per game, I’d….suck yo…..Anyone want a cheeseburger?
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11/18 | 2/4 |
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think Double D’s would be so meh, yet here we are.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5/11 | 6/14 | 1/2 |
In 33 minutes off the bench. The Australian Steph Curry can light it up on any given night. He just doesn’t get enough run to do it; averaging 23.3 minutes on the season. If you’ve ever watched him play for the Australian national team, you know that he can be spectacular. In the US, he’s just a general Mills.
Kyle O’Quinn
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0/2 | 2/5 | 0 |
Got the start and played 26 minutes because Joel Embiid did not play due to a knee issue. Some like KOQ. I’m not a KOQ guy myself, but to each their own. When he plays, KOQ can provide boards and blocks. He just doesn’t get much run.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 6/11 | 6/8 |
Remember all the preseason hype videos about Simmons’s tres stroke? Remember the celebrations after he actually made some tres? Good times. That was a nice blast from the past.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1/6 | 7/14 | 5/5 |
My RichardSON!!! He’s back, baby!!! I missed you so much. Over the past four games, my RichardSON has been a top 55 player. The shooting efficiency still isn’t great, but 44% ain’t bad, yo. While the points, tres, boards, and dimes have all ticked up, the most encouraging aspect of my RichardSON’s current heater has been the increase in defensive stats. That’s the primary reason why we love him so much.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1/3 | 10/16 | 2/4 |
A freaking beast. Sabonis is a dub-dub machine, currently tied for second in all of basketball. So we know points and boards will always be there. The 4 dimes per game are really, really nice as well from a big man. It’s the lack of defensive stats and spotty free throw shooting that keep his value relatively low. He’s top 50 on the season, but is sometimes a top 90 player. If he can shore up those two things, top 30 isn’t out of the question. Maybe even top 25.
Malcolm Brogdon only played eight minutes due to a hamstring injury. As a result, Aaron Holiday played 31 minutes while…..
T. J. McConnell
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3/7 | 5/6 |
In 27 minutes off the bench. He has great hair, so he always looks good for the ladies on the bench. When he’s on the court, the sweat alters a few strands, but the play more than makes up for those trangressions. He’s a cheap source of dimes if Brogdon misses an extended period of time.
