Two nights in, and there’s already an ancient truth coming-out party. It has been the same since the days of the Aztecs, where they played that crazy game where they shot a ball through a ring and the losing team died. In that game, as in the NBA, the bad players just don’t get that many minutes.
So Kevin Porter Jr. played 9 minutes. De’Andre Ayton will need to pick it up or his minutes will dwindle. Chris Boucher is destined for 15 minutes in perpetuity. Keep that in mind. Good players play more minutes on good teams. And for now, everyone except for the Nets think they’re a good team.
Sixers: I see you VJ Edgecombe! 42 minutes in his debut, and given that he was highly productive and they beat the Celtics, I’d imagine we’ll see more of that. Great, great draft pick for the Sixers and he’s worth owning. Dominick Barlow played 32 minutes at forward. He’s in his fourth season if you, like me, had never heard of him. He rode the pine for Atlanta. Might be a guy to watch for a while.
Celtics: Neemias Queta got the most minutes at center with 25 and would have had more except he fouled out. And fouls aren’t a stat, unless you’re in a weird league. He went 17-8 and missed only one shot. I’d imagine he’s the guy for now.
Pistons: They’re gonna need a lot of minutes from Duncan Robinson due to their complete lack of shooting. Also, Ron Holland can’t shoot, but did play 27 effective minutes. He’s like Ausar Thompson in pretty much every way (can’t shoot but good at everything else). Center, ooof. Jalen Duren, who I have everywhere, played 19 minutes and was outplayed by Isaiah Stewart (20-10, 5 offensive). Looks like another platoon depending on the game. I watched this one and Stewart was far more impressive.
Bulls: Tre Jones will get the Coby White minutes while he’s out (2 weeks till re-evaluation, then the inevitable ramp up, then sit back to backs) and you should own him. Isaac Okoro started, but played less minutes than Kevin Huerter and Ayo Dosunmu. Ayo is the guy to own in that trio as his role should be safe game to game.
Hornets: Ryan Kalkbrenner started at center and Moussa Diabate had a near even split with minutes. Mason Plumlee had zero, so we know how that’s shaken out. Kon Kneuppel played 25 in his debut and will be roster worthy.
Magic: Wendell Carter won the nightly battle between himself and Goga Bitazde for minutes. Keep in mind his role is not scoring; it’s a real life thing like defense, picks, all that old school center stuff.
Cavs: Sam Merril looks like the guy at SG. 28 minutes played. Keep an eye on Deandre Hunter, the guy was out last night with a knee injury, and we know how those can go. Bummer if you were counting on him!
Knicks: Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart sat this one, and shock of all shock to Ol’ Thibs, they still won without starters playing 40 minutes! Miles McBride looks safe for 25 minutes. Unfortunately, there was nobody else over 20 so go ahead on to the next team.
Hawks: Oh my gosh. They’re still not starting Onyeka Okongwu. Come on. Don’t you know fantasy analysts will get their pay slashed for getting this wrong every year? He did play 28 minutes and should still be a safe fantasy play. I’m very worried about Dyson Daniels, though. Only 22 minutes, and the game flow (Hawks lost pretty big) mean that Luke Kennard and Nikeal Alexander-Walker needed to come in and shoot. And they did, totalling 4-22. Oh well!
Bucks: Point guard battle was really won by……….nobody. Kevin Porter, Jr. only played 9 minutes and Cole Anthony 12. Ryan Rollins played 29 minutes so maybe him? But he was off the bench. KPJ was a +15 in his minutes, so don’t panic cut yet.
Suns: Khaman Malauch is a great dynasty asset. He’s not for this year, though; he played as many minutes as the Geico gecko. Mark Williams is the story with his 24 minutes. He’ll probably be capped at about that given his injury history. Iso Ighodaro started and went 19. Big Mark is the only guy to own here.
Wolves: Naz Reid only played 19 minutes and Rudy Gobert tallied 31 due to the Trail Blazers having multiple tall slow centers playing. Don’t panic on Naz. Do panic, however, on Rob Dillingham who has been passed by Terrance Shannon, Jr. (25 minutes for TSJ, 0 for Dillingham). Safe to assume he’s not going to do much.
Clippers: I was hoping for some Chris Paul assist juice but he won’t get that in 15 minutes per game. Maybe it’s his punishment for having to watch his team lose to the Jazz? Kris Dunn will be an important part of the rotation. That’s not actionable; he’s just going to suck value from other guys. Good real life, bad fantasy asset.
There’s more, of course, and this column will evolve. Tried to do more of an info dump, and hope it’s helpful!
