After a break for the All-Star festivities we are back to our regular fantasy program, in one of the most crucial stretch of the season, as most leagues are on the verge or have already started their playoffs. Now is the perfect time for bold decisions, as every game played counts and there could be no “next week” to wait for any underperforming or injured player. Bear this in mind in your decision making and hopefully the trophy is yours at the end of the season.
One thing that unfortunately remains engraved in my memory from the All-Star game is how bad the dunk contest was this year. And when I say bad, I mean BAD. Like really really bad. Here are some of the lowlights, for your viewing displeasure.
Ok I understand I have to provide a good highlight now to wash your eyes off that awful clip above. I think Ja Morant dunking on Jakob Poeltl will do the trick just fine. This man can fly…
Regarding the previous suggestions, I am happy to say that they were all on point, with Patrick Beverley continuing his run as a clear-cut standard league player, Danilo Gallinari filling in solidly for John Collins, who is expected to miss more time, and finally Maxi Kleber, who has taken off since the Porzingis trade and should be a top 100 player for the rest of the season. Bonus points for the “Sell” column if you already dropped the advised De’Andre Hunter, as he underperformed massively during the last month and is just burning a hole in your roster spot.
Want the best tools and projections to help dominate your league? Check out the Stocktonator, the byproduct of Rudy and machine making love. Click HERE for a FREE 3-day trial.
Buy
Chuma Okeke: He was featured in the “Buy” column a month ago when he was owned in far less leagues, but if you missed the Okeke train then there is a chance you can hop on, as he is owned still in just half of Yahoo leagues. Okeke has been a top 50 (!!) player during the last two months and his combination of 1.8 steals and 0.8 blocks can be league-winning in the right build. Add in his 2.3 triples and non-existing turnovers and you get the picture of a player you have to add now, if he is still available.
Jae Crowder: Continuing with the theme of 3&D players, Chris Paul’s injury has benefited both Cameron Johnson and Jae Crowder, but Crowder is the one available in more leagues. Still, I can argue that he is the preferred option, as he is a top 70 player during the last two months, averaging 1.7 triples, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals. He is prone to the occasional off game but is still a top quality option to grab from the wire (36% owned).
Grant Williams: Williams is quietly having an encouraging fantasy month, ranking top 80 over that span and bringing the defense with 0.9 blocks and 1.8 triples. His contributions extend to very solid percentages and minimal turnovers so if those sound appealing, go get him as he is most probably available in your league. Last night’s injury to Jaylen Brown can only help secure him a few more minutes in the short term (6% owned).
Sell
Chris Boucher: The Raptors are getting back to full strength and Nurse will not magically start to like Boucher more, so he looks like a clear drop even for deeper leagues. Just for perspective, he is ranked outside the top 220 over the last two weeks and even his defense, which is supposed to be his calling card has been suspect at best.
Montrezl Harrell: Despite starting his Charlotte career strong, Harrell’s minutes have predictably dropped in the last games and, with the quantity of big men available for the Hornets, it is hard for him to earn enough playing time to be consistent for fantasy purposes. He can still be useful if you are punting one of his bad categories but don’t hesitate to move on if you feel like you need the roster spot for streaming purposes.
