Buy/Sell: It’s Getting Lonely In Dallas

We discussed last week about the curse that Luka put on the Mavericks with the AD and Irving injuries, but in the week that passed in went even further downhill for Dallas. At one point in their game against Phoenix and with Dwight Powell colliding with Kessler Edwards, they were down to 7 healthy players, with Naji Marshall being the only player taller than 6’6.

It’s even no surprise at this point that the 2 players injured their teammate and it was a similar scene in the next game, with 8 healthy players and this disheartening image when Klay Thompson was subbed out against the Bucks.

Klay is trying to be a good sport with his body language and stay positive, but you got to feel for the guy.

Regarding last week’s suggestion, Kyle Filipowski was good, returning top75 value and playing all the games for Utah. From all the Mavericks I suggested, Kai Jones did not play at all due to injuries, Max Christie was meh and Spencer Dinwiddie was also mediocre, except for a vintage display against the Spurs with an awesome 28/4/7/6/1/0/2 line. Finally and most importantly, Naji Marshall went completely bonkers, accumulating 108 points, 42 rebounds, 17 assists and 6 steals in just 4 games. Matchup winner and there is no question you grab him everywhere, if you did not already from last week.

In today’s article, I tried to target some adds that are more focused on deep leagues since most of you are in playoff mode and are also good streaming options for standard leagues, while also being almost certainly available in your league (ownership % under 20%)

Buy

Tre Jones: Josh Giddey has an ankle injury that will sideline him at least for a week and with Lonzo Ball constantly doubtful with a risk injury the playmaking burden falls on Tre Jones, who moved over from San Antonio in the trade deadline and has started the last 4 games. The statlines are not amazing but there is value to be had with averages of 13 points 5.3 rebounds and 6 assists with just 1 turnover (6% owned).

Miles McBride: Jalen Brunson suffered an ankle sprain and although the Knicks downplay its severity, it is obvious that he will need to miss some time. The next man up is Miles McBride, who started the last two games sans Brunson and played 34 and 32 minutes respectively. The only caveat is the Knicks’ weak schedule this week, as they only have 2 games remaining, but if you can afford to win your matchup or your playoffs have not started, go grab McBride (16% owned).

Lonnie Walker: From the heated and vivid arenas of the Euroleague with Zalgiris Kaunas all the way back to the dumpster fire that is this 76ers season, it has been quite a journey for Lonnie Walker this year. Philadelphia has waived the white flag with most of their stars injured, so Walker should get a chance to either start and/or get a lot of usage for a team in dire need of creation and scoring. Early returns are encouraging, despite the poor shooting so if you need some volume stats give him a look off the waiver wire (1% owned).

A.J. Lawson: You might ask me “Kostas, who the hell is this guy ?” and I would reply that you have every right to question this, but it is officially the start of silly season for the NBA. That means the undrafted guard out of Carolina has a role for the tanking Toronto Raptors and just had a 32 point game against the rival tankers in Washington. We don’t expect miracles, but if you are in a playoff battle, you need as many games as you can get and Lawson has 3 remaining this week and another one next Monday, making him a widely available streaming option to consider (1% owned). Orlando Robinson (1% owned) and Jamal Shead (1% owned)  complete the 3 Toronto Musketeers of Tanking, if you need big man stats or assist respectively.