Cedi Osman was selected with the 31st overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2015. His draft rights were immediately traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Osman was stashed away in Europe for two years. When he finally made it over to the States, the playing time was inconsistent but he did show that he could play in the league and had two games in which he logged 39 minutes. Osman showed the ability to contribute across the board, so it wasn’t a surprise when he performed well to begin this season: 32.4 minutes, 13.1 points, 5.3 boards, 3.6 dimes, and 1 steal were his averages in the month of October. While he shot 42% from downtown on 4.7 attempts, the overall field goal percentage was only 38%, something that would plague him as the season progressed. In addition, the peripheral stats all decreased, which resulted in many jumping off the Osman ship. But then something happened. Maybe something clicked, as he’s still only 23 years old and this is only his second season in the NBA. Or maybe it’s small sample size, but whatever the case may be, last night Cedi was freaking Osman!
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4/8 | 10/16 | 2/8 |
Well, everything but the free throw shooting, but he was instrumental in leading the Cavs to a 116-113 victory over the Wizards. For much of the season, Osman had been a top 200 player for fantasy, but over the three games prior to last night, he’d been top 30, averaging 37.1 minutes, 23.7 points, 3.7 threeecolas, 6.7 boards, 2.7 dimes, and 1.3 steals. He’d been shooting 52% from the field and had a usage rate of 23. Now, the efficiency will likely come down, but there’s also a chance that he’s more comfortable and has improved. Regardless, the Cavs straight stink so Osman is going to get tons of run. Cedi has been Osman. Hopefully, he continues to be.
Here’s what else I saw last night:
Bradley Beal
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 31 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3/9 | 10/20 | 8/9 |
So maybe we need that Wall after all.
Jordan McRae
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2/2 | 5/5 | 3/3 |
Only played 8 minutes. McRae isn’t fantasy viable, but there wasn’t much else to highlight for the Wizards. Plus, he was perfect from the field. Gotta give him his props. Don’t hate the playa. Hate the game.
Ante Zizic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6/8 | 1/2 |
Continues to start and played 23 minutes. Does anyone watch the Kardashian show? Has Tristan been making more cameos lately? Anyways, Zizic has started the last seven games and he’s been a top 100 player. Points, boards, and excellent percentages are what he provides.
Larry Nance Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6/8 | 1/2 |
Played 25 minutes off the bench. Since returning from injury, Nance has played 17, 21, and 25 minutes. He’s most productive when he plays center, so it’s going to be interesting to see how the Cavs manage both Nance and Zizic. Duel to the death perhaps?
Jordan Clarkson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 6/8 | 10/15 | 2/4 |
Played 29 minutes and continues to be the microwave off the bench. If you need points, threeecolas, and a small chance of boards and dimes, then Clarkson is your guy. Just don’t expect any D stats.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 8 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1/4 | 8/16 | 4/5 |
I miss the days of reading those alphabet books to my kids. A is for apple. B is for bear. I’d definitely change G to God with a picture of Antetokounmpo taped on. Am I going to hell for that? For the devout reading, please pray for me if so.
Eric Bledsoe
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3/5 | 8/15 | 1/1 |
Top 30 player over the past six games. He Bledsoe so we wouldn’t have to worry about any fantasy category. Except blocks. He doesn’t contribute much there.
Tony Snell
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2/3 | 4/7 | 1/2 |
Got the start because Malcolm Brogdon (sternal contusion) was out and played 24 minutes. No.
George Hill
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1/5 | 4/9 | 0 |
He played 30 minutes.
Pat Connaughton
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2/3 | 7/8 | 0 |
Played 22 minutes. Not fantasy relevant, as he doesn’t get enough minutes, but Connaughton will provide the occasional scoring outburst and Sportscenter highlight.
Andre Drummond
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8/15 | 4/5 |
Looks like Dre Day is making a comeback. Now let’s see if he can get back to last season’s production.
Reggie Jackson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3/8 | 10/15 | 2/2 |
Is it October already?
Luke Kennard
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3/8 | 8/16 | 0 |
Played 28 minutes off the bench. I may have dogged Kennard a little too much, as he’s been okay recently. 12.4 points, 1.9 threeecolas, 2.1 boards, 1.6 dimes, and 0.7 steals with a 23 usage rate over the past seven games ain’t bad. From a fantasy perspective, though, not great (top 160 value).
Nerlens Noel
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 6/10 | 0 |
Got the start because Steven Adams (ankle) was out and played 34 minutes. Per 36 with the Thunder, Noel is averaging 12.9 points, 11.7 boards, 2.7 steals, and 3.5 blocks. Maybe he wasn’t so foolish to bet on himself. Naaaaww, who am I kidding. Adams rarely misses games, so Noel has limited value, but someone to keep in mind if injury does strike again.
Paul George
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 37 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2/5 | 14/24 | 7/9 |
MVPG?
Russell Westbrook
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1/2 | 7/12 | 8/12 |
For those who wear glasses or contacts, we’ve all been behind the phoropter. If you don’t know what that is….A? click. Or B? click. clat plat. Now, A? click. Or B? Better? Or Worse? C or A? Where was I going with this? Something about seeing triples or something and how that’s cool, but not really. In a way, but not really, that ties into Westbrook’s trip-dubs being cool, as he’s messed around four straight games and seven times this month. It’s all gone off the rails. Anyways, despite all the messing around, he’s been a top 100 player over the past seven games, even though he’s AVERAGING a trip-dub. Shrug emoji.
Hamidou Diallo
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3/5 | 1/1 |
Got the start because Terrance Ferguson (back) was out and played 17 minutes. Hamidou but you better not.
Dennis Schroder
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2/2 | 8/11 | 3/4 |
Played 28 minutes. Mehnis.
Aaron Gordon
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2/9 | 6/19 | 2/2 |
He’s only 23 years old. He’s only 23 years old. He’s only 23 years old. He’s only 23 years old.
Jonathan Isaac
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1/3 | 4/8 | 2/2 |
Over the past eight games, Isaac has been a top 90 player. Over the past four games, he’s been top 50. Is it happening? The usage rate is low (15.7) and the shooting efficiency isn’t great (42%), but the shot attempts and rebounds are up, while the contributions in the D stats have been there.
Nikola Vucevic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1/2 | 12/20 | 2/2 |
Maybe he should change his name to Nikola Osman. Has been in the top 10-20 range for most of the season. He literally contributes in everything.
Evan Fournier played 31 minutes and scored 17 points while Terrence Ross played 32 minutes and scored 16 points. One starts and is French, while the other comes off the bench and is American. Other than that, they are the same player.
Lauri Markkanen
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3/7 | 6/15 | 3/4 |
Oh baby. I love seeing that work on the glass, but the dimes are non-existent. Whatever. I do think he will develop that aspect of his game. I’m bullish on his mental and emotional makeup.
Zach LaVine
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1/4 | 11/20 | 3/4 |
LaVine is better than Andrew Wiggins, I think, but is he really? My bad, of course he is, but it says something that I even have them in the same sentence. I do think LaVine has a chance to hit his ceiling, though.
Wayne Selden
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0/2 | 3/7 | 0 |
Got the start and played 28 minutes after receiving 38 minutes the prior game. Selden can shoot and score, but it will be tough garnering usage on this Bulls squad.
Jabari Parker
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1/3 | 10/15 | 1/2 |
Played 23 minutes off the bench. Showcase Showdown? Only the second time this month getting at least 20 minutes of run.
D’Angelo Russell
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2/8 | 10/22 | 8/10 |
Played a team-high 36 minutes. Kind of crazy he gets less than 30 minutes of run some games. I guess one could also say it’s crazy to have doubted Russell. Fine, I’ll shut up now.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1/2 | 7/10 | 3/6 |
Played 21 minutes off the bench. Can’t count on RHJ shooting so well every game and the move back to the bench and decrease in minutes hurts.
Shabazz Napier
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5/10 | 8/17 | 3/6 |
Like sliding into DMs, Shabazz has slid right into Spencer Dinwiddie’s role. You can expect threeecolas and steals with a handful of boards and dimes, but the shooting efficiency will be erratic.
Darius Miller
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3/11 | 5/13 | 1/1 |
Got the start because Julius Randle (ankle) was out and played a whopping 40 minutes. He played 38 minutes the last time he got the start for Randle as well. It’s so gross using Miller, but when he gets minutes, he jacks up shots. In addition, he’s bound to fall into some peripheral stats playing that many minutes.
Jahlil Okafor
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 11/15 | 5/5 |
Okafor is really a thing. What year is it? Over the past four games, Okafor has been a top 30 player. Points, boards, and blocks. The free throw shooting isn’t great (62%), but the field goal percentage has been 73%!
Jrue Holiday
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2/6 | 6/18 | 5/5 |
I’m not a doctor, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn should be changed to….I’m not a doctor, but I played Jrue Holiday in fantasy.
Kenrich Williams
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0/1 | 4/7 | 0/2 |
Played 30 minutes off the bench. This is when the looking eye emoji is appropriate right? Williams had played a total of 91 minutes before last night’s game. He’s 6′ 7″ 210 pounds and played his college ball at TCU. With all the injuries that the Pelicans have, and the prospect of rebuilding, Williams is someone to keep an eye on.
Tim Frazier
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 4 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3/4 | 4/5 |
Played 20 minutes off the bench.
Frank Jackson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0/4 | 4/11 | 2/2 |
Got the start and played 23 minutes.
Both E’Twaun Moore (rest) and Elfrid Payton (ankle) did not play, so Jackson and Frazier were called upon to fill in.
Solomon Hill got the start at power forward and played 18 minutes. Nikola Mirotic did not play due to a calf strain.
Geez, the Pelicans are a hot mess. So of course they defeated the Rockets 121-116 in Houston!
Kenneth Faried
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8/17 | 3/4 |
One does not get the nickname, Manimal, if one cannot ball the F out. Top 100 player over the past four games, averaging 32.6 minutes, 15.8 points, 10.8 boards, 1.5 dimes, 1.5 steals, and 1.8 blocks. The only blemish is the 50% shooting from the line on 5.5 attempts.
Chris Paul
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1/5 | 4/9 | 1/2 |
Played 26 minutes. No need for the Rockets to rush him back. Looks at scoreboard. Hmmm, let me ponder that last statement and get back to you in the morning.
James Harden
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 37 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 6/18 | 11/32 | 9/10 |
Such a crazy line, yet I’m disappointed and want to yell at Harden for not providing more. That’d be like yelling at a Jamaican for not having enough jobs. We are spoiled now.
Richaun Holmes
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4/6 | 2/4 |
Got the start because Deandre Ayton (ankle) was out and played 30 minutes. Orale Holmes. Provides boards, blocks, and good shooting percentages.
Mikal Bridges
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3/5 | 7/9 | 0/1 |
Top 50 player over the past eight games. Bridges is averaging 31.4 minutes, 9.9 points, 1.6 threeecolas, 3.6 boards, 2 dimes, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks. As the Kool-Aid man says…..Oh yeah!
Devin Booker
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 38 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3/6 | 14/19 | 7/7 |
Played a team-high 40 minutes and tied a season-high in points. Looks to be back to top 50 form, but keep in mind that Ayton has been out and the usage rate has increased to 35 from 30.
Jamal Crawford
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3/5 | 8/12 | 3/4 |
Played 30 minutes. I love Craw and his game, but what is he doing on the Suns? Like what’s the point? Over the past four games, he’s been a top 135 player, providing some points, threeecolas, dimes, and steals. As evidenced by last night, he can access a ceiling game from time to time, but good luck trying to figure out when.
Rudy Gay
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7/17 | 2/2 |
Top 60 player. It’s been seven games now since Gay has returned from injury. It looks like he’s settled back in.
Davis Bertans
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 5/12 | 6/14 | 1/1 |
Got the start and played 36 minutes. Bertans has been a top 35 player over the past five games. Points, threeecolas (lots of them), boards, and some D stats. The Spurs were without DeMar DeRozan, so I wouldn’t expect Bertans to be a fixture in the starting lineup.
LaMarcus Aldridge
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 10/15 | 9/10 |
LMA with the m’fin O!!!
Derrick White
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0/1 | 6/15 | 3/4 |
Top 70 player over the past seven games. White won’t blow you away in any cat, but is solid everywhere.
Marco Belinelli
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4/7 | 6/14 | 1/1 |
A Belinelli a shoots a threeecolas. Capice?
Joel Embiid
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2/6 | 7/16 | 12/15 |
Embiid gonna have a good night tonight. LA nightlife is undefeated for that.
Ben Simmons
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 9/18 | 1/1 |
Played a team-high 37 minutes. Is Simmons still going out with Kendall Jenner? She lives in LA right? Probably did too much performing before the game.
Jimmy Butler
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1/2 | 7/9 | 5/6 |
It feels like Butler has been booty since coming to Philly, but he’s been a top 20 player for fantasy.
Mike Muscala
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3/6 | 6/13 | 2/2 |
Muscala has attempted at least 10 shots in a game just five times all season.
Michael Beasley
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2/6 | 0 |
Got the start because Kyle Kuzma (hip) was out but only played 10 minutes. No foul trouble or injury. Shrug emoji.
Brandon Ingram
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 36 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 16/20 | 4/5 |
Played a team-high 39 minutes. Uh, Brandon. Now is not the time to be balling out. Unless you want to get traded.
Ivica Zubac
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2/8 | 3/4 |
Got the start but only played 17 minutes. Lakers were down by 19 after one quarter and some fella named Joel Embiid were the culprits.
Rajon Rondo
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 5 | 7 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1/1 | 2/8 | 0 |
The Rondo experience. Not too many things like it.
JaVale McGee
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7/12 | 3/3 |
Played 27 minutes. Joel Embiid.
