Ok, so he might not really be better than Nikola Jokic in real life, but heading into the game against Phoenix, Nikola Vucevic was ranked a mind-boggling 5th in overall fantasy value for standard leagues. Can we stop pretending like he’s not a superstar? He’s a complete player with no real holes, excels at scoring, grabbing boards, is sneaky good at assists, manages great percentages, and averages a triple one. What’s not to love?
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 11/20 | 1/2 | 2/5 | 25 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
What a beast. 25/15/3 with 2 3’s, 1 steal, and 1 block is such a nice all around contributing line. He’s way above his career averages in scoring and percentages, so a lot of fantasy GMs have been trying to move him. He won’t retain that top 5 ranking, but for a player that most GM’s drafted after pick 50, he’s paid off a ton. I love his game (scoring, shooting, boards, nice playmaking, and a triple 1, with very good percentages) and is my type of player.
Stars Gonna Star
These stars played like we expected them to, punking their inferior opponents and racking up the stats that build the foundation of our fantasy teams. Enjoy the ride.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 11/15 | 2/4 | 5/7 | 29 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Kyrie played an efficient 27 minutes against his former team with 5 3’s and shot 73.3% from the field. It was way too easy and he abused Collin Sexton. If it wasn’t clear at the beginning of the season, he’s the main man in Boston.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 12/22 | 4/5 | 2/7 | 30 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Now that’s how you return from a rib injury. Mitchell looks great and posted this efficient line with 6 boards and 6 assists. He’ll find himself inside the top 50 soon enough.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 8/12 | 4/6 | NA | 20 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
Gobert is a beast. This marks two straight double-doubles with 4 blocks apiece. It’s also nice to see him not killing your free throw percentage.
Kemba Walker
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/17 | 2/5 | 1/6 | 21 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
This was a solid stat line from Kemba, but he had a rough time. He carried a team-worst plus/minus of -17. Luckily for fantasy GM’s all that matter are the solid points, boards, and assists.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 11/18 | 6/7 | 0/1 | 28 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
WCJ was the lone bright spot for the Bulls and might be the best player on the team sooner than later. He scored a career-high 28 point,s but did deal with some rookie foul trouble.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/15 | 1/2 | NA | 19 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
1 point and 1 board short of a 20/20 game, Drummo is always good for nice diverse lines like this. The 6 combined stocks are elite. Coming into this game, he was ranked #9 overall in a punt free throw build.
Blake Griffin
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 7/12 | 4/7 | 2/4 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Blake probably should have done more against the non-defense of Parker, but this was a really nice double-double and the 5 assists have become standard for the big man. Just don’t wait around for those defensive stats.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/5 | 3/3 | NA | 13 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
Still no 3’s, but 100% from the field and line! BS almost messed around yet again and he’s gold for boards and assists.
Marc Gasol
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/9 | 1/2 | 2/4 | 15 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
The points are a little low compared to recent play, but the 15 boards and 5 assists are great. He’ll be a top guy as long as he stays healthy and the Grizz stay in playoff contention.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 13/22 | 7/7 | 3/7 | 36 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
I could nitpick about the zero stocks, but JJJ was so clutch at the end of regulation, making a four-point play, forcing a crucial turnover on an inbounds pass, and then hitting the game-tying 3. He’s still learning a lot from Gasol and the sky’s the limit for Jackson. He’s the second-best rookie behind Luka Doncic.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 13/25 | 9/9 | 2/7 | 37 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Conley had a game that reminded us all of how good he was before injuries and why he was signed to such a massive contract. The overtime dueling with D’Angelo Russell was a lot of fun to watch, and Conley had the last laugh.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/5 | 5/6 | NA | 15 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Allen hias provided three straight double-doubles and is hitting his groove. The 5 assists showed off his nice ability to see the floor. He still hasn’t shown that three-point potential like he did in the first game of the season, so those hopes may have been premature. He’s still a top 70 player and an exciting big to roster.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 15/23 | 9/10 | 2/5 | 41 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
AD tried to put the team on his back and carry them to victory, but came up short. The 4 blocks are real nice, and this is now his third 40-point game.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 8/15 | 5/6 | 2/4 | 23 | 9 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
He just missed his third-straight triple-double by one board. The nice efficiency from the field and the line are welcome signs. He could be starting a nice run.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/20 | 2/2 | 3/11 | 23 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Harden has been playing at such an elite level the last week that a line like this seems like a disappointment. He’s elite, not much else to say.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 12/16 | 3/4 | NA | 27 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Capela was simply beating up on the Spurs all game long. He looked dominant and continues his ridiculous hot streak. Somehow he was the #3 fantasy player over the last two weeks heading into this game. He’s elite, but I wouldn’t blink if someone offered a legit top 10 guy for him.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 12/21 | 2/4 | 2/4 | 28 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
Following a 38/9/7 game last time, this was one of LeBron’s lesser lines, but it was still pretty good. He’s still a beast.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 14/21 | 5/5 | 0/4 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
It was CJ time, but he and the Blazers came up one point short. A big fourth quarter helped McCollum to his third 30-point game for the season. The lack of 3s is surprising, and overall he’s been disappointing this season, but we can’t complain about a 33-point game.
Dropped the Ball
Oooof. That’s not exactly what we were hoping for. Hopefully, these guys rebound next game and your fantasy team can stay afloat.
Cedi Osman
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 2/8 | 2/2 | 1/6 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
The minutes were there, but the production was sorely lacking. He’ll continue to be very up and down all season long, but his role is cemented. Let’s just hope some of those numbers return and his field goal percentage can start to trend up.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 3/12 | 2/2 | NA | 8 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
Yuck. The 9 assists were his only saving grace. Everything else was just awful from LaVine. He’ll be better next game.
Jabari Parker
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/16 | 0/2 | 0/4 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
This was a let down of a game for Jabari, as he had come in averaging 19.4/8.6/3.1 with 1.3 three-pointers and 1.4 steals over the last two weeks. When Lauri Markannen and Bobby Portis returns, his minute will go down. If you didn’t already try to take advantage of his recent improved play, go try to trade him NOW.
John Wall
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 4/15 | 2/2 | 1/3 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
Oof. The Wizards are a mess and got annihilated by Philly. Because of the blowout, Wall only played 25 minutes, but he was bad in those 25. Expect him to go off next game where he faces Brooklyn.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 1/10 | NA | 0/5 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
With Dwight Howard out and Jeff Green iffy (he had to leave the game), we all had high hopes of a third-straight huge game from Kief. This obviously did not happen. 1-for-10 is just cartoonishly bad.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 4/15 | 1/3 | 0/3 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Trae represents a very high ceiling and very low floor. When he’s off, he will demolish your FG%. The 8 assists help, but what’s up with going 1-for-3 from the line? I also expect at least 1 steal. Hopefully, he bounces back next game.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 2/13 | 5/7 | 1/4 | 10 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
This was a night to forget for Murray. He’s been playing well recently, so I would just chalk this up to an off night.
Solid and Noteworthy
These are the good performances that we wanted to make note of.
Colin Sexton
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/18 | 3/3 | 0/1 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Sexton should score more and more efficiently next time around, but the low assists and lack of defensive stats will hold him back. Still, he has free reign and should remain the starter even when George Hill returns.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 4/7 | 5/8 | NA | 13 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
This was a nice rebound game for TT after the stinker in OKC. Still, he’s just a boards specialist.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/7 | NA | 2/4 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
An efficient Marcus Smart is a SCARY Marcus Smart. He didn’t need to do too much on the scoring end with Kyrie going off, but the rest of that stat line is so nice. He’s taken advantage of the Jaylen Brown injury and may have carved out a larger role for himself even when Brown returns.
Ricky Rubio
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/11 | 1/2 | 2/6 | 13 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
It’s not the 27 point game he had a week ago, but it’s also not the 0-for-9 he had last game. It’s fine, but we always expect more than this from Rubio. He generally starts heating up post ASB, so you could buy low or just sit tight and hope history repeats.
Jimmy Butler
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/13 | NA | 1/3 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
The counting stats were nice, especially the 4 steals. The scoring was low and inefficient, but not really needed at the end of the day.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 8/20 | 5/5 | 0/5 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Jrue was cold from beyond the arc, but 21/4/8 are helpful. He’ll be more efficient and nab some steals next time around.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 8/22 | 1/2 | 3/10 | 20 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
This was a decent game for JRich, as he managed an inefficient 20 points, only two boards and 1 assist, but 4 combined stocks and 3 three-pointers help make up for it.
Hassan Whiteside
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/8 | 0/2 | NA | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Whiteside only played 20 minutes, most likely limited by knee issues, but he still quickly put up 12 and 8 with 3 assists and 3 combined stocks. Hopefully, he gets to 100% soon.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/14 | 5/5 | 3/8 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
This line was a little weaker than his recent play, but it was to be expected against a poor Atlanta team that OKC clearly had under control. Continue to enjoy PGs top 10 season.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/15 | 1/1 | 0/3 | 19 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Collins has been flashing that upside as he returns from his injury. He has yet to put it all together, but you can feel it coming. Buy low now if you can, because he will raise his game as the season progresses.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/13 | 8/10 | NA | 18 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
This was an off night for the Spurs and an off night for DeRozan as well. He didn’t attempt a 3, which is a little annoying, but the 5 assists are helpful. This makes for two not-great games in a row and a buy-low opportunity.
LaMarcus Aldridge
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 7/16 | 6/6 | NA | 20 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
20 points are cool but the rest of this line is pretty barren. 2 blocks is nothing to sneeze at, but overall we have come to expect a little more. This was a rough game for the Spurs, so everyone should do a little better in the next one.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/16 | 1/2 | NA | 19 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
The scoring is nice, but the rest of his line is pretty ho-hum. He should be back to getting double-doubles soon.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 8/12 | 1/1 | 1/4 | 18 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Gordon looked solid against Phoenix, after missing time with some back issues. He could start working towards top 60 production as he becomes fully recovered.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 4/12 | 4/7 | 3/7 | 15 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Kuzma has had some big lines, but the 12 boards and 6 assists show off a new side. While the Lakers try to figure out who best to build around, the second-year player has shown himself to be effective in fantasy as well as real life.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 7/16 | 5/8 | 0/1 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Ingram posted solid scoring and efficiency here. On the season, he’s not standard league relevant.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/17 | 7/9 | 4/6 | 29 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Barnes was relatively hot and remains a decent source of scoring, boards, and 3’s.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/16 | NA | 3/8 | 15 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
This was not Dame’s best work, but the 8 assists are nice. He will most definitely play better next game and is an easy top 20 player with top 10 potential.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 7/12 | 1/1 | 0/2 | 15 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Jokic put together a solid all-around game. He’s currently providing top 20 value, but that could go up soon.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/21 | 5/6 | 4/10 | 27 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Gary had a nice night and he should start pushing to be inside the top 50 soon, after missing some time.
Heating Up
Hot streaks are always fun.
Jeremy Lamb
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 10/18 | 2/3 | 2/3 | 24 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Lamb somehow took the most shots for the Hornets. The 24 points were a new season-high and this now makes three straight 20+ point games. Not bad for a last round pick in your draft.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/7 | 2/2 | 0/1 | 12 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
I wrote about Bryant last week, and this was the type of stat line I thought we might start seeing. Granted, this was in garbage time, but he seems to be one of the few Wizards giving big effort, always hustling down the court. He’s got a raw but nice skill set that matches what modern teams look for in their bigs. With Howard out, Green dealing with a bad back, and Kief going lame, TB could be a nice deep league pickup and standard league monitor.
Dwayne Wade
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/15 | 4/6 | 2/5 | 18 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
File this recent play under the Rose files. I had completely written him off and somehow Wade has been ranked in the top 70 over the last week. This has to be a temporary thing, but I thought that about Rose too. For now, you could try to ride the wave and see where it goes.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 8/16 | 3/4 | 7/11 | 26 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Even with CP3 returning, Gordon kept up the nice 3’s and scoring that he’s known for. The Rockets will be leaning on his scoring, so his role should be consistent, which is nice for fantasy GMs.
Paul Millsap
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/16 | 2/2 | 2/3 | 22 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
Millsap’s production has been ramping up as of late. This makes four of the last five games in double figures, so maybe he’s starting to get into a groove. Beware his age and lack of effectiveness the last year or so, but he might be able to remain in the top 50 if he keeps this up.
Mixed Bag
Unsure if good game with bad stats or bad game with good stats…
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 7/12 | NA | 6/8 | 20 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Reggie scored and hit 3’s and not much else. He hasn’t produced elite counting stats in a while, but he really could have at least gotten a few boards and more than 2 assists.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 6/13 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Points and nothing else really. He was limited to only 19 minutes because of the nature of the game. Like Wall, expect Beal to have a big game against Brooklyn.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/12 | 5/10 | 1/3 | 16 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
This was a decent game by Embiid standards, but where were the assists? He had 7 last game. Also 5-for-10 from the line is unacceptable. Still, he did get 16/15 with 3 blocks in just 22 minutes and maintained a huge plus/minus of +30.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 10/27 | 1/2 | 5/14 | 26 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
Russel came out firing this game and had a very up and down game, coming up clutch with some 3’s, while going back and forth with Conley. He also displayed some sloppy ballhandling (8 turnovers) and some poor shot selection at the end of the second overtime. He’s been looking better overall and may be getting into a groove. A top 50 ranking down the road is still in play.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 2/13 | 2/3 | 0/5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
This was definitely Luka’s worst game so far in the NBA. Still, he did help fill the statline with 6 board, 5 assists, and a combined 5 stocks, including the ultra-rare double block on LeBron. His shot just wasn’t falling and, if he went 7-for-13, this line would look pretty good.
Where did that come from?
Well that was unexpected. Nice work, but can you keep it up?
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 4/11 | 7/8 | 0/4 | 15 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Now that’s a pretty solid first game in a Cleveland jersey for Burks. Alec always seemed like he didn’t get a fair shake in Utah, so maybe playing for an awful Cleveland team will be a boon to his production and fantasy value. Stay tuned.
Tony Parker
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 9/17 | 2/3 | 0/2 | 20 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
The old man did well and is keeping himself relevant in the NBA and on occasion fantasy leagues too. He’s too inconsistent for most leagues, but when he gets minutes, the points and assists are not bad.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 8/13 | 2/2 | 6/10 | 24 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Crowder was really hot tonight netting 6 three-pointers and helped lead the charge against Charlotte. The 7 assists were out of character and actually a career-high. His role might be growing after this game so keep an eye on him.
DeMarre Carroll
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 7/10 | 3/4 | 4/6 | 21 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Carroll’s game was a nice surprise and a part of why Brooklyn almost pulled off the win. The efficiency was great and the boards were excellent. With Joe Harris out, DeMarre may be carving out a bigger role.
Alex Abrines
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 7/11 | NA | 7/11 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Abrines took 11 shots, all from beyond the arc, and he hit seven of them. He doesn’t do anything besides hit 3’s, but when he’s hot like this it’s definitely fun. The 21 points were a career-high. Roberson’s setback could mean more minutes for Alex over the next few weeks.
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/8 | NA | 1/3 | 11 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
This was a garbage-time special, but it was still nice to see White playing well. I still think he should be starting at the point, and these are the types of numbers he is possible of making. If he strings another two solid games together, he’s worth a look in mid-sized leagues.
Jamal Crawford
| FG | FT | 3PT | Points | Reb | Assists | Steals | Blocks | TO |
| 5/13 | 5/6 | 3/6 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
With Devin Booker a surprise scratch due to a mystery toe injury, it was old man Crawford who surprisingly stepped up to the plate with the scoring. What’s going on with all of these old guys that should have already retired? There must be something in the water, but it was fun to see Jamal do his thing. This should be a one-time thing though.
