JV is for the young and weak. Varsity is where it’s at. The band, the dancing honeys, the letterman jackets, the lights. That is where the true players shine bright. Unfortunately, for most of his career, Jonas Valanciunas couldn’t perform at a varsity level because he was rarely given enough minutes. While in Toronto, he never averaged 30 minutes per game and had three seasons under 23. Since arriving in Memphis, though, he averaged 27.7 minutes last season and, while he’s only at 25.8 this season, the trend has been his friend and the playing time has increased recently. As a result, it’s been all varsity performances from JV. Last night was but the latest example.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0/2 | 13/19 | 0/1 |
Now, it was against Andre Drummond, who is one of the poorer defenders in the league. Seriously, what’s up with that? Everyone has been feasting on him. Is it being in Detroit? Anyways, this isn’t about Dre. This is all about JV. Over the past 15 games, he’s been a top 20 player for fantasy, averaging 27.4 minutes, 16.7 points, 0.5 tres, 11.3 boards, 2.1 dimes, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks with 58% shooting from the field. Over the past four games, he’s averaged 30.3 minutes! Play the man. Would he keel over and die if he played 32 minutes per game? Beep. Boop. Bop. You know what never keels over and dies, despite constant use? The Stocktonator.
Here’s what else I saw last night:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 38 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6/13 | 10/20 | 12/12 |
With no HalleLuka, PorzinGod was activated. He garners a 28.6 usage rate with no Luka on the court, an increase of 2.8%. The Pacers were getting shredded by the pick-and-pop action, which is where PorzinGod is most deadly. Too bad his post game isn’t better, as that could help the 40% shooting from the field. Regardless, when he plays, PorzinGod is a top 40-50 player, on the strength of points, tres, boards, and blocks.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3/4 | 4/8 | 4/4 |
Over the last four games, DFS has been a top 30 player! He’s been shooting 53% from the field, grabbed 7.3 boards, drained 2.5 tres, and dished out 3 dimes. On the season, he’s shooting 46% from the field, grabbing 5.7 boards, draining 1.6 tres, and dishing out 1.4 dimes. As my wife constantly reminds me, extreeeeeeemely small sample size. He’s gotten a boost with no Luka, but he’s a low usage player who provides tres, boards, and some defensive stats. More like a top 150 player.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4/8 | 9/17 | 3/3 |
For those of you who play craps, you know all too well…….SEVEN OUT!!! Craps is an exciting and social game, but its fast and lots of money can vanish or pile up very quickly. Rolling the dice is so much fun….especially when you go on a heater. WE GOT OURSELVES A SHOOTER!!! And those are the times that keep us going back for more and more. That is the Hardaway Jr. experience. Lots of crapping out, but once in a while, he will get hot and provide plenty of points and tres. Last night was but another example, and is why we will keep going back.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 12 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0/1 | 11/18 | 4/4 |
The Lituanian LeBron James they call him back home now. He has messed around two times in his career, both of which happened this season, and he aaaaaaaaaaaaaalmost got another one last night. Second in the league with 38 dub-dubs, two behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Andre Drummond.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1/4 | 4/8 | 2/2 |
Turner has an outside chance of joining the 1/1/1 club, if he can improve upon the 0.8 steals. The blocks are elite at 1.9 per game, but the points are low and the boards are anorexic.
T. J. Warren did not play due to a concussion suffered on Saturday. As a result….
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1/3 | 3/9 | 0 |
Jeremy Lamb
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1/2 | 5/8 | 0/2 |
Holiday got the start while Lamb moved down to small forward. Holiday is only a break-in-case-of-emergency player. Lamb is only delicious when injury strikes because…..
Victor Oladipo
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1/10 | 4/17 | 0 |
In 23 minutes off the bench. The mind is there for Dipo. The body just needs to catch up. I am always cynical of players returning from injury. Not that they can’t perform. They will, but not at the level we expect. It takes time.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 12/22 | 1/3 |
Just another Dre Day. Leading the league in dub-dubs, so points and boards can be expected on the regular. What makes Dre great are the defensive stats, though. Lazy mofo! Kidding. Actually, kind of not, as watching him play defense in real life is kind of painful. Regardless, he’s usually a beast in those cats and last night was only the second time all season that he bageled both. Hopefully Dre gets traded to a contender, so that he can get rejuvenated. As Dr. Klahn from Kentucky Fried Movie was well aware of, Detroit is a place that many do not wish to go to.
Christian Wood
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2/3 | 7/11 | 1/2 |
In 34 minutes off the bench. Markieff Morris did not play due to a hip issue. In addition, neither did Derrick Rose or Svi Mykhailiuk, so this is not the N. W. O. With the trade deadline approaching, though, it very well could be, so stash and hold.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 6 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/6 | 3/12 | 0 |
Momma said there’d be days like this. Don’t worry. Tobias has been one of the more consistent players this season. Nothing to see here. Move along.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2/2 | 9/14 | 9/11 |
When healthy, Embiid is a fantasy beast, as he can literally do it all and stuff all the fantasy categories. When healthy, though. He’s missed 16 games this season and had ice on his left hand in the second half last night, the same hand he had surgery on.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/5 | 5/11 | 0 |
Continues to start for Josh Richardon and played 30 minutes. Milton is a points and tres player who will have value for as long as my RichardSON is out and he’s starting.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 8 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8/15 | 2/2 |
Aaaaaaaaaaaalmost messed around. They often run the offense through Bam. So freaking sexy. The only thing missing from his game is the shot from downtown.
Jimmy Butler
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 38 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2/2 | 14/20 | 8/8 |
Good help is often difficult to find, so that’s why Butler relies upon himself. Quietly, he’s putting up a top 10 season. Shhhhhh.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3/4 | 5/7 | 2/2 |
In 37 minutes off the bench. Airplane Mode usually only gets around 24 minutes of flight time per game, but Meyers Leonard (ankle) and Tyler Herro (foot) both left yesterday’s game early, so extra time in the air.
Goran Dragic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4/8 | 7/12 | 6/7 |
In 26 minutes off the bench. Top 50 player over the past five games. He’s not going to continue shooting 49% from the field, so expect regression in that department and the points will come down as a result. With that said, he’s getting 28 minutes of run per night and leading the second unit, so he’s a viable source of points, tres, and dimes.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5/9 | 10/20 | 3/3 |
Kemba Walker did not play due to a knee issue and neither did Marcus Smart, so Tatum led the way for the Celtics. With Kemba and Smart off the court, Tatum garners a 35.1 usage rate, an increase of 7.2%. Translation: he becomes THE guy.
Gordon Hayward
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3/6 | 9/16 | 3/4 |
Waves hi.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/3 | 9/17 | 2/2 |
Gives a wink and a nod.
Brad Wanamaker
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2/3 | 5/9 | 4/4 |
In 27 minutes off the bench. Wanamaker can provide some boards, tres, and steals, but the points will rarely be voluminous. He only shoots five to six times a game on average, so he requires good efficiency to score.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2/2 | 10/12 | 0 |
Top 10 player over the past seven games! Now, he’s not going to shoot 66% from the field every game, but he’s averaging a dub-dub, draining tres, and getting his block on. On the season, he’s at 1.8 per game. The free throw shooting is excellent. The only thing missing from his game are the dimes. If he can continue getting his Mutombo on, Collins should finish as a top 10 player.
Jeff Teague
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7/14 | 4/4 |
Got the start and played 36 minutes because DeAndre Hunter was out due to an ankle injury. Cam Reddish was also out due to a concussion. Teague is only viable when injury strikes.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5/11 | 9/21 | 0 |
In a team-high 39 minutes. Points, tres, dimes, and a teeny weeny amount of defensive stats. Top 100 player for fantasy.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0/2 | 6/12 | 0 |
Continues to start and played 36 minutes. Over the past four games, Bridges has been a top 50 player. He’s low usage, so the points will usually not be there. What he does provide are boards and defensive stats. He’s been averaging 2 steals and 1 block over the past seven games.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 12/22 | 1/2 |
He’s a top 20 player for fantasy. The percentages are fantastic, especially for a big man. You can count on a dub-dub nightly and the defensive stats are there. He won’t be among the league leaders in blocks, but he’s averaging 1.5 on the season. Not shabby. Neither is 2 dimes. He’s not sexy and the Suns still should’ve drafted Luka, but I still like him Ayton.
Ricky Rubio
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2/7 | 4/4 |
Got the start but only played 19 minutes. He’s still recovering from an ankle injury.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2/4 | 10/20 | 7/7 |
Received the start and played 32 minutes, as Kyrie Irving did not play due to a knee injury. LeVert has been atrocious all season, particularly in the shooting efficiency. On the season, he’s converting 38% of his shots, and there have been stretches of sub-35%. He’s returning from injury so it’s talking time to get into the groove. Will he ever get back to that All-Star form? Highly unlikely, especially when Kyrie returns.
Robert Covington
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3/9 | 6/15 | 0 |
O ye of little faith. The Lord provides. Top 45 player and could end up in the 1/1/1 club. The dimes are low and the field goal percentage makes men get on their knees and pray, but he contributes a little something something in every category.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3/6 | 7/17 | 5/7 |
Meow. Recently, there’s been plenty of poop in the litter, as the field goal percentage has been sub-50% and the free throw percentage has been sub-80%. With that said, he’s averaging 26.9 points on the season with 3.3 tres and 10.8 boards. Did I forget about the 4.3 dimes? How about the 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks? Damn, he good. #4 player on the season.
Shabazz Napier
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2/10 | 5/13 | 5/5 |
Top 45 player over the past six games. He’s starting, playing over 30 minutes per game, and delivering 12.2 points, 1.7 tres, 5.8 boards, and 8 dimes with 1.5 steals. The board and dime numbers are elevated from a trip-dub, but still….he’s contributing. Now, it’s allabout the shooting efficiency. During his heater, he was Shabazzing the nets to the tune of a 52% mark. He’s normally a sub-40% shooter from the field.
Dewayne Dedmon
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 4 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 0/3 | 2/8 | 0 |
No longer a Dedmon walking, Dewayne has been running up and down the court, delivering fantasy goodies for the masses. Top 30 player over the past three games. Now, he asked for a trade earlier in the season and from everything I’ve read, he’s been a fantastic teammate and professional. I would think that the team would do him a solid and grant his wish, especially since Richaun Holmes is expected back to action this week.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 31 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3/4 | 10/16 | 8/12 |
Top 50 player over the past four games, averaging 32.5 minutes, 27 points, 1.5 tres, 3.3 boards, 5.8 dimes, 2 steals, and 0.8 blocks. He’s shooting 55% from the field, but only 66% from the line. The usage rate has been 34! He’s still only 22 years old and getting better by the night. Can’t wait to see what the ceiling is.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4/5 | 5/7 | 9/11 |
Continues to start and played 31 minutes. The points and tres have been there, but not much else outside a handful of boards and dimes. What happened to the steals? At least he’s starting and getting the bulk of the shooting guard minutes. Buddy Hield only played 20 minutes off the bench.
LaMarcus Aldridge
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2/5 | 9/17 | 7/7 |
LMA with the O! Which is a relief because there hasn’t been much laughing in the Aldridge household. Prior to last night, LMA had scored 8, 10, and 16 points. The reassuring thing, though, is that he continues to channel his inner Mutombo and the boards have ticked up from the bowels of hell.
Patrick Beverley
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4/7 | 4/8 | 0 |
It’s been three games since Beverley returned from injury. He’s scored 11, 12, and 12 points while dishing out 5, 4, and 5 dimes. I appreciate that level of consistency. Unfortunately, with great consistency comes anemic upside.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/5 | 6/13 | 6/7 |
Aaaaaalllmost messed around. It’s been three games back for PG as well and….let’s just say he’s been the exact opposite of PB.
Elfrid Payton
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 11 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0/1 | 8/17 | 1/3 |
It finally happened. In an OT game. I’ve been saying that I was feeling a trip-dub soon. Granted, I’ve been saying that for like two months. You have to appreciate my tenacity, though. Anyways, that’s the 17th time he’s messed around in his career. Last year, he messed around in five straight games. He has this in his bag of tricks and, over the past six games, he’s been a top 75 player. I’ve been shocked at how low the ownership percentage was in Yahoo leagues.
Dennis Smith Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1/1 | 6/11 | 2/6 |
In 20 minutes off the bench.
He’s played 20 and 27 minutes the past two games. Prior to that, he went nine straight games with 15 or fewer minutes. Man, there was a time when I thought DSJ would be Stevie Franchise Part Deux. I’m a stupid, stupid man.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 33 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4/9 | 12/20 | 5/5 |
In 41 minutes! As the Cavs lost to the Knicks, 134-139 at home!!! Quicken low and behold! Games like this are why our hearts are always open to Love. With that said, it’s been put out there Love probably won’t get traded. Whatever. So much BS and posturing right now. I’ll believe it when I see it.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2/5 | 8/13 | 0 |
Got the start and played 42 minutes because Tristan Thompson did not play due to a sore quad. Top 35 player over the past seven games, averaging 27.5 minutes, 15.3 points, 1.3 tres, 8.7 boards, 3.6 dimes, and 57% shooting from the field. I’m always disappointed in the defensive numbers because he’s so damn athletic, but it is what it is. Most teams play their best players. The Cavs keep theirs on the bench for most of the season.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3/5 | 11/22 | 4/4 |
He won’t stop. He can’t stop. Top 20 player over the past seven games. The efficiency has been magnifique and the dimes have continued to be dished. Those were my two main concerns when he began this heater a month or so ago. He’s even upped the 211 frequency. I BELIEVE!!! For full transparency, I also believe I can fly so….
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2/5 | 6/12 | 2/6 |
I remember when I wrote up a Commissioner Gordon piece, basically saying that he’d be the savior of Orlando. Seems so long ago, yet was but a few years ago. He’s still only 24 years old (I can still use the line for 2-3 more years), so it can still click for him. Plus, the athleticism is undeniable. I just think he is who he is as a basketball player. For fantasy, top 175 player perhaps? The shooting efficiency is poor, the contributions on D are lacking, the free throw shooting is poor, and there’s no consistency to his game.
Markelle Fultz
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 1 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1/2 | 4/6 | 3/4 |
A season-high in dimes. In fact, there’s only been one other game this season he’s dished out at least 10. Fultz is mainly a dimes and steals specialist. At least he’s playing a healthy amount of minutes.
Cody Martin
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1/1 | 6/6 | 0/1 |
In 28 minutes off the bench. With P. J. Washington, there were minutes to be had. Dwayne Bacon got the start but only played 18 minutes. There have been rumors that Malik Monk could be dealt, and he’s already leaped Nicolas Batum on the depth chart, so Martin could see increased playing time after the trade deadline.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2/3 | 5/8 | 0 |
With no D’Angelo Russell, Green becomes the defacto point guard for the Warriors. Such a unique player. Has there been anyone who has been more versatile? Let me hear the suggestions.
Marquese Chriss
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5/5 | 3/4 |
Continues to start and played 26 minutes. Top 60 player over the past six games. I’m still not falling for the banana in the tailpipe. I’m kidding. Anyone who breathes and plays over 20 minutes, I’m considering. Boards, blocks, and excellent field goal percentage are what he provides.
Glenn Robinson III
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2/4 | 8/13 | 4/4 |
Top 30 player over the past six games, averaging 30.1 minutes, 17.2 points, 2.2 tres, 3.8 boards, 2.7 dimes, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks. The 60% field goal percentage is unsustainable, but the 85% free throw shooting is legit. Most of the fringe Warriors are candidates to get traded, which would nuke their values.
Alec Burks
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 30 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5/10 | 9/17 | 7/8 |
In 29 minutes off the bench. I could copy and paste the last sentence in the Robinson blurb, but I’d rather type out why I won’t. Just scroll your eyes up 2.5 inches.
Eric Paschall
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5/13 | 4/9 |
In 24 minutes off the bench. Primarily a boards guy, but the usage rate is high when he’s on the court. Too bad the shooting efficiency is poor.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5/8 | 1/2 |
Returned from injury, got the start, and played 26 minutes. Arigato Hachimura-son! Points and boards are what you get from Rui. He was supposed to be on a minutes limit. If that was the limit, then he should get ramped up in no time.
Bradley Beal
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 43 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3/7 | 15/30 | 10/10 |
Beal’s seventh 40-burger of the season! Over the past 11 games, he’s been the #7 player for fantasy. On the season, he’s top 25. Dayam. The usage rate has been in the 36-38 range. Things change so fast in fantasy. Not too long ago, people were worried about him getting shut down. Crazy.
Davis Bertans
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5/7 | 6/9 | 2/3 |
In 32 minutes off the bench. He’s back, to shooting tres and grabbing boards. He even contributes some D as well. Top 60-ish player for fantasy.
