I’ve always enjoyed the USA Today and The Sporting News format of team by team notes. While that seems like a lot of work, so I won’t exactly do that every week, there will be a flood of new information in the next few weeks, information that can help. The information referenced here is the rotations and minutes. You can’t put up fantasy stats from the bench! Also, even bad players who get minutes can have value. That’s my goal for this season. I’m Rotation Man.
Knicks: They were down 30 at one point, so some minutes for backups might be higher than normally will happen. Miles McBride is the story here. He played 25 minutes and was the first guard of the bench. The minutes were also effective shooting wise. Granted, he probably won’t shoot 8-10 again, or4-5 on 3 pointers, but anyone who gets 25 minutes should be monitored. The Knicks also are weak on outside shooting. I’m looking for McBride to get Donte DiVencenzo’s level of minutes this year. 15 points and 4 assists are on the table. He’s the story for New York.
Boston: They’re going to be a stream team this year. Al Horford is sitting back to backs. That will give my favorite 3 point specialist Sam Hauser more run. He already had a 24 minute outing and that’s his baseline minutes. When someone sits, Hauser is the guy. Do you remember the good Kyle Korver and JJ Redick seasons? This is what we’re looking at here. Get him everywhere you need a three point boost, and what team doesn’t need a 3 point boost amirite?
TimberPuppies: If you were looking for Rob Dillingham to provide a boost off of the bench, move on in a redraft. He got on the board with his first DNP-CD. With DiVencenzo there, he’s just got no avenue for minutes this season as it stands. I’m not sure what to make of Mike Conley only playing 20 minutes. It’s probably just a matchup thing, but Dante is going to have more value and it’s not going to be close. Jaden McDaniels also played 16 minutes only, and that seems low. And Naz Reid got his normal 24 minutes which is a bummer because he’s better than McDaniels and Julius Randle. For now, I’m not changing any opinions of players based on one game in October (doesn’t this seem like way early?). The second game will be interesting.
Lakers: JJ Redick as a new coach is an interesting follow. The five starters all played 34-37 minutes and are all solidly in fantasy rotations already. Dalton Knecht is interesting and they’re already drawing up plays for him, but press pause on picking up a backup. They’ll be around if someone gets hurt.
Hey this one is quick. But what are you supposed to do with just two games on the docket? I’ll update some other rotational items Friday after a couple more nights of games.
