Some are born into royalty. Others work to become great. The rest have moments of glory like putting on makeup and getting dressed up for that special day, guessing correctly all the answers on that scantron, winning that GPP, and finding the Costco gas line where both cars leave the pump at the same time. #winning. For ballers, the hoop looks like the ocean at times. The defenders are a step slow. Everything is in slow motion like Neo in the Matrix. It happens. Even the most mediocre of players….and this is all relative, of course, because any NBAer would be a Greek god to us mortals….has their day. Tomas Satoransky is 29 years old, has been in the Association for five seasons, and has career averages of 7.5 points, three rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 0.9 steals. Yesterday, he had one of those games:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 1 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2/3 | 8/10 | 1/1 |
In 31 minutes. That was the ninth time in Satoransky’s career that he’s gone for at least 10 points and 10 dimes in a game. He’s played 312 career games. Now, since entering the starting lineup 12 games ago, Satoransky has averaged 28.2 minutes, 10.8 points, 1.1 tres, 2.8 boards, 6.3 dimes, 1.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks while shooting 53% from the field and 94% from the line. He’s just inside the top 100.
Here’s what else I saw yesterday:
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Kyrie Irving
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 2 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0/4 | 12/27 | 0 |
Played 39 minutes with no Kevin Durant or James Harden in the lineup. The usage rate was 34.1. His production wasn’t enough, though, as the Nets lost 107-115 to the Bulls. On the season, Irving is a top 10 player. The only bugaboo is that he’s played 35 out of 50 games.
Blake Griffin
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1/4 | 4/9 | 1/1 |
Got the start and played 22 minutes. Since arriving in BK, Ricky Lake has played 15, 19, 20, 19, 22, and 22 minutes. He actually has two blocks over that span. He had three blocks in all his time on Detroit this year. If that’s not a sign of sandbagging, then I am not the son of a Son. It remains to be seen what his role will be when everyone is healthy.
LaMarcus Aldridge
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1/1 | 5/10 | 0 |
Also got the start and played 26 minutes. Since arriving in BK, LMA has played 30 and 27 minutes while scoring 11 points in each game. LMA is going to provide the O and it looks like he is going to play plenty of minutes when he’s ready. DeAndre Jordan was a DNP-CD.
Thaddeus Young
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3/8 | 6/6 |
We always rostered Young for the defensive stats, but it’s been the dimes that have been most eye-opening. On the season, he’s at 4.3. He had never averaged more than 2.3 before. Young is a top 75 player on the season despite playing 25 minutes per game. Impressive.
Nikola Vucevic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1/4 | 10/17 | 1/2 |
Damn, that is a sexy ass line. Since arriving in Chicago, Vuc has played 32, 27, 35, 29, and 33 minutes, garnering a usage rate of 21.1, 26.9, 24.5, 26.7, and 28.3. Jokic sits on the iron throne inside the Nikola pantheon, by Vucevic is doing his best to at least make it a time share.
The Clippers spanked the Lakers, 104-86. Marc Gasol was the only starter to score in double figures. That’s when you for sure know that things did not go well.
Montrezl Harrell
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7/12 | 5/6 |
In 27 minutes off the bench. When Andre Drummond was active, Harrell played 17 minutes.
Talen Horton-Tucker
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0/1 | 7/14 | 2/2 |
In 26 minutes off the bench. THT. TNT. Both explode and cause damage. Coincidence? Those do not exist. I’m a believer in THT. Are my eyes clouded because I’m a Lakers fan and traded for him in a dynasty league? Probably. With that said, he’s a physical freak who is a bull getting to the rim and has a handle package that allows him to get his shot on anyone. The three-point shooting is a concern for sure, as he’s 24% from downtown, but he is 82% from the line. Remember, he’s still only 2o years old. He probably won’t help much for fantasy this season, due to the inconsistency, but I think he’s going to be a star in the future.
Kawhi Leonard
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 | 8/15 | 1/1 |
The Kawhigorithm was operating at peak efficiency on Sunday. But it made sure to not be too good to expose its true identity.
Marcus Morris
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4/5 | 9/13 | 0 |
In a battle of Morris brothers, Marcus bested Markieff by 13 points and two rebounds. They should’ve just played this game like how battles would be determined in biblical times a la David vs. Goliath. Each side picks their fighter and they go mano a mano.
Terry Rozier
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3/9 | 8/19 | 3/3 |
Only three Hornets scored in double figures with Rozier the only one above 11 points. As you may have surmised, the Hornets lost 86-116 to the Celtics. Rozier has shot 26% and 36% in the last two games. Is the clock about to strike midnight for this Cinderella? On one hand, he’s shot 46% from the field in 46 games. That’s half a season’s worth so the sample size isn’t small. On the other hand, he shot sub-40% for 233 prior games. I’m going to ask Grey to hire a philosopher and add him to the staff. And a psychologist while he’s at it.
Robert Williams III
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7/9 | 2/2 |
Our Lord has risen! It took some time for this Lord to develop and become a significant part of the rotation but, alas, we have arrived. Top 15 player over the last 12 games. He’s all about the boards, blocks, and high field goal percentage, but it’s the dimes that really separate him from the other B&B players.
James Johnson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 18 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1/5 | 8/16 | 1/5 |
Got the start at power forward because Brandon Ingram was out and played 33 minutes. Stat. Sheet. Stuffer. When he plays, this Johnson always elevates his game. Unfortunately, he won’t get significant minutes when everyone is healthy.
Steven Adams
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 12 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5/9 | 2/6 |
In 22 minutes. If you need rebounds and nothing else, then Adams is your man. Fine, that’s harsh. He does provide a little something something in dimes, steals, and blocks but it ain’t much. He’s only 27 years old and is being paid….checks Spotrac….squints….rubs eyes….$27.5 million? Is he toast after this season? Is he a dinosaur about to get thrown into a pool of tar?
Jaxson Hayes
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1/2 | 4/12 | 2/2 |
Got the start and played 29 minutes because Zion Williamson was out. Hayes is an athletic freak who can jump over tall buildings in a single leap. He could provide boards and defensive stats, but he won’t get significant run. Plus, he’s still super raw at 20 years old.
Lonzo Ball
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 27 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 8/15 | 8/18 | 3/3 |
The eight tres were a career-high. He had drained seven in a game four times prior. His form looks good now and he’s a nightly threat to mess around. I hope he stays in New Orleans with Zion but that may not happen.
Willy Hernangomez
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7/7 | 1/2 |
He’s now played 26 and 21 minutes the last two games. Willy has been freed! He will get thrown back into the Sea World cage when everyone gets healthy though. Someone call PETA.
Danuel House only played 12 minutes due to a sprained ankle.
Kelly Olynyk
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5/13 | 9/17 | 3/3 |
Was the direct beneficiary of the House injury. Olynyk played 33 minutes. He had been crimped for minutes after Christian Wood returned to the mix. The Universe works in mysterious ways. It’s always a mystery for many to achieve the big O. It’s all connected.
Kyle Anderson
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1/3 | 3/9 | 3/4 |
I’m a sucker for stat sheet stuffers. Despite playing only 27 minutes a game, Mr. Anderson is a top 70 player on the season. He contributes everywhere without hurting you anywhere. He’s like the panda bear of fantasy hoops.
Grayson Allen
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4/13 | 5/14 | 1/1 |
Second 2/2 game this season for Allen. Those 2s are making me go cross-eyed. Anyways, the shot attempts aren’t always there for Allen and he doesn’t do enough in the other cats to be a reliable contributor. He does grab his fair share of boards though. Surprisingly, he’s a top 125 player despite playing 24 minutes per game.
Ja Morant
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/2 | 3/8 | 1/2 |
Grizzlies still won by 16 over the 76ers. On the season, Ja is a top 175 player. Does that make you sad? Ja. Disappointed? Ja. The dimes are great but the tres and defensive stats are lacking.
Due to the blowout, no Sixers starter played over 27 minutes. Only one 76er scored over 20 points (Tobias Harris). No blurbs for you!!! Dwight Howard did have himself a nice game, though, contributing nine points, 12 boards, three dimes, and one block in 24 minutes.
Draymond Green
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 11 | 7 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1/2 | 4/6 | 2/3 |
In 36 minutes. Dray has messed around 37 times in his career. Seems like more. Anyways, he’s a top 75 player for fantasy on the season. There have been stretches when he’s put up top 40 numbers. Boards, dimes, and defensive stats are his bread and butter. I want to see the Warriors healthy for one last run before Dray, Steph, and Klay are kaput.
Steph Curry
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 37 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3/12 | 12/23 | 10/12 |
The spice level on Curry was level 3. Just enough kick to make you say wow but not enough to get you to scream WOW! The number four player for fantasy on the season. The only thing missing from his game are blocks but whatever. He’s great to elite in every other cat.
Kelly Oubre Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2/6 | 9/16 | 0 |
This is what was expected on the regular when Oubre first arrived in San Francisco. The shooting has been the main bugaboo, from both the field and line. The free-throw shooting is a surprise since he was at 78%, 77%, and 82% in the last three seasons. He’s converting at a 69% clip this year.
Clint Capela
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10/16 | 4/6 |
C & C is a music factory once again.
The Warriors are one of the juiciest matchups for centers as they boost the fantasy points per minute by 15.53% above league average. With that said, he’s been balling the F out without John Collins in the lineup. He’s been the number seven player over the last eight games. 18.4 points, 14.4 boards, 0.9 steals, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 64% from the field and a robust 75% from the line on 4.5 attempts.
Danilo Gallinari
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2/5 | 5/8 | 13/15 |
In 29 minutes off the bench. Gallinari is benefitting from all the injuries, especially to John Collins. He’s played 29 and 36 minutes in the last two games and it’s the second consecutive dub-dub.
Chuma Okeke
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 19 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2/6 | 7/17 | 3/3 |
Since becoming a permanent member of the starting lineup six games ago, Okeke has been a top 40 player. He’s playing over 32 minutes per game and providing points, boards, dimes, and defensive stats. The shooting efficiency is going to come down, as he’s a 43% shooter on the season, but Operation Tank will allow him to play till he can’t play no mo.
James Ennis III
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3/4 | 5/7 | 4/4 |
Ennis has become fantasy viable. What a time to be alive! Over the last three games, he’s played 37, 36, and 38 minutes. He’s scored double figures in each game while contributing boards, dimes, steals, and tres. Now, the Magic are dealing with a ton of injuries so things could change, but suck up that puke and press the button. I kid. If you need Ennis, then you have bigger problems to deal with. He won’t be a hero but neither a zero as well.
Wendell Carter Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0/2 | 8/15 | 0/1 |
In 35 minutes as he continues to start. It’s kind of cool that the Magic have the 6th and 7th picks in the 2018 draft now, and that the 7th pick has the 6th pick looking up at the soles of his sneakers. Darwin had it right. Over the last three games, the Carter Administration has found its footing, playing 35, 34, and 31 minutes. The usage rate has been 22, 21, and 23. He’s scored double figures in each game, been grabbing boards, and providing blocks. Impeachment doesn’t look to be an option in this administration as bipartisan support has been attained.
RJ Hampton
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2/5 | 7/13 | 0 |
Got his first career start and played 33 minutes. The usage rate was 18.8 and he performed well. When everyone is healthy, he will go back to a complementary role but at least he proved that he can be more than serviceable.
Aaron Gordon
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1/1 | 10/13 | 3/5 |
In 35 minutes. Since leaving Orlando for Denver, Gordon has been a top 70 player. The Happiest Place on Earth my ass. Gordon is thriving in Denver, as the easy buckets and space to operate have been a boon. Now he can focus on the defensive side of the ball where he’s been a maven. The physical tools were always there. What a pickup for the Nuggets. I thought his fantasy prospects would decline, but it’s been the opposite.
Nikola Jokic
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 17 | 9 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0/1 | 5/11 | 7/9 |
The usage rate was 20.7. Jokic is a threat to mess around on any given night but with Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon firing on all cylinders, the ceiling games may not be as numerous going forward.
Michael Porter Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2/5 | 8/14 | 2/2 |
The third dub-dub in the last four games. MPJ has been a top 25 player. He’s very close to being a 1/1/1 player and the field goal percentage is so prolific for someone who launches from downtown so often. The last frontier is the dimes. If he starts dishing those, then oh lordy.
This Nuggets team is going to be a problem down the stretch and in the playoffs.
