Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Hornets and Nets came into this game with very different vibes. In the Hornets’ first game of the season, they clawed back from a 17-point deficit in the second quarter to beat the Indiana Pacers 123-122 on Wednesday, October 20th—the first night of the 2021-22 season with a full slate of games, affectionately known as “League Pass Opening Night.” The comeback was fueled in large part, by a LaMelo Ball-led third-quarter surge, quickly putting any sophomore slump fears to bed. They followed that up with a 123-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, a game in which Miles Bridges scored 30 points and grabbed seven rebounds and Kelly Oubre scored 25 points off the bench. On the other hand, the Nets suffered a near wire-to-wire defeat to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, immediately after watching them receive their championship rings. The Nets, of course, have been mired in vaccine drama because of Kyrie Irving and although they remain the overwhelming favorite to win the title, Kyrie’s absence has been deeply felt during their first two games.
Nothing about these two teams’ plights changed in this game. The Hornets beat the Nets 111-95 behind strong performances from Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, and Ish Smith. Miles Bridges continues to solidify himself as one of the better, versatile wing players in the NBA. He finished the contest with 32 points (9-16 FG, 3-5 3PT), nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and zero turnovers. At times it felt like the Miles Bridges vs. Kevin Durant show. Bridges is starting and nothing about his play suggests that’s going to change this season. LaMelo Ball had a solid, but unspectacular game with 18 points (8-18 FG, 1-6 3PT), five rebounds, five assists, zero steals, one block, and zero turnovers. Unlike in the Hornets’ first game, LaMelo struggled from three, including an air-ball after he hesitated before shooting the wide-open look. There’s nothing to be concerned about however, even an average game from LaMelo is often a useful fantasy line.
Both Gordon Hayward (0-4 FG) and Ish Smith (0-2 FG) went scoreless in the first half, but Smith broke out and won the game for the Hornets in the second half, whereas Hayward never quite found his footing. Smith played so well in the fourth quarter that Ball never re-entered the game after checking out for the final few minutes of the third quarter. Here’s what Smith’s strong game looks like by the numbers, 15 points (7-15 FG, 1-1 3PT), four rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and one turnover. Smith did most of his damage in the fourth quarter however—11 points (5-9 FG, 1-1 3PT), four assists, and one block. The Nets had no answer for Smith’s ability to push the pace and attack the rim; and after he scored a few times in the paint, the jumpers started to fall. The Nets have a bevy of aged centers, but they have little to no rim protection—jitterbug guards will likely be a problem for them all year long.
It was a forgettable Sunday afternoon for Gordon Hayward—eight points (4-11 FG, 0-4 3PT), three rebounds, six assists, zero steals, zero blocks, and five turnovers. There’s little reason to panic, as Hayward had strong games in the Hornets two previous contests, but Hayward has undoubtedly lost a significant amount of his athleticism over the years and as the Hornets announcers’ noted on the broadcast, he’s been called for an offensive foul in each of the Hornets’ first three games. The rules changes seem to be putting a slight damper on his bully-ball drive game. He should be skilled enough to adjust, however.
Nets Notes
As I noted above, the Nets’ vibes are less than stellar. This loss makes them 1-2 on the season and they don’t look nearly as deep as everyone expected coming into the season. The Nets’ cadre of centers has amounted to very little so far and Patty Mills came back down to earth after starting the season perfect (10-10) from three-point range. Nic Claxton played only 18 minutes in this game, while every other starter logged at least 25 minutes. The worry that Claxton lacks the strength to be the go-to center option in every situation is further solidified each game. He finished the game with five points (1-3 FG), four rebounds, one assist, zero steals, one block, and two turnovers.
All that said, the Nets can take comfort in the fact that Kevin Durant is on the roster. Durant was spectacular in this game, with 38 points (17-24 FG, 2-6 3PT), five rebounds, three assists, one steal, zero blocks, and three turnovers in 36 minutes. It’s not a great sign that Durant’s silky smooth efficiency failed to lead to a victory, but at least one person on the roster is locked in. The same cannot be said of James Harden, who finished the game with 15 points (6-16 FG, 2-8 3PT), seven rebounds, eight assists, one steal, one block, and eight turnovers—yikes! Harden will turn the ball over less and have better shooting games, but the eye test suggests there are clear signs of athletic decline. Harden seems to lack the burst and vertical explosion of his younger years. And yes, he is drawing fewer fouls than in previous seasons. Harden is shooting just four free-throw attempts a game, compared to 7.3 free-throw attempts a game last season and his free-throw rate has dropped from 44.4% last season to just 24.2% this season. It’s too early to think about trading Harden in fantasy, but you should monitor the situation closely. It may be that Harden is still getting his legs under him after rehabbing his hamstring injury this summer.
Patty Mills played 31 minutes, the most by any non-starter in this game, and LaMarcus Aldridge led the backup center mafia with 21 minutes. Mills was quiet tonight: five points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3PT), four rebounds, and two assists. Joe Harris wasn’t that much better: seven points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3PT), four rebounds, and one steal.
Before tonight’s contest, Bruce Brown had played just under four minutes this season. He played 27 minutes tonight, due in part, to Blake Griffin missing the game. I would still expect Brown to play more minutes going forward. He’s better than Jervon Carter and is a better complement to the team’s stars. Carter’s supposed point guard skills are either non-existent or ineffective and though he is the much better shooter from deep, he’s not so good that he meaningfully improves the team’s spacing.
Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks
Magic Notes
The Orlando Magic snapped their two-game losing streak by defeating the New York Knicks 110-104, behind an impressive effort from Cole Anthony—29 points (9-16 FG, 5-9 3PT), 16 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and just one turnover. With Markelle Fultz injured, Jalen Suggs struggling, and the Magic in full rebuilding mode, Anthony will get plenty of opportunities to show what he’s capable of this season.
Speaking of Jalen Suggs, the struggles continue for the rookie out of Gonzaga. He’s yet to put the ball in the basket at anything approaching an efficient rate. He finished the evening with 11 points (3-9 FG, 1-3 3PT), one rebound, three assists, one steal, and four turnovers. Through three games, Suggs is averaging 11.7 points, three rebounds, four assists, 1.3 steals, and three turnovers, while shooting 25% from the field, 13.3% from three, and 92.9% from the free-throw line—at least he’s cashing in from the charity stripe! It’s early, but it’s not looking great for the Jalen Suggs over Scottie Barnes folks out there.
Mo Bamba didn’t block a shot in this game but otherwise continued his strong start to the season—10 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and four turnovers. You’d prefer that your center not turn the ball over four times, but beggars can’t be choosers! For the season, Bamba is averaging 14.3 points, nine rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and two blocks a game, while shooting 53.6% from the field, 42.9% from three, and 58.3% from the free-throw line. We are dealing with an incredibly small sample size here, but the numbers and the eye test suggest Bamba is an improved player.
Wendell Carter Jr. turned in a solid performance as well, finishing the game with 11 points (5-8 FG, 1-3 3PT), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, four blocks, and two turnovers. Franz Wagner was productive in his 38 minutes on Sunday, finishing the game with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one turnover. With Jonathan Isaac and Chum Okeke out due to injury, the younger Wagner is getting plenty of minutes (34.9 mpg).
Knicks Notes
Most of the Knicks were cold from the field tonight, call it the Sunday blues.
I will admit to thinking, Julius Randle might regress a bit this season, but he looks as productive as ever. It was a subpar shooting night for Randle in this game, but the stat sheet was stuffed otherwise: 30 points(8-24 FG, 2-10 3PT), 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals, four blocks, and two turnovers.
Evan Fournier cooled off in this one, eight points (3-11 FG, 2-7 3PT), five rebounds, one assist, and two turnovers. On the other hand, Derrick Rose came alive for the first time this season—23 points (9-16 FG, 5-8 3PT), five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two turnovers. Kemba Walker‘s pedestrian start to the season continued in this game. He finished the game with 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-5 3PT), three assists, and a team-worst -14 (Plus-Minus). For the season, he’s averaging 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.7 turnovers—numbers that would all be career-worsts.
RJ Barrett has been unable to score efficiently in the Knicks’ last two games. After going 6-11 from the field against the Celtics, he’s gone 8-25 against the Orlando Magic. 12 points (5-17 FG, 1-7 3PT), four rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two turnovers. I was a Barrett skeptic when he entered the league, but all indications are that he’s an incredibly hard worker and he flashed an improved three-point shot in the preseason. He’ll shoot and play better as everyone on the roster settles into their new roles.
Mitchell Robinson is healthy and getting plenty of minutes (32 mpg) with Nerlens Noel sidelined due to injury. Robinson was his typical self in this one—10 points (4-5 FG, 2-5 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist, two steals, three blocks, and one turnover.
Immanuel Quickley is getting fewer minutes (13.5 mpg so far this season), due to the crowded backcourt in New York. Yet, given Walker’s poor play to start the season and recent injury history, Quickley may eventually see more opportunities due to injury or preventative rest.
Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets
Celtics Notes
The Boston Celtics secured their first victory of the season, beating the likely lottery-bound Houston Rockets, 107-97. Jaylen Brown did not play due to knee soreness and as a result, it was the Jayson Tatum show. Tatum finished the game with 31 points (12-24 FG, 4-11 3PT), nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and one turnover. Once upon a time, the Celtics’ young wings were looking up at players like Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, but those days are gone. Brown and Tatum are the two best players on the team and they will be tasked with leading the charge every night.
Al Horford returned from his Covid absence for just his second game this season. He finished the game with 17 points (4-12 FG, 1-6 3PT), 10 rebounds, one assist, three steals, three blocks, and one turnover. I expect Horford to have a strong season. He appears to have the trust of new head coach Ime Udoka and he should be comfortable with the personnel. His ability to pass and shoot the three should allow him to share the floor with Robert Williams III without things getting too clunky.
Robert Williams III had a quiet night—two points (1-2 FG), four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. On the year, however, he’s averaging 9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and three blocks. He’s been a STOCKS (steal + blocks) monster to start the season. Both Dennis Schroder, who started in place of Jaylen Brown, and Grant Williams scored 18 points on the night. Marcus Smart did not shoot the ball well but produced in other areas—eight points (3-8 FG, 1-5 3PT), six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one turnover.
Rockets Notes
Jalen Green had his best game as a professional: 30 points (11-18 FG, 8-10 3PT), four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks. Green set a new Rockets’ franchise record for made threes by a rookie. Christian Wood came up just short of a double-double. 20 points (5-14 FG, 2-4 3PT), nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Noted man of the people, Jae’Sean Tate had a productive night as well, finishing the game with 12 points (4-8 FG, 0-2 3PT), 8 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one turnover. Kevin Porter Jr. had a rough go of it, in this one, collecting 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and eight turnovers. Alperen Sengun had his worst shooting night of the young season but did a little bit of everything else—seven points (1-5 FG, 0-1 3PT), four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
76ers Notes
The 76ers defeated the Thunder 115-103, behind Seth Curry‘s hot shooting. Curry finished the game with 28 points (9-15 FG, 7-10 3PT), three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Joel Embiid fought through a lingering knee issue to play and finished the game with 22 points (8-15 FG, 2-5 3PT), nine rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three blocks. With Ben Simmons inactive, Embiid is racking up assists. He’s currently averaging five assists, a game, which would be a career-high.
Tobias Harris was high usual efficient self, with 14 points (7-14 FG, 0-4 3PT), seven rebounds, and five assists. Tyrese Maxey continues to try to find his footing as the starting point guard and finished the game with 14 points (4-13 FG, 0-4 3PT), five rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Thunder Notes
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a strong all-around game against the 76ers. 29 points (9-19 FG, 1-6 3PT), six rebounds, eight assists, one steal, one block, and two turnovers. Josh Giddey had his best game as a professional. 19 points (8-13 FG, 1-2 3PT), eight rebounds, sseven assists, and four steals. Lugentz Dort: 13 points (5-11 FG 1-6 3PT), four rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings
Warriors Notes
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 119-107. The Warriors had a balanced scoring attack—Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Damion Lee all scored in double figures. Stephen Curry unsurprisingly spearheaded the Warriors’ attack with 27 points (9-23 FG, 4-15 3PT), seven rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and three turnovers. This was the first game of the season Curry failed to grab 10 rebounds. Curry should be a dominant top-ten, likely top-five fantasy player for as long as he’s healthy this season.
It was nice to see Curry’s pick-and-roll partner, Draymond Green, come alive as a scorer in this game. Draymond had a handful of nice finishes around the basket, reminiscent of his yesteryear glory, and finished the game with 14 points (6-12 FG 1-2 3PT), six rebounds, six assists, and one turnover. It’s clear Draymond has once again been empowered to shoot and encouraged to score and he looks springier than he has at times over the past few seasons. He’s still not a great scorer or finisher, but the willingness to take these shots should be a welcome sight for fantasy managers.
Jordan Poole had a nice bounce-back game after a rough shooting night (4-14 FG, 1-6 3PT) against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. Poole’s final stat line: 22 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3PT), three rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block, and two turnovers. Poole will continue to play big minutes for as long as Klay Thompson is out and Thompson’s return may only decrease his playing time ever so slightly. Poole has the freedom to shoot from deep and he’s being allowed to play through mistakes. He should only get better and more consistent as the season progresses.
Some people say the key to life is low expectations. The Warriors have adopted this philosophy with Andrew Wiggins. They don’t rely on him to dominate as either a scorer, rebounder, or defender. They simply ask him to be the metronomic, quiet bucket we’ve all come to know and not quite love. Wiggins scored 17 points (6-13 FG, 2-5 3PT) and grabbed four rebounds. He did not record an assist, block, or steal in this game. Wiggins is not an unathletic player, but he plays with a confounding lack of force and his lack of defensive stats highlights that reality. Last year, he turned into a surprisingly potent shot-blocker (70 total blocks), but he’s recorded just one blocked shot so far this season. Hopefully, his engagement ticks up as the season progresses.
Damion Lee is off to a solid start this season. Although there are at least a couple of head-scratching moments each game for Lee, he comes out as a positive bench contributor in any sensible analysis of his play this season. He’s averaging about 26 minutes a game and he’s scored in double figures in each of the Warriors’ first three games. Furthermore, a number of those buckets came in important moments in the fourth quarter. He finished this game with 11 points (4-8 FG 1-2 3PT) and four rebounds.
Lastly, Nemanja Bjelica had an uninspiring if misleading final state line: two points (0-5 FG, 0-2 3PT), three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Bjelica missed a couple of makeable tip-ins and layups while attacking the offensive glass, but his chemistry with Curry and Green is still there. As expected, it’s his defensive issues that are limiting his playing time. If he plays, he’s going to do a little bit of everything, but his defensive issues will likely prevent him from getting more consistent minutes.
Kings Notes
The most impressive Kings’ player tonight might have been rookie Davion Mitchell, who had 17 points in the first half, before going cold after half-time and finishing the game with 22 points (9-16 FG, 3-8 3PT), one rebound, four assists, and two turnovers. Steph Curry had a less than stellar shooting night, but it was Mitchell’s offense rather than his defense that stood out in this game. In particular, he seems to be getting just as many if not more on-ball opportunities than his sophomore teammate, Tyrese Haliburton. After this game, Mitchell has a higher usage rate than Haliburton—15.1% for Mitchell compared to just 13.4% for Haliburton. It might be important to remember, however, that Haliburton, at 21 years old, is younger than Mitchell, who is 23. This is, of course, no comfort to fantasy managers who were looking to see Haliburton progress as a scorer.
Tyrese Haliburton is likely just off to a slow start. I don’t expect him to finish the season scoring fewer points than he did in his rookie season; and he’s producing in other areas, which was always a big part of why you drafted Haliburton. For the season, he’s averaging 8.3 points, four rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and one block. He’s unlikely to average a block a game for the full season, but nothing else looks unsustainable here. It’s much too early to jump off the Haliburton bandwagon, especially considering his assist and steal numbers, however, Mitchell being able to siphon away some of his on-ball opportunities underscores the uniqueness of Haliburton’s game. He’s a good but not great athlete and his unique shooting stroke makes it somewhat tough for him to scale up his on-ball usage and in particular, his pull-up shooting. Mitchell is arguably the better pound-for-pound athlete and his strength and sturdiness make him the better on-ball defender. Similarly, his superior ball-handling and strength are what has him looking like the preferred option for on-ball reps even when he shares the floor with Haliburton. Haliburton’s stat line on the evening: eight points (3-9 FG, 2-6 3PT), seven rebounds, nine assists, zero steals, two blocks, and two turnovers.
De’Aaron Fox had a decent game, but that production felt mostly unimpactful. He tallied 17 points (8-16 FG, 1-6 3PT), five rebounds, six assists, zero steals, zero blocks, and seven turnovers on the night. His lack of defensive stats and high turnover number speak to the “quietness” of his production.
Richaun Holmes continues to do what Richaun Holmes does, which is score efficiently and play good defense. He’s a reliable center option in fantasy and finished the game with 16 points (7-10 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one turnover. Holmes had his patented floater game working tonight—it’s truly a thing of beauty.
Maybe we should also say Harrison Barnes is doing what Harrison Barnes does? Reports of his regression appear greatly exaggerated, for now. Barnes had another strong game against the Warriors, with 24 points (7-13 FG, 5-10 3PT), seven rebounds, one assist, and three turnovers. After three games, Barnes is averaging 28.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and one steal. Barnes won’t be this good for a full season, but with the Kings short on reliable wing players, Barnes will get plenty of playing time and rack up plenty of counting stats.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers Notes
The Los Angeles Lakers finally got off the schneid this season, beating the upstart Memphis Grizzlies 121-118. Never mind that it required a missed game-tying free-throw by Ja Morant. Never mind that Russell Westbrook is shooting 34.9% from the field, 9.1% from three, and 41.7% from the free-throw line. Never mind that Hollywood movie-making has seemingly devolved into a creative void of sequels, retreads, and various other cinematic money grabs. All is well in Tinseltown and the world at large, they say. The heat death of the universe is far off and LeBron will not age. We will simply freeze him at the first quantifiable, irrefutable sign of athletic decline. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I got carried away there. The Lakers won a basketball game and will likely win a lot more, but man, it’s not supposed to be this hard, is it?
On the one hand, LeBron James is shooting extremely well on threes this season. On the other hand, his rebounding and assist numbers are down and he’s getting to the free-throw line less often. On the season, he’s averaging 26 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.7 steals, one block, and four turnovers while shooting 46.7% from the field, 48.3% from three, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. Even if LeBron is a diminished athlete, which is closer to a foregone conclusion than not at this juncture, he is and can still be productive and impactful. I would expect both his rebounding and assist numbers to tick up as the season progresses, but especially his assist numbers. The chemistry with Westbrook will continue to improve and Frank Vogel has already turned to Austin Reaves because of his basketball IQ and willingness to play hard. Wayne Ellington, Kendrick Nunn, and Talen Horton-Tucker will return from injury eventually.
Russell Westbrook: 13 points (5-15 FG, 1-4 3PT), seven rebounds, 13 assists, four steals, and nine turnovers (yes, you’re reading that right). Westbrook should get better as the season progresses and he may have even less of an offensive load once Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker return. He’d also benefit from the Lakers going small, something I’m certain Vogel already knows. Westbrook has started setting screens for LeBron more often and playing as a short roll passer. Bruce Brown has excelled in this role in Brooklyn and for all his flaws, Westbrook is still a vastly superior player to Brown on offense. Similarly, Eric Bledsoe carved up the Warriors for 22 points, mainly playing as a screener and short roller in the Clippers’ five-out attack. The blueprint is there and Westbrook has the skills to execute it. It’s also not impossible he shoots the three-ball slightly below league average, either. He shot 31.5% from three last season in Washington and if he could raise that percentage to just 33%, I think the Lakers would have to be satisfied.
Anthony Davis appears to be healthy and is off to a good start this season. Last night, he tallied 22 points (8-15 FG 1-3 3PT), eight rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and three turnovers. AD has been a menace in the paint this season and after three games he’s averaging 25.7 points, 11 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.7 blocks, and 1.7 turnovers. This Lakers team will go only as far as LeBron and AD take them this season, and both players look spry and motivated in the early going. The one confusing and disappointing thing for Davis, however, is his free-throw shooting. It’s early, but Davis is shooting just 68% from the free-throw line. Like his Lakers teammate, Russell Westbrook, Davis seems to be experiencing some random mid-career free-throw struggles? Hopefully, for fantasy manager’s sake, he can return to the efficiency of previous seasons.
Carmelo Anthony was red hot in this game, and at least for a night, silenced the critics with his 28 points performance. The full line: 28 points (10-15 FG, 6-8 3PT), three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks.
Grizzlies Notes
Ja Morant is on fire to start the season and he dropped a 40 piece on the Lakers in this game. The full line: 40 points (13-21 FG, 5-7 3PT), three rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and six turnovers. Morant will be kicking himself over the six turnovers, but limiting turnovers is about the only thing he’s not doing well so far this season. In three games this season, he’s averaging 35 points, 3.7 rebounds, eight assists, 1.3 steals, and 4.3 turnovers while shooting 58% from the field, 44.4% from three, and 81% from the free-throw line. He’s been incredible and it was a shame he missed the game-tying free-throw in the final seconds of this game—he might have a tough time sleeping tonight.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is not shooting well from the field to start the season, but he has enticed viewers with his shooting and shot-blocking in the season’s first three games. Against the Lakers, he tallied 12 (3-12 FG, 2-6 3PT) points, five rebounds, one steal, two blocks, and one turnover. For the season, he’s averaging 15.3 points, six rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks while shooting 34.3% from the field, 42.1% from three, and 100% from the free-throw line. His field goal percentage should improve as we get deeper into the season and although he’s not going to remain perfect from the foul line, he should shoot 75-80% on free throws this season. The same questions about Jackson remain—can he stay out of foul trouble, can he improve as a rebounder, can he score efficiently somewhere other than behind the three-point line? The fouling hasn’t been much of a problem, but the other questions, remain unanswered.
Desmond Bane and De’Anthony Melton rank 35th and 31st in total value this season. They are taking full advantage of the starters’ minutes they’re getting in Dillon Brooks’ absence. Bane had a strong game against the Lakers—17 points (7-15 FG, 2-7 3PT), five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one turnover. It was a poor shooting night for Melton, but as usual, he contributed in other ways—13 points (5-12 FG, 3-5 3PT), three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three turnovers.
