NBA DFS Advice for March 16th

March 16, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, DFS |

March Madness starts today and a lot of people’s brackets will inevitably be busted almost immediately. At least that’s how it goes for me most years, but let’s not worry about that right now. When March Madness goes awry NBA DFS will be here for the rebound! We have a small five-game slate here so fewer options are available than usual. #1 piece of advice as always is to be up to date on injuries, as the info in this article will only be up to date as of Tuesday night. Value is rough right now and you’re going to have to play some mid range players that aren’t ideal.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Orange (and Blue) Julius

by: PhilOssie

After Julius Randle hit one of the more ridiculous game-winning threes last night to push the Knickerbockers past the Heat, I came up with the above headline. The only problem: I’ve never actually had an Orange Julius – which may be a sin in some cultural circles. Without a frame of reference to consider how Randle may compare the American quencher, I turned to my wife for help:

“It’s like better than an icy.” “I thought it was a smoothy. So it’s like an icy?” “No it’s not an icy.” “So what is it?” “It’s hard to describe. It’s indescribable. It’s like magic.” “So it’s like a mix between an icy and a smoothy?” “No. You’re obviously not getting it. Who are you trying to compare it to?” “It doesn’t matter, I just haven’t had one so just want a description to see if there’s any comparison.” “The most delicious thing I’ve put in my mouth.”

And that was the end of that conversation.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Midweek Guidance – Mr. (W)Right

March 2, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball | 14 Comments

by: PB

Welcome to your midweek guidance for Week 19! In this post, I identify widely-available players who can help you win your head-to-head matchups. As fantasy hoops playoffs take off, we’re starting to see some significant attrition in the real world. The Lakers, Warriors, and Wolves, in particular, are still dealing with some big-name injuries that are opening up streaming opportunities for some and destroying championship hopes for others. If you’re fighting for your playoff life right now, it’s time to come to terms with the fact that we probably won’t get much – if anything – out of guys who are still recovering from long-term injuries in your IR slots. Streaming is usually the answer in those situations, and I’m here to help!

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Mr. Monk goes for 45

February 25, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: PhilOssie

Did you know that the title for every episode of the USA series “Monk” started “Mr. Monk …” As in, “Mr. Monk Goes to the Circus”; “Mr. Monk Joins a Cult”; and who could forget, “Mr. Monk and the Man Who Shot Santa Claus”?

I feel like the Kings should be working up a cross-promotion deal to revitalize the series (originally set in the Bay Area), but set up the road in Sacramento and with Malik Monk casted as Tony Shalhoub’s sidekick. Or maybe that’s just the cabin fever settling in since I am in Oregon, where anything more than 3 inches of snow causes mass hysteria and shuts everything down.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Bull Duren

February 11, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: PhilOssie

A night after the trade deadline, the NBA turned into the streets of Pamplona (figuratively speaking), as young bulls were released in the fantasy landscape left by an action-packed deadline. And none caused as much carnage as the Piston’s Jalen Duren.

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Rookie Report: The JALEN n JAYLIN Show

February 8, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball |

by: PhilOssie

Last night, we all got to witness a celebration of greatness. And this article is not meant to disrespect that by any means …

BUT DID YOU SEE WHAT JALEN AND JAYLIN DID OUT THERE?!?!?

With all eyes watching history being made by Lebron James, rookie conundrum-of-names Jalen Williams and Jaylin WIlliams helped the young Thunder team beat the Lakers, 133-130 – in L.A., in front of more celebrities than have ever attended an OKC Thunder home game [fact check maybe needed].

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Slo Mo-tion for me, Slo Mo-tion for me

January 28, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: PhilOssie

Iiiiitttt waaaas k-k-kiiiinnnd-uhhhv a slooooow F-f-frrrriiiiidayyyy niiiite innn thaaaa Ennn-Beeee-Aaaaa, wiithh-th ooonnnleeeee fiiiiiive gammmmess ooon the d-d-dooockkkkett …

It is difficult to write in slow motion. It’s got to be even harder to play a professional sport in slow motion. But the man they call Slo Mo [still wondering why his nickname isn’t The Sloth, since he even resembles the lovable creature], Kyle Anderson, is the enigma [another nickname possibility!] of the modern day game where stinging athleticism makes headlines.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Rookie Report: Ain’t Nuthin But a G League

December 30, 2022 | Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: PhilOssie

The G League continues to grow in size, stature and importance in the North American pro basketball ecosphere. All but two franchises have an affiliated minor league outfit, and NBA teams are increasingly using the G League as grounds to develop young talent instead of just planting them on the bench and playing them garbage time minutes. This year, 14 2022 first round picks – and a slew of second rounders – have spent time in the G League.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Rookie Report: Motor City Marvel or Jaded Ivey?

October 27, 2022 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Rookie Recap |

by: PhilOssie

Jaden Ivey was impressive enough in his sophomore season at Purdue that myriad draft writeups questioned whether he deserved the No. 1 spot. He ended as the 5th to Detroit, which was perfect, not only because his family has a history there, but it’s also pretty easy to compare his game to one of Detroit’s finest: the Dodge Viper. His performance is highlighted by explosive speed; his game can be a lot to handle and, if steered with a lack of direction, a harsh spin out is possible.

So far, Ivey shareholders are feeling pretty good. In four games he’s averaging 16 points, 5.5 ast., 4.3 boards and 1.5 steals in 31 minutes of play while shooting 43% from deep.

However, I’m pumping the breaks on Ivey and holding up the caution sign.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Rookie Report: Bennedict Snarled

October 20, 2022 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball | 2 Comments

by: PhilOssie

Since I first pitched Son with the idea of writing a rookie column for the season, I’ve had the inclination to do a fantasy basketball mashup to the tune of “Creature Report! Creature Report!…” from The Octonauts. After more thought, I’ve decided to spare you wonderful Razzball readers from that … but I can’t promise it won’t happen eventually … and just get down to business (although anyone with young kids and a Netflix account has it stuck in your head just from a single mention).

The first matter of business is the untracked statistic of nastiness. We all know it when we see it on the court. But the Association just hasn’t evolved enough to be in a place it can define “The Nasty” in hashmark form. It’s a combo of skill, confidence + “Things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.” This is fantasy sports, where the box score is the Holy Grail. However, there’s still something to be said about recognizing a player whose nastiness is trending up. Of the crop of 2022-23 NBA first-timers, the early favorite for NROTY (Nastiest Rookie of the Year) is Bennedict Mathurin.

Please, blog, may I have some more?