5 Games: POR
4 Games: ATL, BKN, BOS, CHA, CHI, CLE, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, MIA, MIL, MIN, NYK, ORL, PHI, PHX, SAC, SAS, WAS
3 Games: DAL, LAL, MEM, NOR, OKC, TOR, UTA
Sunday Stars
DeMarcus Cousins recorded a 26-point, 15-board double-double during Sunday’s 105-97 win over the Lakers, adding two assists, three 3-pointers, one block and four turnovers before fouling out in 31 minutes. Boogie’s usage rate (32.3) has taken a minor hit with the move to New Orleans, but that has been largely negated by his improved assist percentage (30.0) and ridiculous defensive rebounding percentage (42.0). In fact, DMC has jumped to a top-10 evaluation in standard 9-cat leagues since joining the Pelicans, pumping out gaudy averages of 23.0 points, 15.4 boards, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.4 triples, 1.0 block and 3.8 turnovers per game on 46.3 percent shooting from the field and 82.1 percent from the stripe. This was also Cousins’ first win as an active member of the Pelicans’ roster, and at 25-38, New Orleans now sits just 3.5 games out of the No. 8 spot out West.
Anthony Davis also had an impressive performance, scoring a team-high 31 points on 10-of-22 shooting (11-of-17 from the stripe) to go with nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, three blocks and one turnover in 36 minutes; and Jrue Holiday did a fine job setting up both his bigs, dishing out 12 dimes to go with 20 points, five boards, one triple, three steals and three turnovers in 36 minutes. Through 52 minutes together, the Pelicans’ starting five of Holiday, Hollis Thompson, Solomon Hill, Davis and Cousins owns a net rating of 16.8.
Stephen Curry helped the Dubs snap a two-game skid during Sunday’s 112-105 win over the Knicks, registering 31 points (11-of-24 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), eight boards, six assists, five triples, two steals and two turnovers in 37 minutes. Curry’s usage rate has spiked to 36.0 in his past two outings with Kevin Durant (knee) on the sidelines (up from 28.5 alongside KD), and considering that Curry was only rocking a 32.0 usage during his second MVP season in which he lead the league in scoring and finished as fantasy basketball’s top option, it’s clear that his arrow is pointing way up.
Kristaps Porzingis double-doubled during the loss to Golden State, putting up 24 points, 15 boards, two assists, two 3-pointers, two blocks and two turnovers in 40 minutes. The swats were a welcome sight for PorzinGod owners after he failed to record one in his previous two outings, and the heavy minutes would suggest that he’s completely moved on from the Achilles and ankle issues. With Joakim Noah (knee) likely done for the year, Porzingis is going to see a ton of opportunity while being asked to log massive minutes, so he looks all set up for a strong finish to the 2016-17 season.
Paul George busted out of his shooting funk during Sunday’s 97-96 win over Atlanta, going 12-of-19 from the field and 4-of-5 from the charity stripe on his way to 34 points, five boards, four assists, six 3-pointers, one steal and five turnovers in 38 minutes. In the four games leading up to Sunday’s 3-point barrage, PG-13 had been connecting on a paltry 29.6 percent of his shot attempts, so hopefully, this is a sign that he’s ready to go on his next hot streak.
Bradley Beal put in a game-high 32 points on 12-of-21 shooting (5-of-5 from the stripe) during Sunday’s 115-114 win over Orlando, adding three triples, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block and one turnover in 41 minutes. Beal did briefly leave the game after tweaking his left ankle (that’s his good leg, by the way), and while he played through it, there’s a chance it could swell up on him on the flight from D.C. to Phoenix. Owners can expect to get another update following Tuesday morning’s shootaround.
Rudy Gobert posted his 43rd double-double of the season during Sunday’s 110-109 overtime win over the Kings, tallying 16 points, 24 rebounds, one steal, three assists, three blocks and zero turnovers in 41 minutes. He’s been a steady top-20 stud all year long, and when you employ a free throw punting strategy, he jumps to a top-10 evaluation in standard 9-cat leagues. The Stifle Tower era has officially begun in Utah.
Isaiah Thomas shouldered the offensive load for Boston on Sunday with both Al Horford (elbow) and Avery Bradley (hamstring, rest) on the sidelines, scoring 35 points on 10-of-25 shooting (10-of-11 from the stripe) to go with five triples, two boards, five dimes, two steals and one turnover in 32 minutes. IT4 was working with a Russell Westbrook-like usage rate of 38.8 in this one, and with Horford uncertain for Monday’s game against the Clippers, Thomas could be again tasked with some added responsibilities on the offensive end.
Seth Curry had a remarkably efficient outing during Sunday’s 104-89 win over OKC, going 10-of-16 from the field on his way to 22 points, two 3-pointers, one rebound, one assist, one steal and one turnover in 30 minutes. He’s been absolutely scorching coming out of the All-Star break, pumping out first-round value with averages of 23.3 points, 3.2 boards, 3.0 dimes, 1.5 steals, 2.2 turnovers and an elite 3.3 triples per contest on 57.8 percent shooting. The Other Curry is finally getting his time to shine, and while it’s probably a bit unrealistic to expect him to finish the season as a first-round guy, I think top-50 value is probably something he could realistically strive for.
Editor’s Note: Golf is coming soon to FanDuel! And they’ve created the Tee Off Classic to celebrate, offering you an opportunity to win a VIP trip for 3 to play a round of golf with Jerome Bettis! Play now.
On the Radar
C.J. Miles drained three more triples during Sunday’s win over the Hawks, adding 13 points, five boards, two assists and one turnover in 33 minutes. Miles is one of the more volatile assets in fantasy hoops, but he’s been hot since coming out the break, flirting with top-70 value behind averages of 13.2 points, 4.2 boards, 3.4 triples and just 0.6 turnovers per game. Miles’ next cold streak is always right around the corner, but he’s worth owning while he’s hot, so give him a look if you need some 3-point shooting.
Thabo Sefolosha scored 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting (2-of-2 from the stripe) in the loss to Indiana, to go with six boards, four dimes, two 3-pointers and two steals in 36 minutes. He’s worth owning as a deep league steals specialist. Tim Hardaway Jr. had another nice game off the bench, registering 24 points (9-of-16 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), four boards, four 3-pointers, two assists, one steal and one turnover in 35 minutes. He’s established himself as a key piece in head coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation, and he’s doing enough right now to warrant a roster spot in most leagues.
Andre Iguodala saw 31 minutes off the Warriors’ bench during Sunday’s win over the Knicks, tallying six points, two 3-pointers, three boards, four assists, two steals and just one turnover. Iguodala won’t do much for you in the scoring department, but his minutes should be in the 30s fairly regularly with Kevin Durant (knee) on the sidelines and he makes for an intriguing deep league add with his ability to bring a little bit of everything to the box score without hurting you in any one area.
Bojan Bogdanovic buried eight trey-bombs off the Wizards’ bench on Sunday, going 9-of-12 from the field and 1-of-1 from the charity stripe on his way to 27 points, two boards, one assist and one turnover in 28 minutes. He’s played very well since arriving in D.C., pumping out averages of 15.5 points, 3.3 triples and 1.2 turnovers per game on 53.6 percent shooting, which has been good enough for top-65 value in standard 9-cat leagues. As I’m writing this, his ownership is at 47 percent in Yahoo! Leagues, but with the way he’s been playing that number should start trending towards 60.
Alan Williams recorded his third straight double-double during Sunday’s 109-106 win over the Celtics, racking up 11 points, 15 boards, two steals, one block and one turnover in 31 minutes off the bench. Williams has emerged as a top-45 option since the break, while Alex Len hasn’t even been able to crack the top-200. I’d view Williams as a must-own guy moving forward, whereas Len can be seen as a cut candidate just about everywhere. Marquese Chriss also had a nice game, sending away a career-high five shots on his way to 10 points, six boards, one steal and one turnover in 25 minutes, but his consistent inconsistency makes him strictly a deep league guy.
Tyler Ulis hit the game-winner during Sunday’s win, ending his evening with 20 points (8-of-12 FGs, 3-of-3 FGs), two boards, five dimes, one steal, one 3-pointer and zero turnovers in 33 minutes. He’s another impressive up-and-comer on the Phoenix roster who has played very well since the break, owning averages of 9.8 points, 5.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 turnovers per game on 53.3 percent shooting, which has been good enough for eighth round value in standard 9-cat leagues. If you’re in a deep league and looking for some help in the assists department, Ulis could be your guy.
5 Games: POR
4 Games: ATL, BKN, BOS, CHA, CHI, CLE, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, MIA, MIL, MIN, NYK, ORL, PHI, PHX, SAC, SAS, WAS
3 Games: DAL, LAL, MEM, NOR, OKC, TOR, UTA
Sunday Stars
DeMarcus Cousins recorded a 26-point, 15-board double-double during Sunday’s 105-97 win over the Lakers, adding two assists, three 3-pointers, one block and four turnovers before fouling out in 31 minutes. Boogie’s usage rate (32.3) has taken a minor hit with the move to New Orleans, but that has been largely negated by his improved assist percentage (30.0) and ridiculous defensive rebounding percentage (42.0). In fact, DMC has jumped to a top-10 evaluation in standard 9-cat leagues since joining the Pelicans, pumping out gaudy averages of 23.0 points, 15.4 boards, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.4 triples, 1.0 block and 3.8 turnovers per game on 46.3 percent shooting from the field and 82.1 percent from the stripe. This was also Cousins’ first win as an active member of the Pelicans’ roster, and at 25-38, New Orleans now sits just 3.5 games out of the No. 8 spot out West.
Anthony Davis also had an impressive performance, scoring a team-high 31 points on 10-of-22 shooting (11-of-17 from the stripe) to go with nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, three blocks and one turnover in 36 minutes; and Jrue Holiday did a fine job setting up both his bigs, dishing out 12 dimes to go with 20 points, five boards, one triple, three steals and three turnovers in 36 minutes. Through 52 minutes together, the Pelicans’ starting five of Holiday, Hollis Thompson, Solomon Hill, Davis and Cousins owns a net rating of 16.8.
Stephen Curry helped the Dubs snap a two-game skid during Sunday’s 112-105 win over the Knicks, registering 31 points (11-of-24 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), eight boards, six assists, five triples, two steals and two turnovers in 37 minutes. Curry’s usage rate has spiked to 36.0 in his past two outings with Kevin Durant (knee) on the sidelines (up from 28.5 alongside KD), and considering that Curry was only rocking a 32.0 usage during his second MVP season in which he lead the league in scoring and finished as fantasy basketball’s top option, it’s clear that his arrow is pointing way up.
Kristaps Porzingis double-doubled during the loss to Golden State, putting up 24 points, 15 boards, two assists, two 3-pointers, two blocks and two turnovers in 40 minutes. The swats were a welcome sight for PorzinGod owners after he failed to record one in his previous two outings, and the heavy minutes would suggest that he’s completely moved on from the Achilles and ankle issues. With Joakim Noah (knee) likely done for the year, Porzingis is going to see a ton of opportunity while being asked to log massive minutes, so he looks all set up for a strong finish to the 2016-17 season.
Paul George busted out of his shooting funk during Sunday’s 97-96 win over Atlanta, going 12-of-19 from the field and 4-of-5 from the charity stripe on his way to 34 points, five boards, four assists, six 3-pointers, one steal and five turnovers in 38 minutes. In the four games leading up to Sunday’s 3-point barrage, PG-13 had been connecting on a paltry 29.6 percent of his shot attempts, so hopefully, this is a sign that he’s ready to go on his next hot streak.
Bradley Beal put in a game-high 32 points on 12-of-21 shooting (5-of-5 from the stripe) during Sunday’s 115-114 win over Orlando, adding three triples, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block and one turnover in 41 minutes. Beal did briefly leave the game after tweaking his left ankle (that’s his good leg, by the way), and while he played through it, there’s a chance it could swell up on him on the flight from D.C. to Phoenix. Owners can expect to get another update following Tuesday morning’s shootaround.
Rudy Gobert posted his 43rd double-double of the season during Sunday’s 110-109 overtime win over the Kings, tallying 16 points, 24 rebounds, one steal, three assists, three blocks and zero turnovers in 41 minutes. He’s been a steady top-20 stud all year long, and when you employ a free throw punting strategy, he jumps to a top-10 evaluation in standard 9-cat leagues. The Stifle Tower era has officially begun in Utah.
Isaiah Thomas shouldered the offensive load for Boston on Sunday with both Al Horford (elbow) and Avery Bradley (hamstring, rest) on the sidelines, scoring 35 points on 10-of-25 shooting (10-of-11 from the stripe) to go with five triples, two boards, five dimes, two steals and one turnover in 32 minutes. IT4 was working with a Russell Westbrook-like usage rate of 38.8 in this one, and with Horford uncertain for Monday’s game against the Clippers, Thomas could be again tasked with some added responsibilities on the offensive end.
Seth Curry had a remarkably efficient outing during Sunday’s 104-89 win over OKC, going 10-of-16 from the field on his way to 22 points, two 3-pointers, one rebound, one assist, one steal and one turnover in 30 minutes. He’s been absolutely scorching coming out of the All-Star break, pumping out first-round value with averages of 23.3 points, 3.2 boards, 3.0 dimes, 1.5 steals, 2.2 turnovers and an elite 3.3 triples per contest on 57.8 percent shooting. The Other Curry is finally getting his time to shine, and while it’s probably a bit unrealistic to expect him to finish the season as a first-round guy, I think top-50 value is probably something he could realistically strive for.
Editor’s Note: Golf is coming soon to FanDuel! And they’ve created the Tee Off Classic to celebrate, offering you an opportunity to win a VIP trip for 3 to play a round of golf with Jerome Bettis! Play now.
On the Radar
C.J. Miles drained three more triples during Sunday’s win over the Hawks, adding 13 points, five boards, two assists and one turnover in 33 minutes. Miles is one of the more volatile assets in fantasy hoops, but he’s been hot since coming out the break, flirting with top-70 value behind averages of 13.2 points, 4.2 boards, 3.4 triples and just 0.6 turnovers per game. Miles’ next cold streak is always right around the corner, but he’s worth owning while he’s hot, so give him a look if you need some 3-point shooting.
Thabo Sefolosha scored 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting (2-of-2 from the stripe) in the loss to Indiana, to go with six boards, four dimes, two 3-pointers and two steals in 36 minutes. He’s worth owning as a deep league steals specialist. Tim Hardaway Jr. had another nice game off the bench, registering 24 points (9-of-16 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), four boards, four 3-pointers, two assists, one steal and one turnover in 35 minutes. He’s established himself as a key piece in head coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation, and he’s doing enough right now to warrant a roster spot in most leagues.
Andre Iguodala saw 31 minutes off the Warriors’ bench during Sunday’s win over the Knicks, tallying six points, two 3-pointers, three boards, four assists, two steals and just one turnover. Iguodala won’t do much for you in the scoring department, but his minutes should be in the 30s fairly regularly with Kevin Durant (knee) on the sidelines and he makes for an intriguing deep league add with his ability to bring a little bit of everything to the box score without hurting you in any one area.
Bojan Bogdanovic buried eight trey-bombs off the Wizards’ bench on Sunday, going 9-of-12 from the field and 1-of-1 from the charity stripe on his way to 27 points, two boards, one assist and one turnover in 28 minutes. He’s played very well since arriving in D.C., pumping out averages of 15.5 points, 3.3 triples and 1.2 turnovers per game on 53.6 percent shooting, which has been good enough for top-65 value in standard 9-cat leagues. As I’m writing this, his ownership is at 47 percent in Yahoo! Leagues, but with the way he’s been playing that number should start trending towards 60.
Alan Williams recorded his third straight double-double during Sunday’s 109-106 win over the Celtics, racking up 11 points, 15 boards, two steals, one block and one turnover in 31 minutes off the bench. Williams has emerged as a top-45 option since the break, while Alex Len hasn’t even been able to crack the top-200. I’d view Williams as a must-own guy moving forward, whereas Len can be seen as a cut candidate just about everywhere. Marquese Chriss also had a nice game, sending away a career-high five shots on his way to 10 points, six boards, one steal and one turnover in 25 minutes, but his consistent inconsistency makes him strictly a deep league guy.
Tyler Ulis hit the game-winner during Sunday’s win, ending his evening with 20 points (8-of-12 FGs, 3-of-3 FGs), two boards, five dimes, one steal, one 3-pointer and zero turnovers in 33 minutes. He’s another impressive up-and-comer on the Phoenix roster who has played very well since the break, owning averages of 9.8 points, 5.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 turnovers per game on 53.3 percent shooting, which has been good enough for eighth round value in standard 9-cat leagues. If you’re in a deep league and looking for some help in the assists department, Ulis could be your guy.
Injury Tracker
Willy Hernangomez (ankle) returned from a two-game absence and put up eight points, five boards and three turnovers in 14 minutes off the bench. Lance Thomas was a no-show in his start, missing all six of his shot attempts while bringing very little to the box score, so it should only be a matter of time before Hernangomez finds himself back in the starting five. He’s worth owning in most leagues.
Wesley Matthews (hip) returned to the starting lineup following a two-game stint on the sidelines and produced nine points, four assists, three steals and one 3-pointer in 32 minutes. Unfortunately, Matthews tweaked the hip injury during the game, and while he did play through it, it’s looking like this could be an issue that lingers for the remainder of the season. The upside is that the Mavs are still firmly in the playoff hunt for the No. 8 spot out West, and as long as they’re relevant, there will be more incentive for Matthews to try and fight through the pain.
Evan Turner (hand) is hopeful that he’ll be able to get back to the court by March 15. He recently shed his cast, but still isn’t able to grip a ball or go take contact at practice. Turner doesn’t offer enough upside to warrant a stash in most scenarios, but his eventual return will likely be a negative thing for Moe Harkless’ value.
Lavoy Allen (sore left knee) did not play Sunday and should be considered questionable for Monday’s game against the Hornets.
Dwyane Wade (thigh) and Rajon Rondo (ankle) did not practice Sunday and both will be game-time calls for Monday’s matchup with the Pistons. If Rondo is forced to the sidelines, that’ll create some opportunity for guys like Michael Carter-Williams and Cameron Payne, and Wade’s absence would open up minutes for Denzel Valentine while Jimmy Butler would be tasked with the heavy lifting on offense.
Joakim Noah (knee) is hopeful that he’ll be able to get back on the court by April, which doesn’t mean much in fantasy hoops. Leave him on the wire.
Avery Bradley (hamstring, rest) did not play Sunday vs. the Suns, but he said he’s planning on suiting up for Monday’s game against the Clippers. Al Horford (elbow) also missed Sunday’s game, and while Brad Stevens said he doesn’t anticipate this being a “long-term” issue for Horford, he wouldn’t commit to having Horford available for Monday’s game. Horford feels like he’s closer to the doubtful tag for Monday’s game, and if he’s out, either Jaylen Brown or Jonas Jerebko will draw the start, and Isaiah Thomas will be asked to operate with a robust usage rate.
Rodney Hood (knee) returned from a two-game absence on Sunday and scored a season-high 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting (4-of-5 from the stripe) to go with four rebounds, four 3-pointers, two steals and one turnover in 33 minutes as a starter. While this was a very nice outing for Hood, I can’t discount the fact that it came against the hapless Kings and that Hood has been horrible for much of the year. He does, however, have another nice matchup against the Pelicans on Monday, so maybe he’ll be able to keep his momentum going. Joe Ingles returned to the bench with Hood back in the starting five, although with Joe Johnson (groin) on the sidelines he was still able to get on the court for 28 minutes and he ended his evening with six points, two triples, one board, one assist, two steals and two turnovers.
Tyler Zeller (illness) returned from a one-game absence and put up five rebounds and three turnovers while missing his only shot attempt in five minutes. In case you were wondering, Zeller is not worth a roster spot in any scenario.
Tyreke Evans (rest) did not play Sunday vs. the Jazz, but he’ll get back out there for Monday’s game in Denver. Evans has not yet been cleared for back-to-back sets, and that trend could hold to close out the year.
Nikola Vucevic (Achilles) did not play Sunday vs. the Wizards, and he should be considered questionable for Monday’s game against the Knicks. Bismack Biyombo double-doubled in his spot-start sans Vuc, racking up 14 points, 15 boards, one assist, two steals and two turnovers in 34 minutes. If Vucevic is forced into an extended absence with this injury, Biyombo will suddenly become a must-own guy.
Kenneth Faried (back) is doubtful to play Monday vs. the Kings. If he’s out, Wilson Chandler will earn another start and there will be more minutes available for Darrell Arthur and Juan Hernangomez in the second unit. With very limited upside, Faried is a cut candidate in most leagues.
Joe Harris (concussion, shoulder) will not play Monday vs. the Grizzlies, which will open up some minutes for guys like Caris LeVert, Sean Kilpatrick and Randy Foye.
Ivica Zubac (bruised quad) did not play Sunday and he should be considered questionable for Tuesday’s game vs. the Mavs. With Zubac on the sidelines, Timofey Mozgov was able to see 15 minutes off the bench, although he predictably didn’t do anything noteworthy with the increased opportunity.
Alex Abrines got poked in the left eye and did not return to Sunday’s game, so he should be considered questionable for Tuesday’s matchup with Portland. If both him and Victor Oladipo (back) can’t give it a go on Tuesday, Doug McDermott would have the opportunity to start, and he’d be someone to consider deploying as a 3-point streamer.
Larry Nance underwent an X-ray on his sprained right wrist on Sunday, and while the results came back negative, he should be considered questionable for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks.