Generally in our value vault, we break down our favorite options on a per site basis but with how many players have already been ruled out and with how many teams are being impacted by COVID-19 or resting guys, almost every single one of the guys below are viable across all platforms.
Gary Payton II, Nemanja Bjelica, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Jonathan Kuminga vs. TOR
It’s very hard to quantify the numbers with all of these Warriors out because it just doesn’t happen. There hasn’t been a time where Curry, Green, Wiggins, Poole, Porter and Iguodala haven’t played this year. But that shows you how depleted they are headed into today.
Above are my four favorite Warriors of the nine available. Payton is a threat on both ends of the floor and has averaged .93 FP/min while on the floor this year. Bjelica has a whopping 1.09 FP/min average and we’ve seen him have plenty of success this year and in years past when he’s simply given the opportunity. Jonathan Kuminga only has 148 minutes of a sample size, but during that span he has a very solid 23.4% USG rate, which is actually the fourth highest on the team. Toscano-Anderson ALWAYS steps up when his number is called and in each of the last two games he played at least 26 minutes in he poured in 25+ DKP.
The guys I didn’t mention are firmly in play too, but I’m not listing all nine guys.
Kessler Edwards, Cam Thomas, David Duke Jr., Day’Ron Sharpe vs. ORL
Brooklyn’s whole entire roster is essentially in health and safety protocols so here we are. The last guys standing. Duke has started two games in a row and has played 32+ minutes in each. Although he hasn’t shot the ball well, he’s doing a little of everything and it’s not like he doesn’t have time to get his shot right, they don’t have anyone else!
I was all over Cam Thomas' bounce back last time out and he started hot, but didn’t do much after that. I’m definitely willing to go back to that well again here considering Kevin Durant has been added to the health and safety protocols, which means more time opening up for Thomas from shooting-guard to power-forward. Edwards has been the best of the four guys through two games and the Nets are just going to leave him on the floor and let him rock.
Sharpe is the interesting guy here because with Nic Claxton doubtful, the center position is on Sharpe’s shoulders. He’s played 13 minutes in each of the last two games, averaging right around 13 FP/game and he’s going to give us a FP/min at 3.9K with the potential he plays 30+ minutes here, we’re in a great spot using him.
Chuma Okeke vs. BKN
On the flipside of that Brooklyn game, we have Chuma Okeke who is coming off a career night on Friday and is looking to duplicate his performance on Saturday. Wendell Carter is listed as doubtful after being wheelchaired out of Friday’s game and Mo Bamba has been placed in COVID-19 protocols. Okeke had started two straight games for Bamba, averaging 35.5 minutes per game and notched his first double-double of the year last night. It’s hard to envision a scenario, with all that Orlando is dealing with, that he’s not one of the highest owned plays of the slate on Saturday.
Robin Lopez vs. BKN
We’re going to see if Lopez’s body can hold up on the second leg of a back-to-back after playing 33 minutes last night, but boy do they need it to. He was really, really good, pouring in 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, on his way to 32.25 DKP. He’s just $300 off min salary on DK and with Bamba, Mo Wagner and potentially no Wendell Carter, Lopez is in for another hefty workload.
Ricky Rubio vs. MIL (DK - $5,200)
With Collin Sexton, Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro out, all three mainstays of the Cavs rotation, Rubio figures to pick a huge role. With those guys out, Rubio actually leads the Cavs with a 26.5% USG rate and has a 1.06 FP/min average as well. Milwaukee is depleted and Rubio could pick apart their defense with his scoring, but the way he sets up his teammates as well. He’s a solid tournament option.
*Honorable mention(s)
- Jordan Nwora, MIL (depending on who’s in/out)
- Grayson Allen, MIL (depending on who’s in/out)
- Sandro Mamukelashvili, MIL (if DeMarcus Cousins sits on a back-to-back)
- Gary Harris, ORL (if he plays on the back-to-back)
Player News
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Zach Edey will undergo surgery to re-stabilize his left ankle.
Charania’s report indicates that Edey re-sprained the same ankle that forced him to miss some time last season. It came during an offseason workout, and he is expected to miss time to start next season. Edey secured the starting center spot for Memphis late last season after playing an inconsistent role for most of his rookie year. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo could opt to use Brandon Clarke as the starting center if he’s healthy, or he could use a smaller starting lineup with Jaren Jackson Jr. to start next season. The Grizzlies’ PR team announced that a preliminary timeline will be provided after he has the surgery, but as of now, the expectation is that he won’t be available for opening night.
De’Aaron Fox (finger) has been cleared for on-court work and will be ready for the start of next season.
Fox underwent season-ending surgery on his left pinkie finger in mid-March, about six weeks after being traded to the Spurs from Sacramento. He recently told Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle that he’s been cleared to resume on-court activities, which have included some 5-on-5 play. Also, Fox hopes to ink a contract extension with the Spurs this offseason. With one year remaining on his current deal, the point guard will be eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $229 million on August 3.
NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Mannix said recently that Sam Hauser could be a trade candidate this offseason if the Celtics decide to shed salary.
The cost of contending for championships has gotten steeper, especially with the salary cap rules instituted in recent years. For the Celtics, the Achilles tendon rupture suffered by Jayson Tatum may impact how the front office approaches this offseason. If the team decides that a group that won’t have Tatum for most of the season can’t be a factor in the East, the decision could be made to shed salary. And Hauser, whose four-year, $45 million extension goes into effect next season, may be a prime candidate to be moved. “Hauser, to me, is the most likely candidate to go, just because you have (Baylor) Scheierman there to effectively fill his role,” Mannix said. “I think they’d love to find a home for Jrue Holiday, just because of the contract and where they are as a team. (Kristaps) Porzingis, who knows? I don’t think they want to take on contracts that go on longer than Porzingis’ deal, but he’s certainly available.” Hauser being traded would make Scheierman worth a look in deep fantasy leagues next season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Knicks are interested in talking to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd regarding the team’s head coaching vacancy.
Multiple names have been mentioned in the aftermath of the Knicks’ decision to fire Tom Thibodeau after he led the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. One who has been mentioned prominently is Kidd, who is under contract with the Mavericks. His connection with Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson may be a factor, as the captain has repeatedly credited the coach with his development as a professional. However, Dallas would need to grant the Knicks permission to speak with Kidd. And if a deal were to be made, New York does not have much draft capital to give up as compensation. Also mentioned in connection with the opening are Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Stein also reported that Houston would quickly deny permission to speak with Udoka if the Knicks were to make that request.
Obi Toppin provided a boost off the bench with 17 points (6-of-9 FGs), five rebounds, two assists and five three-pointers in Game 1 against the Thunder on Thursday.
Toppin has been solid throughout this postseason, but he hasn’t had many big scoring nights. However, after he had 18 points in the Game 6 clincher over the Knicks, he added 17 more to kick off the Finals, with 15 of those points coming from beyond the arc. If Toppin is able to continue to make an impact off the bench like he did in this game, there should be more wins coming for the Pacers.
Aaron Nesmith recorded a double-double on Thursday with 10 points (3-of-9 FGs), 12 rebounds, one assist, one block, three three-pointers and five turnovers in Game 1 against the Thunder.
Indiana dominated on the glass in this game, but it wasn’t just because of the bigs. Nesmith was the leading rebounder in this game and was one of three Pacers to grab at least 10 rebounds. However, they lost the turnover battle 24-6, and Nesmith contributed five of those. The only player with more was Myles Turner, who coughed it up six times. Indiana won this game and still has things to clean up, which is an encouraging sign for them moving forward in this series.