Three studs and a dud from Thursday and spotlighting a Friday DFS target.
2 min read
The NBA’s first slate in nearly a week and a half was an exciting one. The reigning MVP picked up right where he left off with a near triple-double, Domantas Sabonis continued to thrive in Sacramento, and D’Angelo Russell lifted the Timberwolves past the Grizzlies. Several other players overachieved during the seven-game slate, and we’ll recap the best and worst of the night before highlighting a Friday DFS target here.
Who’s hot
Booker played without Chris Paul for the second time this season on Thursday and didn’t disappoint. The Suns guard scored 25 points, five rebounds, 12 assists, and a career-high six steals against the Thunder. His playmaking is sure to receive a healthy bump without Phoenix’s starting point guard in the lineup. If you don’t consider James Harden a shooting guard, Booker will likely be the best Fantasy option at his position for the rest of the regular season.
DeRozan has been outright unstoppable in February. The Bulls swingman is averaging a ridiculous 35.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per contest through 11 appearances this month. He’s scored at least 38 points in four consecutive games and only Luka Doncic has scored more points per game (36.3) in February. DeRozan’s production could take a hit when Lonzo Ball returns to the court in March, but he should remain one of the most consistent Fantasy options available while a host of other Bulls ramp up their recovery processes.
Curry was expected to take a step back following his move to Brooklyn, but he’s thrived thanks to the Nets’ shorthanded roster. The former 76ers sharpshooter is averaging 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game with his new team. He’s scored at least 20 points in three of his four appearances. New York’s pending vaccine mandate and the return of several other scorers will likely cause regression, but Curry’s proved he’s perfectly capable of putting up strong numbers while Kyrie Irving is a part-time player.
Who’s not
Edwards is in a bit of a rut. The Timberwolves guard’s season averages are strong, but he’s averaged 6.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game on 13.8 percent shooting in his previous three outings. The second-year wing is attempting nearly 18 shots per game this season but hasn’t taken more than 11 in a contest during his cold streak. Minnesota’s in no rush to force-feed him the ball, so Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his production in early March.
DFS Target
Picking on the Hornets’ interior defense has been a solid bet in most slates and Siakam has destroyed Charlotte this season. The Raptors’ small-ball center is averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists per game against the Hornets. Mason Plumlee isn’t nearly quick enough to stick with him, and the recently-added Montrezl Harrell doesn’t excel as a defender either. I expect Siakam to flirt with a triple-double again, as he’s averaging 25.4 points, 10 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 38.8 minutes in February.
