Fantasy Studs
Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz: Kanter had a huge game in a matchup with the Cavs, going to work down low against Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov. Kanter scored 24 points on 9-20 shooting, including 6-8 from the charity stripe, to go with 17 rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Kanter continues to hold off Rudy Gobert for minutes, and has the Jazz ripe for the picking to make a big trade before the deadline.
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic: The Magic big man has been one of the most unheralded performer so far this season, and continues to be a bright spot in the Orlando lineup. Vucevic finished with 26 points on 11-23 shooting, going 4-4 from the line while missing his lone 3, to go with 15 rebounds, an assist, and a blocked shot.
Brandon Jennings & Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons: While Jennings had a truly remarkable showing, his franchise big man was just too good to not join him on this list. Jennings finished with a huge double-double of 24 points on 10-21 shooting, going 1-6 from 3 and 3-5 from the line, to go with a career high 21 assists. Drummond was a main recipient of some of those dimes, scoring 26 points on 10-14 shooting, including 6-8 from the line, while adding 17 boards, 4 steals, 3 blocks, and an assist. The duo, when playing their best, are a tantalizing tandem to build around in Detroit, so long as they can hone their skills as they did tonight.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder: While the Thunder’s resurgence will ultimately be tied to Kevin Durant, it’s been Westbrook who’s been the teams MVP. Westbrook scored 32 points on 12-28 shooting, going 8-10 from the line while missing all 4 of his 3’s, adding 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and a steal. Durant added 34 points and 7 rebounds, but
Nicolas Batum, Portland Trailblazers: Batum has had a rough outing this season, seeing his numbers decline across the board, but put on a performance against the Suns. Batum scored 27 points on 9-15 shooting, going 6-8 from deep and 3-4 from the line, while chipping in 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and a blocked shot. It’s his versatility that’s made him such a great fantasy player in years past, and finally getting some of his outside shots to fall should help him rebound for a hopefully strong second half.
Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns: Bledsoe had a career game against the Blazers, helping his team hold onto the 8th seed that appears up for grabs out West. Bledsoe finished with 33 points on 11-22 shooting, going 1-6 from deep and 10-15 from the line, while adding 10 boards, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Bledsoe has been the Suns most consistent guard, and the Suns have been remarkably consistent with the pressure mounting at the bottom of the playoff picture.
Demarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings: One of the league’s most dominating players, Cousins constantly finds himself putting up huge numbers even if the wins aren’t there in Sacramento. Cousins finished with 28 points on 10-24 shooting, going 8-11 from the line, to go with 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Cousins should be on his way to his 1st All-Star game despite his team’s record, and has become a destructive force on both ends of the court.
Fantasy Duds
Trey Burke, Utah Jazz: Burke’s been slumping after successfully holding Dante Exum off for minutes at the point, and needs to rediscover some of his Michigan swagger. Burke scored just 2 points on 1-10 shooting, missing both his 3’s, while adding 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Burke should be better than this, but his role as a scoring point guard might not work with a Jazz team that has talent elsewhere that needs developing.
Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers: The Hawks have been Hibbert’s kryptonite for a couple season’s now, and has helped highlight his decent into mediocrity. Hibbert scored 4 points on 1-4 shooting, going 2-2 from the line, while chipping in a rebound and a blocked shot. Hibbert’s fall from grace has been anything but graceful, and a change of scenery would certainly be ideal.
Demar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors: DeRozan’s had his ups and downs since returning to the lineup, but against the stout Grizzlies defense he had one of his worst showings yet. DeRozan scored 6 points on 2-11 shooting, making both free throws, while adding 3 rebounds, an assist, and a blocked shot. DeRozan is fortunate to be on a Raps team with a huge lead in the Atlantic, because the team has been slipping of late, with or without their All-Star.
Monte Ellis, Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks are quietly hanging within striking distance of the top teams in the West, and continue to use the total team approach in picking up wins. Ellis wasn’t much of a factor against the Wolves, finishing with 7 points on 3-12 shooting, going 1-2 from the line and 0-3 from deep, to go with 3 assists and 3 steals. Dallas is lucky that they don’t have to depend on Ellis as their only scorer, but they’re so much more potent when Ellis is knocking down shots.
Surprising Sleepers
Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Hornets: Biyombo continues to hold down starting duties as Al Jefferson works back into shape off the bench, and rewarded his coach with solid play on both ends of the floor. Biyombo scored 12 points on 5-10 shooting, going 2-3 from the line, while adding 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal. Biyombo will eventually be sent back to the bench, so his fantasy value may be highlighted by tonight’s game.
Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder big man held down the starting spot throughout the season, and against the Wizards had his best game to date. Adams finished with 6 points on 3-7 shooting, missing his lone free throw, but added 20 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocked shots. Adams is a great fit in OKC with his activity around the rim, and doesn’t take away shots from Durant and Westbrook.
What do you think? Anyone not on a list who should be? Comment below!
THE BASELINE JUMPER 