SA is the only team to play two games, while WAS is the only team to play five games this week. 19 teams play four games while the rest play three games. 17 teams play back-to-back, with MIN playing two back-to-back sets. For a look at the schedule grid with offensive pace ratings, click HERE.
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Saben Lee (PG – DET): 1% rostered
Delon Wright will miss two weeks with a groin strain. On Sunday, Dennis Smith Jr. received the start but only played 15 minutes because he’s not very good at basketball. As a result, Lee played 33 minutes off the bench and contributed 12 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals. The coaching staff raved about him after the game, and there’s a good chance he gets extended playing time while Wright is out.
Jakob Poeltl (C – SA): 44% rostered
The Spurs only play two games this week because one game was postponed due to Covid, so streaming Poeltl isn’t the ideal scenario. This is more of a longer-term play because LaMarcus Aldridge, who is dealing with a hip injury, still has no timetable to return. Plus, there’s been plenty of trade rumors involving Aldridge. With that said, if Aldridge does return, then Poeltl will likely go back to playing 20 minutes per game, but he seems to be more in the future plans than Aldridge. Over the last four games, he’s been a top 20 player, averaging 28.6 minutes, 10 points, 10 rebounds, one steal, and 3.3 blocks while shooting 70% from the field and 66% from the line.
Jae’Sean Tate (SG – HOU): 27% rostered
Over the last six games, Tate has been a top 60 player, averaging 32.1 minutes, 14.7 points, 0.8 three-pointers, 5.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 61% from the field and 75% from the line. With DeMarcus Cousins no longer on the team, and the Rockets embracing small-ball again, Tate’s role looks to be secure. The Rockets also play four games this week with no back-to-backs.
Jae Crowder (SF/PF – PHO): 42% rostered
Over the last six games, Crowder has been a top 50 player. He’s no longer starting but still getting 27.3 minutes of playing time. He’s been blistering hot by Crowder’s standards (46%) so expect that to regress since he’s at 39% for the season. He can provide some points, three-pointers, rebounds, and steals, though, and has four nice matchups (POR, CHA, CHI, MIN) with no back-to-backs this week.
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Dorian Finney-Smith (SF/PF – DAL): 10% rostered
The disrespect for Finney-Smith is a strange one because he’s been a top 45 player over the last four games. The usage rate is low, but he provides a little something in every category. Over the last two games, he’s provided 14 points and four three-pointers in both. He’s been playing 34.9 minutes per game. What else do you want from the guy?
Garrett Temple (PG/SG – CHI): 8% rostered
Over the last seven games, Temple has been a top 70 player, starting five and averaging 32.9 minutes, 10.1 points, 1.3 three-pointers, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, one steal, and one block while shooting 52% from the field. He’s a low usage rate player (11.6), so the points will rarely be voluminous, but he chips in everywhere else. The Bulls play four games this week with no back-to-backs.
T. J. McConnell (PG/SG – IND): 39% rostered
Man, what’s a guy have to do to get some respect on the fantasy streets? I left that sentence in from last week’s piece. His roster percentage only went up eight percent. People don’t need assists and defensive stats? Over the last six games, he’s averaged 30.1 minutes, 4.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and one block while shooting 50% from the field. He’s even providing blocks, people! The Pacers play three games with a back-to-back on Friday/Saturday.
Saddiq Bey (SF – DET): 44% rostered
With Blake Griffin shut down due to trade exploration, Bey has started the last three games and been a top 60 player for fantasy on a per-game basis. He’s averaged 34.1 minutes, 14 points, three three-pointers, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 46% from the field. The usage rate has been 15.7. He’s shooting 41% from the field on the season, so expect some regression in that department, but he’s going to play a ton of minutes and should be a decent source of three-pointers and rebounds. Detroit plays four games this week with a back-to-back on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Derrick Jones Jr. (SG/SF – POR): 12% rostered
Do you need defensive stats? Then you’ve come to the right place. Over the last four games, Jones Jr. has averaged 0.8 steals and 1.8 blocks. He’s also chipped in 6.8 rebounds with 10.8 points and one three-pointer. He’s shooting 53% on 7.5 shot attempts. On the season, the field goal percentage is 47%, while the usage is only 12.6, so don’t expect many points. Portland only plays three games with a back-to-back on Monday/Tuesday. It’s a tough week of games as they face the Suns, Nuggets, and Lakers.
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