The NBA Christmas Day slate was one to remember. Rivalries were renewed, stars clashed and legends dueled. All five games were decided by 10 points or less. Hopefully, you enjoyed the games with friends and family.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! It’s week nine, let’s get started.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 9)
Trade For
P.J. Washington Jr. (PF – DAL)
With Luka Doncic set to miss “extended time” with a calf injury, Washington finds himself in a similar place to where he was last month. Doncic was sidelined for almost two weeks with a wrist strain and Washington enjoyed an excellent stretch of games.
In eight games without Doncic this season, Washington averages 17.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 35.6 minutes per game. For what may be a cheap price, Washington is a great add.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Jaden Ivey (PG – DET)
Trade Away
In Portis’ last seven outings, the power forward is averaging 17.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Not to discredit Portis, but he’s benefited greatly from Damian Lillard‘s calf strain and Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s back spasms. The duo has missed each of the last two games and Lillard missed the game prior.
As of early Thursday afternoon, both Lillard and Antetokounmpo are questionable for Thursday’s game against Brooklyn.
When the duo returns, it’s highly unlikely that Portis’ current form persists.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Santi Aldama (PF – MEM), Jerami Grant (SF – POR)
Trade For
There are multiple arguments in favor of trading for White, who’s slightly regressed from last season.
The first being his current slump. The UNC product hasn’t hit the 20-point mark since Nov. 26 and he’s shooting 35.3% from the field and 29.3% from deep in December. 10 of White’s first 14 games of the year saw him score at least 20. There’s surely a consistent middle ground somewhere in there.
Secondly, the Bulls seem destined to send Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic elsewhere. The trade deadline is just 42 days away and the Nuggets seem keen on acquiring LaVine before Feb. 6. Perhaps there are other suitors, as well. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Dennis Schroder (PG – GSW), Kyle Kuzma (SF – WAS)
Trade Away
It’s important to first note that Williams has played in 69 of a possible 193 games since being drafted 15th overall in 2022. Williams’ injury history is incredibly unfortunate because he’s been a very solid player when on the court. Williams’ per 36 rebounding numbers would have him tops in the league this season, second last season and first again in 2022-23.
Williams has started in each of Charlotte’s last four but has yet to log more than 19 minutes in any game (73 minutes total). Between the injuries and competing with Nick Richards (75) and Moussa Diabate (62) for run, Williams isn’t a reliable fantasy asset.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Stephon Castle (SG – SA), Naji Marshall (SF – DAL)
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