RADIO
Yesterday, RotoBaller's NBA coverage focused on streamers who could boost a category playing in two games across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Today we'll take a look at targeted one game sleepers for Saturday or Sunday. These guys have borderline long-term value, but are widely available and can provide a top notch boost in a close fought category in a H2H matchup.
NBA Week 1 Streamers by Category – Weekend Edition
Weekend of 10/31 & 11/1
Teams with 2 games: None
Teams with 0 games: CLE, DET, MIN, PHI
Points
Rodney Hood (SG/SF, UTA)
Owned in 47% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Weekend Schedule: Saturday, Oct. 31 @ Indiana
Analysis: Hood, one of the breakout players during a preseason which saw his draft stock soar, is still owned in less than 50% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues. Hood displayed an impressive scoring ability from different areas on the floor all preseason, and opened the year scoring 12 points Wednesday on the road. Hood shot 0-7 from three point land in that game, something that should be looked at as a fluke instead of the norm. Whether he starts at shooting guard or is used as Utah’s sixth man, Hood should be a nice stream--and potentially long-term answer--in the points category.
Rebounds
Kyle O’Quinn (PF/C, NYK)
Owned in 25% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Weekend Schedule: Saturday, Oct. 31 @ Washington
Analysis: O’Quinn has always shown flashes of being a fantasy asset, particularly as a rebounder, but was never able to carve out a consistent role with Orlando. Now with the Knicks, he should become a valuable member of their rotation. His debut in orange and blue saw him grab 11 rebounds in 23 minutes on the floor. O’Quinn faces a Washington front-court this weekend that allowed Aaron Gordon and Dewayne Dedmon (yes, Dewayne Dedmon) to combine for 13 rebounds off the bench in their opener against the Magic.
Assists
Ish Smith (PG, NO)
Owned in 11% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Weekend Schedule: Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Golden State
Analysis: Smith has benefited in the early going from starter Jrue Holiday being limited. Smith has played 38 minutes and 29 minutes through two games thus far, averaging an impressive 8.5 dimes. While we know this won’t last for the season, the Pelicans showed their faith in Smith's ability to carry a heavy load by releasing veteran Nate Robinson. Big minutes should continue to come his way again this weekend against the defending champions.
Steals
Corey Brewer (SG/SF, HOU)
Owned in 11% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Weekend Schedule: Sunday, Nov. 1 @ Miami
Analysis: Brewer has emerged as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders and a true master of theft. After being acquired by Houston last season, Brewer averaged 25 minutes per game. If the Rockets season opener is any indication, Brewer is slated for at least that much time on the court, if not more. In 8 full seasons, Brewer has never averaged less than 1 steal per contest; a valuable stat for those in need of steals this weekend.
Blocks
Ian Mahinmi (C, IND)
Owned in 16% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Weekend Schedule: Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Utah
Analysis: As the starting center for Indiana, Mahinmi logged 25 minutes during the season opener. While he did foul out, he was able to contribute 2 blocks along the way, a trend that should continue Saturday night vs. the Jazz. Mahinmi has a knack for blocking shots, nearly averaging one per game in under 19 minutes of play over the prior two seasons.
Three Pointers
Mario Hezonja (SG, ORL)
Owned in 17% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Weekend Schedule: Sunday, Nov. 1 @ Chicago
Analysis: The 20-year-old Croatian rookie made his NBA debut Wednesday night and displayed a smooth stroke from beyond the arc. After attempting just below 4 threes per game during the preseason, Hezonja shot 3-5 from downtown in 25 minutes of action during his first regular season game. Sure the Bulls notoriously stingy defense has been just that in the early going, but Hezonja should be able to get off—and make—multiple threes Sunday.
