RADIO
As the trade deadline of the NBA is approaching, and so are the trade deadlines in most Fantasy leagues, it's the last train to try and make your teams better by trading for out-of-form players who you believe will pick it up later. The time is also running out to cash in on your guys who are on fire at the moment but will, sooner or later, run out of fuel.
Today, we will be talking about one of the biggest stories in the NBA at the moment. You guessed it - the trade request that Anthony Davis has put in with the Pelicans. We will take a look at the possible outcomes, their impact on The Brow's fantasy value, and what should fantasy owners look to do regarding him. Also, Al Horford has been beasting lately. Will he continue this hot pace or should you look to drop him off to another owner like a HOT potato?
If you're looking to take advantage of hot and cold streaks, you're in the right place. Here are our Sell High and Buy Low candidates for Week 16 of the NBA season, right here at RotoBaller.
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Buy Low, Sell High Advice for Week 16
Are You for Real, Al Horford?
Big Al has been big for the Celtics! He's a top-10 guy in the last two weeks with averages of 16.2 PTS with 0.8 3PM on 64.2 FG% and 100.0 FT% (6-of-6), 9.2 REB, 3.0 AST, 0.8 STL, 2.5 BLK, and 2.5 TO in 30 minutes per night over six games. If you can find a good buyer, SELL HIM NOW!
Why!? Be more constructive with your feedback!
One: I like Horford, but he is not a top-10 guy. He is not a top-25 guy either. He is #39 on the season, and that is something that is realistic for him.
Two: He already missed 10 games this season with various issues. Ten games out of 51... That's 20%. Not good.
Three: Al will be 33 on June 3. Not exactly in his prime so both the injury and rest risks are higher.
If you own Horford and have an opportunity to swap him for a top-25 player based on his recent surge, I would advise you to do so. If Jimmy Butler's owner finds his "general soreness" a sore sight, or Kemba Walker's poor shooting streak has his owner worried, you would do well to come away with either of these guys in a trade for Horford.
Baller Move: Sell high
Time to Panic on Anthony Davis?
As most of you will already have heard, Davis has notified the Pelicans that he has no intention to resign with the team in the summer of 2020, and has subsequently asked to be traded. New Orleans has responded by cutting Davis from their intro video they play at the start of each game and gave signals that they have no intention of trading AD before the February 7 trade deadline. They have, furthermore, given certain indications that they do not plan on playing him for the rest of the season either.
If the situation was to play out like this, it would leave Davis' fantasy owners in the gutter. Your 1st round pick (and most probably 1st overall) done for the year without real reason. That's really tough.
But how likely is this scenario to take place?
Well, the answer his coach Alvin Gentry gave on whether he thinks AD will play for the Pelicans again isn't providing too much optimism. Gentry said that he assumes Davis will play but also stated that it's a hard thing to answer.
So if you are an AD owner, you're right to panic a bit. But don't go overboard.
The Brow has also been seen in the Pels locker room at their previous game, and he has been with the team the entire time. Also, it would be unprecedented that a star player gets benched, let alone shut down just because he informed the team that he wishes to play on a contender. So, even though the Pelicans front office is putting on a serious face, it's highly unlikely that they actually go through with it.
Moreover, the Lakers have been aggressive in the attempts to make a deal before the deadline, as AD would surely give them a bigger chance to compete already this season. And, let's face it... Although LeBron James is still an animal and is one of the more athletic players in the history, he is not getting any younger. So, the Lakers want to give him a chance to attack the ring as soon as possible. If AD were to join the LA team, it would keep his value in the top-5, even next to The King. Also, it would decrease the chance of him getting random rest days as the Lakers would probably need him to get into the playoff picture.
So, if you're an AD owner, and are offered a top-10 player in return, you could do the deal, just in the off chance he does get shut down. It's reasonable to cut the losses and avoid the risk - if it's a top-10 guy who fits your team. Otherwise, hold on tight and hope for the best.
On the other hand, if Davis' owner has hit the panic button, try and get him as cheap as possible. Some owners will play hard-ball and won't let him go easily. But others might freak out and give him away for a top-25 or top-30 player. If you can get AD with an offer of John Collins, Bradley Beal or Khris Middleton take that and run! The risk is worth the reward!
Baller Move: Hold or buy low
