RADIO
Daniel Benjamin highlights three fantasy basketball takeaways from the NBA's February 13th slate. This recap focuses on Marquese Chriss, Jabari Parker and Otto Porter Jr.
What a night for the NBA, especially if you like offense! With the Association's All-Star Game only a few days away, it looked like the teams decided to get an early start on their vacation, at least on the defensive end last night. Or was it that the offense was just that good?
There were 11 games on Wednesday's docket and at least 200 points put on the board in each one of the contests. The Nets-Cavs triple overtime thriller led the way with 288 combined points as Jordan Clarkson tossed in 42 points for Cleveland and D'Angelo Russell countered with 36 points for Brooklyn. In fact, 21 of the 22 teams in action tallied 100 points with 10 squads surpassing the 120-point mark. Even more eye-popping offensive numbers, six teams knocked down at least 50 percent of their shot attempts and seven clubs sank 15 or more three-pointers while two squads that made 10 treys shot 50 percent from beyond the arc.
Pascal Siakam continued to impress on the offensive end this season as he poured in a night-high and a career-best 44 points on 15 of 25 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds for his 13th double-double of the campaign. Siakam was one of three players to pour in 40 points on the night with Clarkson and James Harden being the others. Harden pumped in 42 points on 34 shot attempts, marking the 31st consecutive game that he scored 30 or more points -- tying Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in league history. The rest of the article will look at my top three fantasy basketball takeaways from Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
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Marquese Chriss: Getting Some Run With the Cavs
Chriss came into the league three years ago with a lot of upside mainly due to his athleticism and defensive upside. However, following a decent rookie campaign with the Suns, he regressed in year two and then wasn't even a rotational player with the Rockets earlier in the season. Now with his third team since being drafted No. 8 overall in the 2016 draft by Sacramento, the 6-foot-10 power forward may now be realizing his full potential with the Cavaliers.
The 21-year-old scored a season-high 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds to go along with one assist as well as two steals in 28 minutes off the bench in the loss to the Nets. He was 9-for-16 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. It was his first 20-point effort of the season and the third time in four games with the Cavs that he has hauled in seven boards.
Chriss, who has now scored in double-figures in three of his last four appearances, has shot the ball real well especially from long range with Cleveland. He has made 22 of 41 shots from the floor and nine of 16 attempts from long distance with the organization. Overall, the University of Washington product is averaging 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds (1.8 offensive), one assist and one steal over 24.3 minutes with the Cavs. Chriss was involved in a three-team trade that involved Iman Shumpert going to the Rockets on trade deadline day.
Going forward, Chriss's fantasy value depends on the health of the Cavs' frontcourt as Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love could return to the team sometime after the All-star break. If he continues to see 20 or so minutes, Chriss could be an option for deeper leagues.
Jabari Parker: Tops 20-Point Mark For Second Time In A Week
The 23-year-old has played well in his four games with Washingon after coming over from Chicago last Wednesday. He topped the 20-point mark for the second time with the Wizards last night as he tallied 22 points in a 129-120 loss to the Raptors. Parker knocked down eight of 15 shots from the field, one of three attempts from beyond the arc, and five of seven free throw tries. He added nine rebounds and four assists as well as four turnovers.
Parker has rebounded and distributed the ball well with the Wizards. He has grabbed five rebounds in each of his last four outings while also dishing out at least four helpers on three occasions. The fifth-year pro is averaging 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals, while also shooting 51.3 percent from the field during this four-game stretch.
If Parker has not been snatched up in your fantasy league, go get him now.
Otto Porter Jr.: Lights Grizzlies Up For 37 Points
Porter is thriving in his new role as the Bulls' primary offensive option. The 25-year-old tallied 37 points as he made 16 of 20 shots from the floor, including three of five from beyond the arc, in a 122-110 victory over the Grizzlies. He added 10 caroms, two assists and a block in 37 minutes. It was his first double-double with the Bulls and fifth of the season.
The seventh-year pro has scored 17 or more points in each of his four outings with the Wizards. He is averaging 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds,2.8 three-pointers, and 2.3 assists while shooting 62.1 percent and 57.9 percent from beyond the arc during this stretch.
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