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Buy, Sell or Hold: Nikola Jokic and Zach LaVine?

In addition to strategy on draft day, good eye for hidden talent and a little bit of luck a good basketball owner uses trends, slumps and surges to try and maximize his roster's potential. Offering a surging player with lower fantasy value for a slumping one with a higher ceiling at just the right time could prove vital, once their current form changes tides.

This week we will be talking about one of my favorite players in the NBA (that's no surprise since we come from the same little country) and an up-and-coming young player currently feeling under the weather. Below are my Week 13 fantasy basketball buy low and sell high candidates.

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Buy Low, Sell High Advice for Week 13

Are You for Real, Nikola Jokic?

First of all, let me kick this one off by saying how much I like Nikola Jokic. He comes from a small town of Sombor in Serbia. That's about 50 miles from my own small home town of Subotica. His rise to basketball greats came as fast as a fat kid at a cake buffet. As a matter of fact, a couple of years ago, believe it or not, Nikola might just have been that kid. His professional career started only a few years ago, in the season of 2012-2013, and he spent most of that season playing for the junior team. And today, four years later, we might be talking about a future NBA Hall-of-famer. But let's take it one step at a time, just like Jokic is.

To start the season off, Jokic wasn't in an ideal spot, fighting for minutes against his frontcourt teammates Kenneth Faried and Jusuf Nurkic. And for the first month or so not everything was coming up roses. In the first 15 games of the season Jokic had averaged 8.8 PTS with 0.3 3PM on 50.5 FG% and 74.1 FT%, 6.0 REB, 2.6 AST, 0.8 STL, 0.5 BLK and 1.3 TO in just 23 minutes a night. Not really worth his average pick of 32.8 in Yahoo leagues, is it?

But since then, a lot has changed. When I look at the current rank for the last 14 days on a per game average, Jokic comes up at the top of my list. That is in a Yahoo 10-cat head-2-head league which counts double-doubles as the 10th category though. Furthermore, Jokic did only play in four games in that time, so it's not a huge reference sample. But to hell with that, my bro is killing it!!!

Just take a look at the averages in those four games. Jokic scored 29.0 points with 1.5 threes on 61.3 FG% and 81.8 FT%, grabbed 12.0 boards, dished out 4.3 dimes, stole the ball 1.0 times, blocked 1.5 shots and turned the ball over 2.5 times in 34 minutes per outing while getting a double-double in all four of those games. those are some insane numbers. And he's turning 22 in a month.

Jokic is a hit currently in media and internet circles that follow the NBA, and deservedly so with his great overall game. But the focal point of the interest he is attracting lies in his unique vision and passing ability. He sure has picked some tricks up from his national team buddy and captain Milos Teodosic. If you're not familiar with this master of assists from Europe, you should type his name into YouTube. I promise you won't regret it.

To sum it up, in Jokic we have a smart, young player with great and efficient shooting, wonderful vision and passing skill. Moreover he is a great rebounder who does his part on the defensive end too. He is  well-rounded and contributes in every category without hurting his owners anywhere. In other words, fantasy gold. And with the way he has been developing in the past few years it's quite possible for him to become even better.

So why would you be looking to sell Nikola? Well if you're in a dynasty league, DON'T! His potential is just too great. But if you're not then you could consider it, for the right price. Don't get me wrong, I love this guy and I don't think his performance will take a significant hit at any time during this season. Especially if Faried or Nurkic get moved as is rumored, which would mean less competition and might open up even more minutes for Jokic.

The thing is, I just don't see him being the number one fantasy player just yet. A few years from now maybe. I certainly hope so! But right now is a bit too early. So if you can get a proven top-10 player in return you wouldn't be crazy to swap him. I doubt you can get James Harden, Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook, and depending on your team's strategy, you might not be looking to add any of them anyways. But if I could get for example Karl-Anthony Towns in return I would be tempted to part with one of the most talented players my country has seen. And it has seen some great talent.

Baller Move: Sell high

 

Time to Panic on Zach LaVine?

A big part of Zach LaVine's fantasy value has been in his efficiency. But he has been struggling lately with his shot. In his previous six games for the Timberwolves he has hit just 37.7% of his field goals. And even though he hasn't missed a free throw on 0.8 attempts per game some of his other averages are down as well. He is only scoring 12.5 points with 2.0 threes, 2.8 assists, 0.7 steals and no blocks in that period. His 5.8 rebounds and 0.8 turnovers in 35 minutes per game do salvage his value a bit, but he is still way off his seasonal averages in points (19.8), threes (2.8) and FG% (46.4%).

Now LaVine did suffer a hip injury in the middle of this six game slump and that might have slowed him down a bit too. And even though this is only his third season in the NBA, he is still a 44.6% career field goal shooter so that has got to improve soon.

Furthermore, it's rumored that Minnesota is looking to move Ricky Rubio and give more room to the rookie Kris Dunn. If that were to happen, it would probably mean that the ball will be in Zach's hands more and he would take on even more responsibility on the offensive end. His efficiency might take a bit of a hit (but not really 37.7 FG%) but his counting stats should be on the rise, especially the assists.

So if you're in the market for a three-point shooting PG/SG LaVine should be on your radar. He is around top-60 on the season and is well outside of top-100 in the past 14 days so you should be looking to offer someone in the top-75 to top-100 range for LaVine, not to overpay, but not to seem too cocky either. Someone like Lou Williams or Ersan Ilyasova could do the trick in an ideal scenario, but Eric Gordon or Danilo Gallinari would be a bit more realistic.

Baller Move: Hold or buy low




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyjae Spears

has Limited Long-Term Upside in Dynasty Formats
Jaylen Wright

a Buy-Low Candidate as a Handcuff?
Ollie Gordon II

Dynasty Value Takes a Hit After Teammate's Extension
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
Micah Parsons

Expected to Miss the Early Part of the Season
Colby Parkinson

a Clear Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Omarion Hampton

Poised for Year 2 Breakout in Los Angeles
Blake Corum

Dynasty Stock Rising After Encouraging 2025 Campaign
Jaxson Dart

Does Jaxson Dart Carry High-End Dynasty QB1 Upside?
David Montgomery

Dynasty Stock Rising Following Move to Houston
Chris Godwin Jr.

Can Chris Godwin Jr. Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Malik Willis

Not Set Up for Immediate Success in Miami
Terrance Ferguson

has Promising Receiving Skills in Crowded TE Room in L.A.
Brenton Strange

Is Brenton Strange a Top-15 Dynasty Tight End?
T.J. Watt

Steelers Ready to Move on From T.J. Watt?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Must Make Gains as Pass-Catcher to Take the Next Step
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Kaytron Allen

Could Kaytron Allen Take on a Big Role Right Away?
Demond Claiborne

Has Long-Term Appeal in Minnesota
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Adam Randall

to Contribute as a Pass-Catcher Right Away?
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Nicholas Singleton

Could Contribute Right Away
Bryce Lance

a Perfect Fit in New Orleans?
Mike Washington Jr.

Can Mike Washington Jr. Force a Backfield Split in Vegas?
Paul Reed

Makes Big Impact Off the Bench Wednesday
Daniss Jenkins

Contributes 19 Points As Starter
Cade Cunningham

Tallies 39 Points in Losing Effort
Max Strus

Notches 20 Points With Six Triples
Evan Mobley

Close to Triple-Double Wednesday
Jarrett Allen

Records Double-Double in Game 5 Win
James Harden

Leads the Way for Cavaliers in Game 5 Victory
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Matt Boldy

Posts Two Assists in Season-Ending Loss
Scott Wedgewood

Perfect in Relief Effort
Martin Necas

Records Another Multi-Point Game
Brett Kulak

Sends Avalanche Into Conference Finals
Brayden McNabb

Suspended for One Game
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
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NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
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ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
RANKINGS
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3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

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WR
TE
K
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