X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Basketball Week In Review: Week 5

Spencer Aguiar looks back at Week 5 of the 2019-2020 NBA season, including fantasy basketball risers, fallers and takeaways from each night of action.

Welcome to the RotoBaller NBA Recap. In this feature, we will highlight one key fantasy basketball takeaway from each night during the past week. These viewpoints can be both positive and negative and will hopefully help to provide insight into different roster moves you should consider making.

Fantasy basketball has a lot of moving pieces with all the different scoring settings that are possible to play under, so I will always do my best to spotlight where players gain or lose value in certain game types.

Without further ado, let's get right into the fifth week of the season and try to figure out how to take advantage of what we saw transpire.

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

Monday, November 18th

Luka Mania Has Reached An All-Time High

If you didn't have Luka Doncic on your shortlist to be league MVP, you might want to add the second-year star to that file ASAP. Doncic erupted on Monday night for a career-high 42 points, adding 11 rebounds, 12 assists and five three-pointers made in 35 minutes of action.

There are a lot of statistics you could decipher when it comes to what the Slovenian is doing so far in 2019, but what better way to show his excellence than looking at his last nine game logs. Since November 1st, Doncic is averaging an absurd 31.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 10.4 assists. Hyperbole in sports often runs rampant, but I'm honestly not sure we have seen someone like this at such a young age since LeBron James.

I realize we are only 13 games into the regular season, but Doncic is currently providing the best player efficiency rating, win share per 48 minutes and box plus/minus of any player at the age of 20 in NBA history and currently trails only LeBron James for value over replacement player during his 2004-2005 campaign. It would be foolish to claim Doncic is going to continue to match James' career trajectory from here on out, but his 14 career triple-doubles before turning 21 has him first all-time - seven above Magic Johnson and nine over LeBron. We will see if Doncic can keep this up, but I'm not betting against him at this point.

UPDATE: Doncic provided his 15th triple-double of his career on Wednesday night, scoring 35 points to go with 10 rebounds and 11 assists. The performance made him the youngest player with consecutive 35-point triple-doubles in NBA history.

 

Tuesday, November 19th

Camelo Anthony Makes Portland Trail Blazers Debut

All in all, Carmelo Anthony had a moderately successful debut with the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 10 points to go with four rebounds and a block. However, it was his 24 minutes of on-court action that was the biggest headline for me on the day. I wouldn't have thought in the year 2019 that the 35-year-old would have been signed off the streets to play over 20 minutes for an NBA franchise, but the Trail Blazers do seem serious about giving him a substantial role going forward. Does that make him worth owning in fantasy, and what should we expect from him as the year stretches on?

Whether you are in a point-based or category league, the answer remains the same for me across the board. For the record, I do think we see Anthony's points per game rise once he gets his shot somewhat figured out, but I am not exactly sure what he brings to a fantasy squad in terms of help. In category leagues, he is an absolute disaster that will punt just about every category outside of scoring, which adds to his issues in point leagues since you are acquiring a one-dimensional player. Anthony does probably add enough in the scoring category to make him a borderline top-150 player in purely point-based groups, but I view him as almost unownable in any league size for category settings. If you did pick him up, it doesn't hurt to try and move him to an owner that associates past success with current expectations, but his scoring production can never outweigh his other flaws.

 

Wednesday, November 20th

He's On Fire!!!

Miami Heat shooting guard Duncan Robinson caught fire from long range on Wednesday night, producing a new franchise record by making seven triples in a single quarter. Robinson eventually ended the contest going 9-for-15 from behind the arc, with all of his attempts coming from long range.

The undrafted free agent out of the 2018 draft class has had an interesting journey to the pros, starting out as a Division III player for Williams before transferring to Michigan to complete his college experience. Robinson was eventually able to make the Miami Heat's Summer League squad and earned a two-way contract because of his stellar play.

Since the 25-year-old has entered the starting lineup this season, the group has featured a +24.0 net rating in their first eight games together, so it may not be easy for head coach Erik Spoelstra to remove Robinson when Justice Winslow does ultimately return from his concussion. Unfortunately, with that situation looming and the fact that Robinson hasn't proven to be much more than a three-point specialist, it is hard to condone him as much more than a streaming option for squads seeking some help from deep.

 

Thursday, November 21st

Should Skal Labissiere Be Added To Your Team?

It was a quiet night around the NBA with only two games in action on Thursday, but Skal Labissiere did give fantasy owners a reason to look his way as a possible addition in 12-team leagues and beyond.

Labissiere blocked a career-high five shots against the Milwaukee Bucks and added 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two three-pointers to the cause for good measure. There are a few things that need to be pointed out that will hurt the 23-year-old going forward, but it is also worth noting that the former Kentucky product did do this against one of the best interior defenses in the NBA and that alone should make you give him a second glance.

If we are looking at the negatives, there isn't consistent enough playing time available for Labissiere when starting center Hassan Whiteside is active, and early reports still have the rebounding savant as day-to-day to return. In order for Labissiere to be ownable in 12-team leagues, I would think he needs to carve out a role for the Blazers that would yield between 22-25 minutes. I don't think that is likely as of right now, but if you do have a deep bench or play in a setting beyond 12 owners, it wouldn't hurt to stash the 6'10" forward/center for a week and see if head coach Terry Stotts is willing to increase his playing time.

 

Friday, November 22nd

Alec Burks Needs To Be Owned In All Standard Leagues

Alec Burks made seven of 18 shots from the floor and four of four from the charity stripe during Friday's loss to the Utah Jazz, ending the game with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, four steals and two three-pointers in 35 minutes of action.

The performance gives Burks his third game of at least 20 points in his previous five outings, which has shown by his usage rating jumping to the mid-twenties during that stretch. The Warriors are desperate for bodies right now, and with Draymond Green and D'Angelo Russell still sidelined with injuries, the 28-year-old should be a steady producer for borderline top-100 value in all settings. If he is available in your league, swipe him up and enjoy the production. You can always reassess once Green and Russell return to the lineup.

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Demarcus Robinson

Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Jalen Nailor

In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Andrew Thomas

Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Alex Bregman

Expected to Return on Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Won't Suit Up for Midsummer Classic
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Bernhard Raimann

a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
C.J. Stroud

Could Sign Multi-Year Deal Before 2026 Season
Kyle Juszczyk

Says Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy, Explosive
Kyren Williams

Showing Improved Explosiveness
Christian Barmore

"Dominant" this Spring
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF