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Kev Mahserejian highlights three fantasy basketball takeaways from the NBA's January 31st slate. This recap focuses on Pascal Siakam, D.J. Wilson, and Dwight Powell.
Welcome to the RotoBaller NBA Recap. In this feature, we highlight three fantasy basketball takeaways from last night's slate of NBA games.
However, it is impossible to talk about basketball today without mentioning the Kristaps Porzingis trade. What the hell is going on in New York?! One second a report comes out that Porzingis is unhappy with the Knicks' direction and how they've handled this season, the next, he's traded to Dallas. Thursday afternoon was an absolute whirlwind and now we are left with KP in Dallas while Dennis Smith Jr. and a couple of unfortunate first rounders land in New York sometime in the next decade. (Add DSJ in every league you can if he's available)
Realistically, if the Knicks hit on even one of those picks, the deal won't look AS bad, but oh boy...they have been painted as fools by their own hand. The public perception is negative because they traded away the "heir to their throne" and acquired menial talent in return. While DSJ should be productive, his impact on the court will be nowhere near Porzingis's once healthy. This trade was probably signed, sealed, and delivered Wednesday night when Dallas played in New York but it is concerning to consider the length of time in which the Knicks have been fielding offers for their Unicorn. This feels like a rash decision that allowed them to get him off their hands as quick as possible, if true, the Knicks deserve a larger magnitude of criticism. There have to have been packages from other teams available that would easily top this. It just seems unfathomable that what Dallas sent was the best deal possible. Anyway, some other basketball stuff happened too so let's take it away with the Thursday, January 31st recap with these fantasy highlights!
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Pascal Siakam: Pasco Saikamsso
The Toronto Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in the offseason, yet the biggest difference from last season to this year has been Pascal Siakam's impact. Not like he wasn't productive in limited time off the bench last season, but now, with an expanded starters' role, he has flourished. Siakam scored 28 points on 12-for-19 shooting Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He also sprinkled in two threes, three rebounds/assists, and a steal. Siakam has been an absolute gem this fantasy season. Hopefully, once Valuncianas returns, he can keep up the pace to a certain degree.
Siakam cemented January as the best month of his career. As much as it hurts to say, now may be the best time to sell given that he may lose some minutes with Kawhi playing more often down the stretch and on top of JV's return. Siakam has established himself as a rock all season and should have built some trust in your league-mates. They may be willing to part with an underperforming stud if they are in the middle of a playoff push and need help now.
D.J. Wilson: Showing Signs of Life
Milwaukee Bucks power forward D.J. Wilson has had himself a good showing over the past month and a half. This is relative of course because he is still just a second-year year layer. The former first-round pick was considered a bust by some after playing just 22 games in his rookie season, but now, given the opportunity, he has proven solid. He shoots threes, scores efficiently, and racks stocks in limited play time.
Wilson dropped 16 points, five boards, two steals, one block, and three threes. This is an Otto Porter-esque line especially given the shooting efficiency, albeit on low volume. Wilson is not much of an add outside of extremely deep leagues and dynasties, but he is someone to watch going forward. Unless one of his teammates gets hurt, he is going to play roughly 20 minutes per game going forward. If Khris Middleton walks next season, he could be big time.
Dwight Powell: Minutes Opening
This is not exactly a post highlighting his performance but more-so a PSA about him for your fantasy leagues. Pick this guy up. He's a good player and will be playing about half the game (maybe more) going forward in Dallas. The Porzingis trade opened up minutes at center and Powell is primed to take over as he did last season.
Powell had 10 points, five rebounds, one of each stock, a three, and his typical good shooting efficiency on Thursday. His only competition at the moment is Salah Mejri and Dirk Nowitzki. Mejri is not an actual threat and Dirk should see limited PT due to his age and body. Although he should start playing roughly 30 minutes per game more often, he would have fantasy value in 12-team leagues and over going forward even in a slightly expanded role. Scoop him up for free while you can.
