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eric moody
We’re a little more than six weeks into the NBA season, and the early chaos is starting to settle down. Trends are taking shape, rotations are settling and we’re finally learning which early performances were real and which were noise. This column breaks down the league from the big picture to the player trends and fantasy angles you need to know right now.
Teams are scoring at a historic pace this season, averaging 116.8 points per game, the highest November mark since 1961–62.
Nikola Jokic Recorded his NBA-best 11th triple-double of the season on Monday. His 11 triple-doubles are the second-most in 20 team games in NBA history, behind Oscar Robertson’s 13 with the Cincinnati Royals in 1961–62. Jokic also had the 11th career game with at least 25 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, the second most in league history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 24.
lauri markkanen Scored 29 points in the win on Monday. Houston RocketsThat gave him his 12th 25-point game of the season, already surpassing the 10 games he recorded last year.
During this time, luka doncic Averaging 35.3 points per game, scoring at an absurd pace. His 526 points in his first 15 games are the most by any NBA player since Elgin Baylor in 1961–62.
This season is off to an entertaining start and this is just the beginning. Here are five other things I noticed during the league that you should know moving forward.
First for LeBron: 0 rebounds, 0 steals, 0 blocks
Lebron James Haven’t done this before. The 41-year-old played 31 minutes against phoenix sun on Monday night and had his first career game with 0 rebounds, 0 steals and 0 blocks (he added 10 points and three assists). This was only his fifth game of the season, and in the previous four he had averaged 38.2 fantasy points at 32.5 mpg. The biggest question heading into this season, especially after finishing in the top 10 in both fantasy points per game and total fantasy points last year, was whether he could maintain that level again and whether Doncic’s presence would prevent him from doing so. Doncic is a high-usage player, and James’ numbers have declined slightly since arriving last season. In 23 games with Doncic, James averaged 23.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 6.7 apg. And that’s considering Doncic currently leads the league in scoring (35.3 ppg) and is first in field-goal attempts per game (22.9). tyreese maxiThere are only so many shots to go around.
Like Bill Walton 1986 boston celticsLeBron could shift from superstar volume to a role where his impact matters more than the box score shows.
Making things more complicated is progress Austin ReevesWho has had a great season so far. The duo of Doncic and Reeves average a league-best combined points per game of 63.4, 11.1 more than the famous denver nuggets pairing of jokic and jamal mareFor James’ fantasy managers, the question is not whether he is capable of big nights, but whether he needs them, James wants another championship, He’s still a capable scorer when needed, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him take on more of a facilitator role,
zack eddy Emerging, a must-add hub
Eddy earned All-Rookie First Team honors and finished fifth in Rookie-of-the-Year voting last season. memphis grizzlies He needed to become a bigger scoring threat this year, and after missing the beginning of the season following ankle surgery, we’re starting to see that materialize. against Sacramento Kings On Sunday, AD became the first player in Grizzlies history to record more than 30 points, more than 15 rebounds and five blocks, and he is the only player in the league to accomplish that feat this season. AD has only played eight games so far, but he’s on the way. If he’s available in your league and you need help at center or need points, rebounds and blocks, he is a must-add.
Gillespie has quietly become one of the Phoenix Suns’ most reliable surprises this season, and had a career-high 28 points and eight 3-pointers on Monday night against Los Angeles Lakers Felt like a breakout moment. And if you’re like actor Austin Butler and aren’t familiar with Gillespie’s name, read on. The former Villanova star, who won a national championship in 2018 and earned back-to-back Big East Player of the Year honors, has stepped seamlessly into the starting point-guard role as Phoenix has battled injuries. In his three most recent starts, he has surpassed 20 points each time, added playmaking and steals, and he has knocked down four or more 3-pointers in every outing. with devin booker An early exit from Monday’s game due to a groin injury and his status being uncertain could result in an even greater increase in Gillespie’s minutes and usage. He is producing regardless of who is in the lineup, making him a smart fantasy addition in deeper leagues and a player with rapid upside.
lamelo ballProduction is down across the board
Ball is one of the most talented young guards in the league and has made an All-Star team. His biggest issue has been availability. He has played more than 51 games only once in his career. He has played only 14 games this season and is averaging 18.9 ppg, his lowest mark since his rookie year. He’s also shooting a terrible 37.8% from the field, the worst of his career. Another concern is his inconsistent playing time, as he has only averaged 27.5 minutes in his last nine games. This isn’t ideal for fantasy managers, and it’s difficult to trust Ball right now or trade him at meaningful value. Even with shooting problems, injuries and trade rumors charlotte hornets Still 13.1 points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor.
Pacers may have found Turner’s replacement
Jay Huff has rapidly become one of the Indiana Pacers‘The most interesting breakout candidate. Promoted to the starting lineup, he has had three consecutive impressive performances, averaging 13.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.7 BPG and 3.0 triples per game. His two-way impact was on full display in recent games against cleveland cavaliers And Chicago BullsBecause he demonstrated elite rim protection and clutch defensive instincts. Let’s go to Indiana miles turner Head into free agency, and while Huff is nowhere close to matching Turner’s decade-long impact, he has begun to show glimpses of the high-end rim protection the Pacers had hoped to replace.
Indiana acquired Huff cheaply in hopes of becoming a rotation piece, but he’s already shining at more than that. His rare blend of shot-blocking and 3-point shooting provides immediate fantasy appeal, and with his starting role seemingly secure, he is a strong addition for managers in need of blocks, rebounds and 3-pointers.
