With the fantasy playoffs simply across the nook, trying to find low-rostered gamers who may very well be of elevated worth for these weeks is a stable apply at this level within the season. One workforce that needs to be on fantasy managers’ radar is Portland, which is nowhere close to rivalry for a Play-In Match spot, and a number of veterans (and Scoot Henderson) have been sidelined as a consequence of damage. These circumstances have opened the door for unproven gamers to emerge, with Dalano Banton (6% rostered, Yahoo) and Kris Murray (4%) being two of them.
The Path Blazers acquired off to a very good begin earlier than dropping to Houston by a 123-107 last, with Banton and Murray having profession nights. Banton’s accuracy (10-of-27 FGs) left one thing to be desired, however he completed with a career-high 30 factors whereas accounting for eight rebounds, 5 assists, one steal, one block, and 4 3-pointers in 38 minutes. As for Murray, the rookie recorded his first double-double, tallying 12 factors, 11 rebounds (career-high), seven assists (career-high), one block, and one 3-pointer in 33 minutes.
Primarily based on their season-long fantasy values, Banton and Murray aren’t gamers who can be thought of below regular circumstances. Nevertheless, that is clearly a “particular” state of affairs in Portland, and a few low-rostered gamers will assist managers win a playoff spherical (or extra) within the coming weeks. Let us take a look at a number of extra of Friday’s high pickups:
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (36%)
The Warmth rookie had a very good night time off the bench in Miami’s loss to Oklahoma Metropolis. Enjoying 31 minutes, he completed with 25 factors (10-of-13 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one 3-pointer. Over the previous two weeks, Jaquez has offered Eighth-round per-game worth. With it being unknown when Tyler Herro (foot) will likely be a full go, Jaquez (and Duncan Robinson) may have elevated fantasy worth.
Amen Thompson (34%)
Thompson had a giant night time in Portland, ending the Rockets’ victory with 16 factors, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a career-best 5 blocks. Whereas he has not been a high 100 participant over the previous two weeks, the defensive manufacturing makes Amen a participant value including in class leagues. Cam Whitmore (14%) additionally performed effectively in Portland, however Thompson is the participant managers ought to prioritize relating to Rockets gamers who can be found in additional than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Vasilije Micic (23%)
Micic has began Charlotte’s final three video games and will stay in that function for the foreseeable future, particularly with Tre Mann sidelined. A double-digit scorer in 4 straight video games, the rookie from Serbia completed Friday’s loss to Washington with 14 factors, three rebounds, and three assists in 32 minutes. Micic missed all 5 of his 3-pointers and is capturing simply 14.3% over the previous two weeks, however the assists and steals are why he is value a glance in deep leagues.
Jake LaRavia (14%)
A primary-round choose within the 2022 draft, LaRavia has but to ascertain himself in Memphis. Nevertheless, the workforce’s many accidents have opened the door for him to take action, as was the case for Vince Williams Jr. earlier this season. A double-digit scorer in three straight and 4 of his final 5 video games, LaRavia tallied 14 factors, three rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block, and two 3-pointers in 26 minutes in Friday’s loss to Atlanta. The total stat line ought to stand out regardless of his capturing 3-of-10 from the sector. Given the size of Memphis’ damage report, LaRavia will not lack alternatives for the rest of this season.
Georges Niang (3%)
Niang has began Cleveland’s final two video games, reaching double figures in each. Enjoying 36 minutes in Friday’s additional time win over the Timberwolves, he completed with 16 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists, one steal, two blocks, and 4 3-pointers. Donovan Mitchell (knee) will likely be re-evaluated within the coming days, whereas Max Strus (knee) doesn’t have a timeline for return as he’s coping with “put on and tear,” in accordance with Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff. These absences make Niang value a glance, particularly contemplating how he is performed in his two begins.
Richaun Holmes (3%)
The Wizards will likely be with out Marvin Bagley III (again) for no less than one week, and in contrast to Wednesday’s loss to Orlando, interim coach Brian Keefe determined to not go small on Friday. Holmes was inserted into the beginning lineup and performed 36 minutes, ending with 14 factors, 11 rebounds, one help, one steal, and one blocked shot. And he didn’t miss a shot, going 5-of-5 from the sector and 4-of-4 from the foul line. Holmes being a viable fantasy possibility ought to immediate nostalgic ideas amongst managers who keep in mind his “glory years” with the Kings (2019-20 and 2020-21).
