The NBA returns in full swing after a loaded 10-game slate on Wednesday. With so many games on the docket, I will discuss one fantasy basketball takeaway from each game on the second night of the season.
Networks @ Hawks
Dyson Daniels is a must list in all leagues. He starts at shooting guard and while he’s known for his defense (he got five steals and a block in his Hawks debut) he shot an efficient 6-for-12 from the field, with two 3s, five boards and two assists. He’s played the third most minutes on the team (35), and at just 29% listed, he’s a player who contributes across categories and whose offensive game is maturing quickly enough to be called into scoring leagues as well.
Also, wassup Onyeka (Okongwu)! That’s my explosion off the bench, dropping an efficient 28 points with eight boards and three kills.
Pacers @ Pistons
Welcome back Bennedict Mathurin. He finished the season opener with 19 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3PT, 7-9 FT), six rebounds and one assist. Taking nine free throw attempts in 28 minutes was a surprise but also a reminder that he is a bucket off the bench. He was in the conversation for sixth man of the year in his rookie year and could look to regain that status after an injury-riddled sophomore season. At 19% listed, I’d consider airing Mathurin in 12-team points leagues.
Cavs @ Raptors
Immanuel Quickley left Wednesday’s contest with a pelvis injury and did not return. He will suffer tests and fantasy managers will have to wait-and-see on his prognosis. IQ has also had a great start to the season. He had 13 points with four assists, two boards, two triples and a steal in 14 minutes.
Magic @ Heat
No turnovers for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner?!? This is only the second time in 142 regular season games where neither player had a turnover in the same game. Both players had very effective games, combining for 56 points, 7-for-14 from three with 15 rebounds, five shares and seven total assists. Seeing Paolo run the ball and Franz hit his 3s is a great start for the Orlando Magic and fantasy managers.
Bucks @ Sixers
The most underrated stat line of the night goes to Brook Lopez, notching 4×5 with 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six blocks – a truly dominant performance in the paint for the 17-year-old vet. There is still a noticeable decline in his FG%, but his 3-point shooting at the center position and shot-blocking will continue to support his value.
Hornets @ Rockets
There are so many to choose from here, but I’m going with Tre Mann (15% listed) a must-list in 12-team points and category ties. Depending on the severity of Brandon Miller’s hip injury, Mann could be a must-list in all leagues. Mann has been impressing since the preseason, but now that it’s translating into the regular season, fantasy managers should act quickly. He serves as the primary option off the bench, but offers more statistical potential than Deuce McBride. Mann played 29 minutes and scored 24 points (8-16 FG, 4-8 3PT, 4-4 FT) with six boards, a steal and a block. Mann’s game reminds me of Allen Iverson, let him cook.
Oh, and shout out to LaMelo Ball, showing off his first round. LaMelo was the third-youngest player in NBA history to drop a 30-point, 10-assist game in the season opener.
Bulls @ Pelicans
No injury was more significant on Wednesday night than Dejounte Murray’s. Much to the dismay of Pels fans and fantasy managers, Murray reportedly broke his left hand and faces an extended absence. Zion Williamson also missed Wednesday’s contest with an illness, but when he returns, I would expect Murray’s usage to go primarily to CJ McCollum (who will likely start at point guard), Brandon Ingram and Willamson. Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado will also see more minutes. However, I need to see more production before considering adding them to any leagues. My opinion of a fading Ingram won’t get old.
Grizzlies @ Jazz
Zach Edey got into foul trouble, so his debut was muted, but Santi Aldama (27% listed) leading the Grizzlies in scoring was a surprise. He made five 3s and it’s safe to say he’ll start at PF for as long as Jaren Jackson Jr. Aldama is a flowable option in all 12-team leagues until JJJ returns, but Santi can be a bit streaky at times.
Another note is that while Keyonte George shot terribly from the floor and charity streak, he had seven dimes and zero turnovers – progress!
Suns @ Scissors
James Harden’s 39.4% usage in the first game is exactly why he should be a first-round pick in fantasy drafts. I don’t know how he’ll manage to stay healthy with that kind of workload, but it’s a great look for his fantasy value moving forward.
It was an anti-climactic night for Devin Booker, who attempted fewer than 10 shots in a game for just the third time in his career playing at least 30 minutes.
Warriors @ Trail Blazers
It was a shock to see Scoot Henderson come off the bench and Toumani Camara start and play well in 30 minutes.
The more significant takeaway is that the Warriors will continue to change their rotation, which could impact multiple players on a nightly basis. The rotation is deep, and Steph Curry has hinted that the Warriors continue to play a lot of guys because that’s part of their identity. Curry did acknowledge that it could be matchup-dependentor certain situations may call for a tighter rotation, but a blowout in the season opener did us no favors. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring the small distribution between Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins.
