Orlando needed different players to step up in Paolo Banchero’s absence, and so it was Anthony Black’s (5% listed in Yahoo links) turn on monday He finished with 20 points, four rebounds, nine assists, three steals and three triples in Orlando’s win over the Suns. He recorded 33 minutes, which was only surpassed by Franz Wagner and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Black has not been great this season, but this was a remarkable performance. Even if Tristan da Silva continues to start instead of Paolo Banchero, Black is the better option in fantasy. There’s certainly a chance this was just a fluke performance, but with the Magic playing three more games this week, including Thursday’s four-game night, Black is worth taking a chance on.
Here are 10 more players worth considering for a roster spot.
Goga Bitadze- 27%
Despite a poor showing in their last game, Bitadze returned with another double-double as the starter in place of Wendell Carter Jr. In his eight starts this season, Bitadze is averaging 10.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. . WCJ is getting close to a comeback, but continues to stream Bitadze until he returns.
Broken Black – 38%
Agbaji has certainly made the most of his opportunity in Toronto this season. He has started all but two games and is averaging 13.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.9 triples per game while shooting 52.4% from the floor. Until Scottie Barnes returns, Agbaji is worth streaming.
Tari Eason – 48%
It’s kind of absurd that Eason is still available in so many leagues. He is a top-50 player in 9-cat leagues despite playing just 23 minutes per game. He is sixth in the league in steals per game and should continue to dominate in limited minutes. There is no indication that will happen, but with Jabari Smith Jr. struggling, it wouldn’t be shocking if Eason passed him in the starting unit. Make sure he’s not on your waiver wire.
Jared McCain – 47%
Much like Eason, this simply should not be the case. McCain should not be available on any link, and especially not on more than half of Yahoo links. He scored at least 20 points with at least five triples in five straight games and solidified his place in the starting unit. McCain is a season-long play and should not be on your waiver wire.
Davion Mitchell- 12%
It was announced a week ago that Immanuel Quickley was expected to miss at least a week with a UCL tear. There’s no indication of when he’ll be back, so keep an eye on the injury report ahead of Thursday’s game against Minnesota. There are only four games being played that day, and if Quickley is still out, Mitchell will get another start.
Josh Okogie – 5%
With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal sidelined, Okogie could step up. He is averaging 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 triples over their last four games and should continue to play a big role with KD and Beal out. While they are sidelined, Okogie has some upside to provide steals and 3-pointers.
Very Ighodaro – 1%
The rookie got the first start of his career against Orlando and was productive. He had 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 32 minutes and might start again Wednesday when the Knicks come to town. Unfortunately, after that game, the Suns won’t play again until Tuesday. If you have a limited amount of moves in your league, Okogie and Ighodaro might not be the best options.
Keon Ellis- 7%
I said Ellis was worth flowing with Malik Monk, but I was starting to lose faith in him. Well, it all finally came together for him on Monday and he finished with career highs of 33 points and nine 3-pointers. DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk may be back for their next game, which is on Friday. However, this game should have earned Ellis more minutes, and if either Monk or DeRozan is out, Ellis should have some fluid appeal, although this type of performance should not be expected.
Trey Lyles- 5%
As a starter over their last two games, Lyles has been productive. He averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 4.0 threes during those starts, though there’s a chance DeMar DeRozan will be back for their next game on Friday. If he sticks out, Lyles will be worth a trickle on that day. Since they have a few days off, don’t rush to grab Ellis or Lyles just yet.
Malik Beasley – 32%
Despite the return of Tim Hardaway Jr. to the lineup, Beasley’s hot streak did not come to an end. Ride the hot hand until he stops hitting shots.
