Fantasy Basketball: Trends To Watch
Trends are an important aspect of fantasy basketball. There are so many viable candidates to use on a roster stealing a good two- to three-week period out of a player is key. Understanding the right time to move on from a player is also important.
Here are some early season trends to keep an eye on:
- Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier — Victor Oladipo is out for a good chunk of time and through the first two games Fournier has been the one picking up the slack. He’s played 34 and 32 minutes in each game and when it comes to fantasy basketball I’ll always tend to go with a guy getting more run versus a player putting up numbers with less. He’s hit double digit points in both games including a 21-point effort. Fournier has knocked down 5-8 three pointers also. The assists, steals, blocks and rebounds are lacking, but he’s an option if you’re in a deep league.
- Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson — His role was a little bit of an unknown with all of the depth the Bulls have in the front court. Gibson has played 28 minutes in both of Chicago’s games, granted the second was an overtime contest. The FG% is there as he’s knocked down 15-21 shots and there was double digit points in both games. So far Gibson has proved to still be a viable option, but he’s not at the level he was last season while Joakim Noah was dealing with injuries.
- Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore — The second-year player is getting plenty of run, but not doing anything with it. McLemore has played 26 and 32 minutes yet only has 10 total shot attempts and made only one three pointer. He’s put up a donut and seven points in the two outings. Backup guard Nik Stauskus hasn’t done much either. Sacramento’s shooting guard spot is a situation to currently avoid.
- Indiana Pacers guard Donald Sloan — Rodney Stuckey isn’t 100% and with the numerous injuries Indiana is dealing with Sloan is currently the starting point guard. In two games Sloan has averaged 34.5 minutes, 14 PPG, 6.5 APG, 7.5 RPG and 1 SPG. He’s not someone I like long term, but if you need a streamer this weekend is someone to look at.
- Philadelphia 76ers guard Tony Wroten — Wroten is a fantasy basketball hardship. There’s stuff to love and stuff to hate. If you based his play through two games purely on points, rebounds, assists and steals you love him. If you based his play purely on FG%, threes and turnovers he will drive you nuts. Look at the balance of what you need when deciding to use Wroten or not.
- Milwaukee Bucks guard O.J. Mayo — Mayo has been lights out through two games for the Bucks. We’re only two years removed from Mayo having multiple months as a borderline top 25 fantasy option for the Dallas Mavericks. He’s dropped weight and performing tremendously in a bench role. Mayo’s averaged 21 PPG and knocked down eight threes early in the season. The assists and rebounds are reasonably decent. I’m adding a little extra Mayo if he’s available on my waiver wire.