Fantasy Basketball: Mo Williams A Good Pickup
Here are some news and notes from Friday night when it comes to fantasy basketball.
- It was a rough one for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Point guard Ricky Rubio injured his left ankle during the second quarter of the team’s overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings. Here’s what beat writer Jerry Zgoda from the Star Tribune had in his game story:
"X-rays taken immediately showed no fracture, but Rubio made his way back to the locker room at halftime on crutches with his ankle wrapped. The team called it a sprain and said he will be re-evaluated Saturday for a troublesome injury that could sideline him for weeks.Coach Flip Saunders referred to Rubio’s ankle by saying he “popped it pretty good,” adding “it swelled up high” and said he always worries about such an injury being the dreaded, slow-healing high-ankle sprain."
- In the first four games In the first four games of the season Rubio had played 34, 32, 29 and 36 minutes. He was averaging 10.8 points, 11 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and wasn’t hurting you as much as he had been in the past with a .419 field goal percentage.It’s a tough loss for your team.
- I’d snag up Minnesota’s backup point guard Mo Williams. He’s been a viable fantasy player in the past when given large minutes. Williams won’t get you the steals, assists and boards at the same rate, but 3s, points and a good free throw percentage will be helpful.
- New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert is becoming a reasonable option in deeper 12-team leagues. He’s scored in double digits and made at least one 3-pointer in five out of six games. There’s some assist and rebounds to compliment the other two categories also.
- Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler has been a beast this season. In four games Butler is averaging 20 points on 52 percent shooting and making 78 percent of his free throws on nine attempts. Butler is also adding in 6.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals and one block. He’s not going to keep this level of play up, but Butler is primed for solid season across many categories.
- A nice first game for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jeremy Lamb. He saw his first action against the Grizzlies last night and put up 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting in 41 minutes. With all the injuries the Thunder are dealing with Lamb will get plenty of chances to contribute.
- Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams looks as healthy as he has in years. Williams went on for 29 points and six assists, continuing his strong play. He was one of my injury stay-aways from before this season and to this point he’s proving me wrong. Lionel Hollins has him playing huge minutes also, but to this point he’s holding up.