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Fantasy Basketball: The Kelly Olynyk Game

By Bryan Gibberman

Oct 29, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) looks to pass against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter of Boston
Oct 29, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) looks to pass against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter of Boston /
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Here’s a look back at Monday’s NBA action through the lens of fantasy basketball:

He was the next Dirk Nowitzki for one night: Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk 

  • Holy smokes, Kelly Olynyk and holy hell, Philadelphia 76ers. Olynyk went off for 30 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and three steals. He made 12-of-17 shots and knocked down three from deep. If I was told Olynyk ever went off for that amount of raw points I would have guessed he made six to eight three-pointers, but that wasn’t the case. He did a bunch of damage at the rim and also knocked down two mid-range jumpers. Philly, you should be ashamed of yourself. Olynyk is an inconsistent bench piece — he’s scored less than double figures in four out of eight games this month.

This is who I thought you would be: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James

  • The best point guard in the NBA has finally arrived and his name is LeBron James. When James went back to Cleveland, and we found out he was getting teamed with Kevin Love along with Kyrie Irving, I thought there was a possibility James would lead the NBA in assists this season. It hasn’t played out like that. LeBron only hit double-digit assists in one of his first 11 games back with the Cavs. In the last 11 games he’s had 10 or more six times. In the month of December, James has averaged 9.1 dimes per game. James has found his groove and he’s back to dominating your fantasy league in all categories.

Gaining consistency: Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford

  • Horford this is why you were drafted early or people spent big money on you in their auction drafts. The Hawks center piled up 21 points on 10-of-19 shooting with 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals Monday night versus the Bulls. In his last six games, Horford is averaging 17.2 points, eight rebounds, 2.8 assists, one steal, 1.7 blocks on 51.7 percent shooting and 81.8 percent from the foul line. BEAST.

Say it ain’t so RoLo: Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman

  • In unfortunate news Blazers starting center Robin Lopez is expected to miss the next four weeks with a fractured right hand according to Yahoo Sports. In 27.8 minutes per game Lopez was putting 9.6 points on 50 percent shooting with 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 assists. He was an effective complementary piece as a big for a fantasy roster in need of some rebounds and blocks without getting killed on your free throws (80 percent on 1.8 attempts per game). Chris Kaman is next man up and has the potential to put up some serious numbers. Per 36 minutes Kaman has averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds. Don’t be expecting that type of production because Kaman got fed the ball as the offensive anchor of Portland’s second unit not featuring LaMarcus Aldridge. That being said he’s a more skilled post up man than Lopez and can still get touches as LMA works the mid range. Kaman is a must add in all leagues.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship