The Specialists: Show Me the Money Statistics
What a time to be alive.
That’s what those competing for the fantasy basketball crown are saying, and it’s now all about maximizing value during a season-deciding 10-day stretch.
Like last week, I’m focusing solely on players you may find on the waiver wire, and those guys who get four games in a make-or-break Week 24 can’t be overlooked.
J.J. Barea, G Dallas Mavericks: Points, 3-pointers
Deron Williams (sports hernia) is a shutdown candidate whether or not he wants to admit it, and Barea has been tearing it up in his absence. Since D-Will was forced to the sidelines six games ago, Barea has averaged 21.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.8 3-pointers, including three straight games with 20-plus points. Frankly, if Barea is still available in your league, you need to upgrade the surrounding competition.
Thomas Robinson, PF Brooklyn Nets: Rebounds, Field Goal Percentage
With four straight double-doubles and averages of 13.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals on 52.3% shooting during that stretch, Robinson is the direct beneficiary of Brooklyn shutting down both Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young for the remainder of the season. The steals are a bit misleading because he collected five in a single outing, but T-Rob deserves strong consideration with nothing but opportunity in front of him.
Luke Babbitt, F New Orleans Pelicans: 3-pointers
This is a weird, new reality that most—myself included—are likely unprepared for, but change is the only constant in life and Babbitt’s fantasy relevance is a very real thing. With two straight games above 20 points where he’s played more than 30 minutes, Babbitt’s already tangible role is growing for a team short on options. Including a two-point dud vs. the Pacers on March 24, Babbitt is averaging 15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.6 triples in his last seven games.
FYI: Silly Babbitt plays four times next week.
Jerami Grant, F Philadelphia 76ers: Blocks
The Sixers—a team notoriously cautious with injuries—are likely to continue playing it safe with Nerlens Noel (knee) and Richaun Holmes (Achilles), so Grant should be getting all of the run he can handle. Carl Landry and Elton Brand can only handle so many minutes at center, so Grant’s versatility is especially valuable with Philadelphia’s current depth chart. Not counting the game in which he played three minutes due to a knee/quad injury, Grant is averaging 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 3PM. The only drawback is Grant’s efficiency, but that’s nothing new.
Seth Curry, G Sacramento Kings: Points, 3-pointers
I’m a little cooler on Curry than some over the next few games because DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo are expected to play in front of the home crowd, but Sous Chef Seth should still see solid run with Marco Belinelli (foot) and Omri Casspi (hamstring) not expected back this season. Even with a five-point dud in the mix, Curry is averaging 16.0 points, 1.3 steals and 2.5 triples over his last four games.
Norman Powell, G/F Toronto Raptors: 3-pointers
The numbers speak on their own for Powell, who checks in with 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, a steal 0.7 blocks and 2.3 treys over his last six games. The Raptors play four times this week—including a back-to-back set—and Powell’s involvement only stands to increase if Kyle Lowry and/or DeMar DeRozan take a seat again.
Kyle Anderson, F San Antonio Spurs: Steals
The Spurs play four times this week including a back-to-back set, meaning Anderson is a candidate to see a rise in playing time as Gregg Popovich offers different machinations of his lineups in preparation for the playoffs. In two games with 30-plus minutes on March 26 (@OKC) and March 28 (@MEM), Anderson averaged 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.5 steals on 50% from the field.
