Basketball Daily Dose: Dose: Paul's Paradise
Let me help you with your Sunday plans: After Golden State (barely) got by Memphis for win No. 71, you’re going to be spending the end of your weekend watching the Spurs and Warriors go head-to-head in the most highly anticipated game on the 82-game schedule to date. No need to thank me, dishing out assists is just what I do.
Paul Millsap placed an exclamation point on his (somehow under-the-radar) breakout season and Karl-Anthony Towns continued to redefine expectations in the final regular season Sunday Dose.
Phoenix @ New Orleans: Suns 121, Pelicans 100
Studs: Mirza Teletovic, Devin Booker, Archie Goodwin; James Ennis, Toney Douglas
Duds: Alexis Ajinca
The Biggest Takeaway(s): After teasing us at the end of March, Alex Len has again taken a step back in April. Including Saturday’s empty double-double (10&11), Len is averaging 6.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and nothing defensively on a paltry 26.2% shooting over his last five games. Archie Goodwin (ankle) is expected to be fine, and he’s worth considering if you need a scoring guard with back-to-back nice lines. Mirza Teletovic—who has 20-plus points in four of his last five—Devin Booker and Toney Douglas—a candidate for late-season pickup of the year—should all be owned already, but James Ennis—averaging 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.9 3PM on 45.5% from the floor since joining New Orleans—is probably available. Alexis Ajinca was a popular pickup on Friday night, but he injured his shoulder in the loss and can be released back into the water in favor of a Sunday streamer. Tim Frazier, who flirted with a triple-double (11/8/7) and has two nice matchups to finish his ferocious fury to the finish line, is worth a roster spot everywhere.
Boston @ Atlanta: Hawks 118, Celtics 107
Studs: Marcus Smart, Amir Johnson; Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, Kent Bazemore
Duds: Jared Sullinger, Isaiah Thomas; Kyle Korver
The Biggest Takeaway(s): There is some admittedly stiff competition, but give me Paul Millsap for fantasy MVP in the non-Steph Curry division. I know I’ve mentioned Prince Paul’s case for royalty in the past, but it’s worth reiterating, highlighting and celebrating when Millsap channels his inner Michael Jordan and comes through in the clutch: 31 points, 16 rebounds, two steals, five blocks and five triples on 13-of-22 (59.1%) shooting. He’s averaged 18.1 points, 12.6 boards, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals, 3.9 blocks and 1.9 treys on 49.0% from the field and 83.3% from the line in his last seven games, making him fantasy’s No. 1 player in a season-defining stretch. Get some, Paulie. Kent Bazemore (knee) looked great and has thrown it in reverse for thirst at the right time with three straight stat-stuffing efforts, while Jared Sullinger is moving in the exact opposite direction and completely bottomed out with just ten minutes of action. Given where we are, I wouldn’t hesitate in moving on, especially with two bad matchups (CHA, MIA) remaining. Marcus Smart started the second half in Sullinger’s place and offered a glimpse into the kind of future (19 points, five boards, three dimes, one steal, four treys) that dynasty league owners hope can become a reality as soon as next season.
Golden State @ Memphis: Warriors 100, Grizzlies 99
Studs: Draymond Green; Matt Barnes
Duds: Andre Iguodala; Zach Randolph, JaMychal Green, Jordan Farmar
The Biggest Takeaway(s): Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry combined to make just 5-of-24 three-point attempts, and the Warriors wouldn’t have come away with the win nor had a chance at history without a last-second gift from the officials. Lance Stephenson—who started in place of Tony Allen (hamstring)—took a corner jumper, and rather than Thompson (or Curry) being called for what should have been a foul, the referees swallowed their whistles and kept Golden State’s narrative alive. There are now only two games remaining on the Warriors’ quest for 73 wins. Matt Barnes found his stroke en route to an enormous line (24 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, three 3PM) but Zach Randolph’s has gone MIA at the wrong time, connecting on just 33-of-90 (36.7%) shots over his last five. Barnes is the only Grizzlies player I’d want on my fantasy roster.
