Fantasy Basketball Pickups: The return of the Time Lord

Few players have been more frustrating to have rostered in fantasy leagues than Robert Williams (12% rostered, Yahoo), as he’s been unable to stay on the court. He returned from a strained hamstring last week, and there were questions regarding how (or if) Blazers coach Chauncey Billups would play all three of his big men. But things sorted themselves out on Tuesday, as starter Deandre Ayton was sidelined with a finger injury.

Rookie Donovan Clingan started at center, but Williams was most impactful. The Time Lord finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks in 25 minutes. That’s an excellent line for a player who has struggled to remain healthy and a reminder of what he can do when playing quality minutes. So, should you rush to add Williams now if he’s still on the waiver wire? No, and the schedule is why. Portland and Minnesota play again on Wednesday; after that, the next game is on Sunday against the Hawks.

Not the best spot to be in regarding fantasy value, but it was good to see Williams contribute as much as he did on Tuesday. Let’s look at some of Tuesday’s top pickups.

De’Anthony Melton (27%), Golden State Warriors

Melton’s injury history is why his rostered percentage is so low, but he has played well recently. One game removed from recording a double-double in a win over the Thunder, he finished Tuesday’s win over the Warriors with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 26 minutes. Given the number of perimeter options at Steve Kerr’s disposal, Melton’s minutes are unlikely to increase much in the near future. But he has the skill set that has proven to be fantasy-friendly; the key for Melton is to stay on the floor.

Jared McCain (21%), Philadelphia 76ers

McCain’s starting to heat up, scoring 18 points or more in three straight games. He scored 23 in Tuesday’s loss to the Knicks, shooting 7-of-16 from the field while also tallying three steals, two assists, and four 3-pointers. He also put up those numbers as part of a rotation that included Joel Embiid and Paul George. Between Tyrese Maxey’s hamstring injury and the possibility…


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Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-11-13 11:55:00

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