Author: Michael Waterloo, Staff Writer
Join AccuScore now using the code SALE50 for $50 off an annual All-Sports premium membership. For all others this is $349, but as you are reading this article, it is only $299... Join Today
but just hasn’t done it yet. However, to close his age-26 season, Mirotic is helping Fantasy owners out when it counts the most.
A look at his last six games shows the inconsistencies that you’d expect, as he’s scored 34, 23, 33, eight and 12 Fantasy points, respectively. In his last game, however, Mirotic set a season-high with 28 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block for 40 Fantasy points in 39 minutes.
Nikola Mirotic is looking to finish the season on a high note after an inconsistent year.Photo by Nuccio Dinuzzo/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire
Both the minutes and the Fantasy points were the highest that Mirotic has achieved this year, and with Dwyane Wade on the shelf for the rest of the season, Mirotic could continue to see his role grow for the remainder of the year.
If you’re looking for a big man to help you in your championship round, Mirotic can provide value across different categories. He’s owned in 55 percent of CBS leagues and 20.5 percent owned in ESPN leagues, so he’s widely available.
Stock Up
While Mirotic would be a solid add for your hoops squad, if Marquese Chriss is available, he can be the real MVP for your team in your championship matchup. Chriss has been more consistent – and better – than Mirotic has, and it was highlighted by his double-double in Thursday’s loss against the Nets in which he scored 23 points and had 11 rebounds in 31 minutes.
Chriss has back-to-back 20-point games and has consistently scored in double-digits over the past week. More than the scoring, though, Chriss will provide consistent blocks and steals on the defensive end to increase his value.
If you’re in a league that is comprised of 10 teams or more, Chriss needs to be added. He can be this year’s waiver wire darling who turns into a Fantasy Basketball savior for the league champ. Chriss is owned in 41.3 percent of ESPN leagues and 64 percent of CBS leagues.
The expectations were very high, and while he won’t entirely fill the void of DeMarcus Cousins, Buddy Hield has slowly come into his own in Sacramento.
It comes as no surprise following the trade that Hield is enjoying the best month of his career in March. He’s seeing his highest marks in minutes, offensive rating, points, field goal percentage and three-point percentage of his career, and his 22.9 usage rate is the highest it’s been since November.
The numbers are translating over for Fantasy owners, too, as Hield has back-to-back games with at least 29 Fantasy points. The Kings have a lot of Fantasy value as of late, with players like Kosta Koufos and Skal Labissiere providing value in deeper leagues. Hield, who is owned in 34.4 percent of ESPN leagues and 65 percent of CBS leagues, should be owned in 12-team leagues for your championship push. If he finishes the season the way he’s been playing this month, Hield will see his ADP rise in the fall.
Stock Down
It’s been a disappointing two years so far for Jahlil Okafor in Philadelphia. Granted, the Sixers didn’t do him any favors bringing him into an awkward situation with Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel already in place, but the past month has really been on Okafor.
With Embiid shelved for the year and Noel shipped off to Dallas, Okafor has failed to take advantage of the opportunity. His 28.7 March usage has been the highest it’s been all season, but Okafor is managing just 12.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 21.3 minutes per game. Richaun Holmes, meanwhile, is outplaying Okafor this month.
Over the Sixers past four games, Okafor has a did not play, a 10-point game with six turnovers, a four-point game and a six-point game totaling 26 Fantasy points over that stretch.
Okafor is owned in 79 percent of CBS leagues and 45.9 percent of ESPN leagues. The CBS total is high, but the ESPN total is right where he should be. If you own him but Chriss, Mirotic or Willy Hernangomez are available, drop him and make the swap.
Hold
When given the opportunity, Will Barton has been outstanding at times for Fantasy owners. But at the same time, he’s also been maddening, as his Fantasy production can just disappear. It’s no secret that with Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari out of the lineup, Barton was scorching hot for the Nuggets. Over his past six games, Barton has 34, 45, 18, 38 and 30 Fantasy points, respectively. However, Chandler is back from a groin injury that caused him to miss time and Gallinari is getting close to a return.
It’s worth holding on to Barton for now, but if his production dips again when Denver has everyone healthy, he can be cut.
All stats used are as of Friday, March 24.
The Fantasy Radio Sports Network (FNTSY) is the premier FREE 24/7 Fantasy Sports radio channel on the planet! Listen live or on demand and get the app in the ITunes Store or on Google Play. It’s the new home of the RotoExperts in the Morning and brand new shows featuring your favorite hosts, such as Tony Cincotta, Scott Engel, Jake Ciely, Nando Di Fino, Corey Parson, Pat Mayo, Joe Pisapia and many more!
