A game that the NBA would absolutely not want you to call a "tank-fest" happened last night, with the 18-44 Phoenix Suns tipping off against the 18-41 Memphis Grizzlies. It was only the sixth time in NBA history where both teams entered on a double-digit losing streak, with both teams riding 10-game slides. Let's just say that, for most of the world, this was the exact opposite of a must-see game.
However, for fantasy purposes, this was a very interesting game indeed. Both teams were so incredibly awful -- especially on defense -- that it was almost inevitable that there would be some great offensive lines to arise out of this game. That's why I featured this game in yesterday's Analytics Advantage section of the Daily Notes. It was completely predictable that we would get some good action here. And indeed we did:
Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns: 29 points (9-16 FG, 10-13 FT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 1 3-pointer, 3 TO
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies: 22 points (7-21 FG, 6-7 FT), 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 3-pointers, 2 assists, 1 steal, 4 TO
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: 34 points (12-29 FG, 9-10 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist, 1 3-pointer, 2 TO
Andrew Harrison, Memphis Grizzlies: 20 points (5-11 FG, 7-8 FT), 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 3-pointers, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 TO
Elfrid Payton, Phoenix Suns: 19 points (7-12 FG, 4-7 FT), 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 3-pointer, 6 TO
Jarell Martin, Memphis Grizzlies: 16 points (5-10 FG, 3-4 FT), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 3-pointers, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 TO
That's six impact fantasy lines spread evenly across both teams. Jackson (59.7 percent availability), Harrison (85.9 percent availability) and Martin (99.0 percent availability) were all streamable players who could have been picked up in most leagues or heavily considered as undervalued DFS options. And we have yet to mention solid games from JaMychal Green (77.7 percent availability), who turned in his fourth straight double-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and an assist, or Alex Len (80.2 percent availability), who grabbed double-digit rebounds (11) for the third time in four games alongside his 6 points and 4 assists.
At this time of year, unless you are a die-hard fan of one of these tanking teams, you're not likely to be watching. But, in the words of Rafiki, "Look beyond what you see." These types of squads are good for hidden value, especially down the stretch, and even more especially when they are playing against each other. Need I point you in the direction of the Brooklyn Nets-Sacramento Kings Thursday night, ahem, showdown?
Wednesday recap
Box scores
Highlights:
Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics: 34 points (13-18 FG, 4-4 FT), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 3-pointers, 1 steal, 1 TO
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors: 32 points (12-20 FG, 5-6 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 3-pointers, 3 TO
Otto Porter Jr., Washington Wizards: 29 points (10-17 FG, 5-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 4 3-pointers, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 TO
Lowlights:
Giannis Antetokounmpo , Milwaukee Bucks : 11 points (5-13 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 3-pointer, 4 TO, 30 minutes
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards: 8 points (3-15 FG), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 3-pointers, 1 steal, 5 TO
Al Horford, Boston Celtics: 5 points (2-4 FG), 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 3-pointer, 1 TO
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers: 5 points (1-2 FG, 2-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 3-pointer, 1 TO, 16 minutes
Wednesday takeaways
Stanley Johnson was arguably the most impressive Detroit Pistons player on Wednesday, scoring 19 points (6-11 FG, 6-6 FT) with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 3-pointer and 1 steal with a team-high +36 in 30 minutes off the bench. Johnson is inconsistent, but he's still the closest thing talent-wise that the Pistons have to a third option right now behind Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond.
The Pacers got a solid game from star Victor Oladipo but a klunker from Turner on Wednesday night. They did get a trifecta of strong efforts elsewhere, though, with Bojan Bogdanovic turning in 26 points (10-17 FG, 1-1 FT) with 5 3-pointers, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block; Lance Stephenson pitching in 18 points (7-14 FG, 3-4 FT) with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 3-pointer in 30 minutes off the bench; and Domantas Sabonis notching 14 points (4-7 FG, 6-8 FT), 12 rebounds and 3 assists in 34 minutes, also off the bench.
Anthony Davis is dominating the headlines right now for the New Orleans Pelicans -- and for good reason -- but he got good support from his perimeter guys on Wednesday. Jrue Holiday scored 25 points (11-18 FG, 1-3 FT) with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 3-pointers and 1 steal to lead the crew. Rajon Rondo had one of his good games with 13 points, 12 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 3-pointer and 1 steal. E'Twaun Moore rounded out the solid backup with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 3-pointer.
Rudy Gay stepped it up in his third game back from his 23-game absence due to a heel injury. He scored 19 points with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 2 3-pointers and 1 steal in 24 minutes off the bench to lead the way for the San Antonio Spurs in a game where LaMarcus Aldridge went down with an ankle injury.
Injuries of note
Aldridge sprained his right ankle in the first half of Wednesday's game, and didn't return. The severity of the injury is unknown, so he should be considered questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Given the Spurs' tendency towards caution I am not expecting him to play, but keep an eye out for official reports. Pau Gasol also sat out Wednesday with a sore knee, and he is also questionable for Saturday.
The Greek Freak was poked in eye in the fourth quarter last night and had to go back to the locker room. The exact injury, and its severity, are still unknown, so consider Antetokounmpo questionable to play in Milwaukee's next game until more information is released.
TJ Warren was unable to play on Wednesday with a bruised tail bone, and he should be considered day-to-day going forward. His absence allowed Josh Jackson to have a huge game in his place.
Analytics advantage for Thursday
The starting lineup for the Nets had an average age of 26.2 years in their last game. If 23-year old Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is able to return to the starting lineup soon, he could lower that number even more, especially if he replaces 31-year old DeMarre Carroll. Meanwhile, in their last game, while the Kings did start 36 year-old Zach Randolph, they put him out there with 25 year-old Bogdan Bogdanovic, 24 year-old Willie Cauley-Stein, 22 year-old Justin Jackson and 20 year-old De'Aaron Fox -- with 24 year-old Buddy Hield and 21 year-old Skal Labissiere as the first two players off the bench.
This just has the feel of a game when the young players should get to control the action. Both the Nets and Kings are headed deep into the lottery and, like the Chicago Bulls, have no real impetus to play 30-something players. While Randolph and/or Carroll could still start and be productive, this is a game where I'd look to the youngsters to find streamers and to take risks on unexpected production.
Top players to watch tonight
LeBron James faces off with one of the younger models on Thursday -- Ben Simmons. Simmons is following in the oversized-PF category established by James that also includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, and it's always interesting watching two generations of this style of play go heads up.
Dwyane Wade had an unlikely throwback game, including 27 points and the game-winning jumper, in his last outing against the Philadelphia 76ers. Can he replicate that against ex-teammate Isaiah Thomas and the Lakers on Thursday? To that effect, will Thomas try to show his former teammate what he can do now that he, too, is in a "looser" environment?
