This appears to be the season of the triple-double. There were six triple-doubles on Wednesday, the most on a single day in NBA history. The previous record of five was set just last Saturday. After six more on Wednesday, there have been 89 already this season, the fifth most in a season all-time. The record is 127 in 2018-19.
It's become clear that James Harden has put himself in both the real and fantasy MVP discussions while carrying his team's offense the last month. In the Brooklyn Nets' win over the Indiana Pacers, there were dueling triple-doubles. Harden had 40 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists for his 16th career 40-point triple-double, the second most in NBA history (Oscar Robertson has 22). It was also his third career game with 40 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists, good for the second most in NBA history, behind only Oscar Robertson's four such performances.
In a losing effort, Domantas Sabonis had 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his sixth triple-double of the season, the most in a season in Pacers history (passed Lance Stephenson, who had five in 2013-14).
In the Denver Nuggets' victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Nikola Jokic had 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his sixth career triple-double on 75% shooting, passing Magic Johnson for the second most in NBA history (Wilt Chamberlain had 18). It was also his 228th career double-double, passing Dikembe Mutombo for the most in Nuggets history.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons, and the Washington Wizards' Russell Westbrook also tallied triple-doubles to round out last night's momentous achievement.
Wednesday recap
Highlights
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: 42 points (16-28 FG), 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
Norman Powell, Toronto Raptors: 43 points (14-18 FG), 3 rebounds, 0 assists
Lowlights
Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors: 13 points (3-11 FG), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 TO
Daniel Theis, Boston Celtics: 0 points (0-1 FG), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 TO
Wednesday takeaways
The Detroit Pistons earned a rare win last night, thanks in part to an efficient scoring effort from rookie Saddiq Bey. The Villanova product has been a starter for the Pistons since Blake Griffin left the lineup and last night scored 28 points on just 14 shots in downing the Raptors. The game marked Bey's second game this season with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, while no other rookie has done that once this season. Bey also became the first Pistons rookie with multiple 25-point, 10-rebound games in a season since Grant Hill in 1994-95. Rostered in roughly 11% of ESPN leagues, Bey is a solid scoring and shooting specialist, ideal for category and rotisserie formats.
The Sixers missed MVP candidate Joel Embiid from the lineup last night. Dormant offensive stretches and a lack of free throw creation were key elements in their loss to the Bucks, but backup center Dwight Howard did at least turn in a strong statistical performance for fantasy investors to consider. Tony Bradley has been getting the starts at center with Embiid sidelined, but Howard has been the most productive big in recent outings. Just last night, Howard pulled 15 rebounds and scored 13 points in a solid showing.
Another center to target off the waiver wire is San Antonio's Jakob Poeltl, as he became the first Spurs player since Tim Duncan in 2010 with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds on 80% shooting from the field in a single game. With the league's sixth-best block rate, Poeltl has become a relevant fantasy option.
The theme of productive and widely available centers continues, as Boston's Robert Williams III posted 13 points and 14 rebounds with a stellar four blocks in last night's loss to the Pistons. Clearly rising above Theis in recent games, Williams might just be my favorite free-agent target at the position.
Houston lost a record 18th consecutive game, but at least Christian Wood looked really good in his return from a six-week injury absence. The Most Improved Player candidate scored 21 points in 26 minutes and could be a league-winning option down the stretch.
Injuries of note
Stephen Curry of the Warriors left last night's win over the reeling Rockets due to a tailbone contusion. Jordan Poole could become relevant in deeper leagues if Curry misses any time.
Westbrook isn't available for the Wizards tonight due to load management. With Westbrook of the floor this season, Rui Hachimura has seen a sizable jump in usage and fantasy production.
With D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jordan McLaughlin unavailable for the Timberwolves, Jaylen Nowell is a solid streaming option to target for tonight's six-game slate.
Atlanta's Cam Reddish and De'Andre Hunter are sidelined for tonight's matchup against Oklahoma City, which leads to another strong setup for scoring forward Danilo Gallinari.
Analytics advantage for Thursday
Utah will be without All-Star guard Mike Conley due to a hamstring injury. When Conley is off the floor, Joe Ingles averages 16.4 points and 5.9 assists per 36 minutes with a strong assist percentage (an estimate of the made field goals he assists while on the floor) of 23.3%.
Top player to watch on Thursday
Austin Rivers, Derrick Rose, and Elfrid Payton all appear unlikely to play for the Knicks tonight. Immanuel Quickley could earn a third-straight start for New York. This evening's matchup is particularly friendly for Quickley, as the Orlando Magic have allowed 52.4 DraftKings points per game to point guards this season, third most in the league.
