The Memphis Grizzlies cruised to a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Memphis has now won three straight games, but the real story here in terms of fantasy basketball is how well the Thunder's productive young center Moses Brown played in the loss.
Brown pulled down a dozen rebounds to go along with 19 points. He has now averaged 12.6 rebounds over the last five games. We have recently learned that Brown could put up big numbers as a starter, but it was telling that he was able to play nearly 31 minutes off the bench last night while starter Al Horford struggled for much of the contest.
Given how shallow the center position seems to be beyond the handful of big names at the top of the list, and considering how productive Brown has been for more than a week now, it's time to roster him in all but the most shallow of fantasy formats.
Wednesday recap
Highlights
Caris LeVert, Indiana Pacers: 28 points (10-19 FG), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic: 27 points (11-19 FG), 14 rebounds, 4 assists
Lowlights
Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns: 5 points (2-9 FG), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 TO
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers: 0 points (0-4 FG), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks
Wednesday takeaways
The Detroit Pistons are trading guard Delon Wright to the Sacramento Kings for guard Cory Joseph and two second-round picks. The fantasy fallout is mostly murky, as Wright won't see the ball enough as Sacramento's third or fourth backcourt option. In Motown, meanwhile, this might mean more work for Saben Lee going forward. Joseph isn't a very exciting fantasy prospect.
The Hornets secured their third win of the season of at least 25 points, two of which have come against the reeling Rockets. Charlotte's Devonte' Graham sank a season-high six 3-pointers and is likely going to enjoy a strong statistical finish with LaMelo Ball sidelined. Sixth man Malik Monk scored 19 points in 24 minutes and could be a steady source of offense for those in deeper fantasy formats.
Cleveland's Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers in both points and assists with backcourt peer Collin Sexton sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Versatile big man Larry Nance Jr. was also productive in the win over the Bulls with five dimes and 14 boards. Nance could finish the season strong as the team's most trusted frontcourt playmaker.
Dallas has leaned on Jalen Brunson to carry the second unit and, in most cases, the Villanova product has responded well. Last night, Brunson scored 16 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five assists off the pine, becoming the first Mavericks player with at least 15-10-5 in a game off the bench since Vince Carter in 2013.
LeVert set a new high in scoring with the Pacers and is beginning to find his touch after a slow start to his Indiana career (14.8 PPG over his first six games). After a scary interruption to his season, it's great to see LeVert back on track.
Injuries of note
Miami's Goran Dragic is questionable to play against the Trail Blazers tonight due to lower back spasms.
Washington's Davis Bertans won't play against the Knicks this evening due to a calf strain. Forward Rui Hachimura should play a large role for the Wizards.
Analytics advantage for Thursday
Stephen Curry will miss yet another game for the Warriors due to a lingering tailbone injury. With Curry off the floor this season, second-year guard Jordan Poole has a usage rate of 25.3% and 24.1 points-per-36 minutes. Available in free agency in roughly 70% of ESPN leagues, Poole is a solid streaming option tonight.
Top players to watch on Thursday
Seth Curry and Danny Green are both listed as questionable to play for the 76ers against the Lakers tonight. Sixth man Shake Milton becomes an intriguing scoring option if either man can't go, especially against a depleted Lakers rotation.
