Derrick White has emerged as a statistical star for the San Antonio Spurs. On Monday, White led the Spurs to a victory over the Pacers with a team-high 25 points and the game's best net rating. White has played so well the past month that he ranks just a few spots ahead of fellow Lone Star State playmaker Luka Doncic on the Player Rater during the past 30 days.
The performance marked the third time this season White has tallied at least 25 points without turning the ball over in a road game, tied for the most in the NBA. For the past month, White has averaged 17 points and strong peripheral numbers, such as 1.6 combined blocks and steals and 2.8 3-pointers per game. For his career, White claims an atypically high block rate for a guard that is reminiscent of Dwyane Wade's legendary penchant for rim protection.
I was high on White coming into the season, but a lingering toe injury for the first few months limited him to a slow start. Finally coming into his own as a statistical force for a quietly competitive San Antonio team, White could be a difference-maker down the stretch.
Monday recap
Highlights
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: 49 points (14-28 FG, 10-17 3PT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 47 points (20-31 FG), 15 rebounds, 8 assists
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: 36 points (13-24 FG), 8 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals
Lowlights
Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 points (2-4 FG), 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 TO
Shake Milton, Philadelphia 76ers: 5 points (1-7 FG), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 TO
Monday takeaways
It wasn't just Morant putting in work for Memphis last night, as Grayson Allen scored 24 points in the loss. During his plast four games, all starts, Allen has averaged 21 PPG while sinking 4.8 3-pointers per game. You can still find Allen in free agency in well over 80% of ESPN leagues.
In helping the Suns mount a nine-point comeback in the fourth quarter, Chris Paul produced his fifth 20-point, 10-assist game of the season and moved past Magic Johnson on the all-time career assist list. It's remarkable how productive Paul has been in his 16th professional season.
It was a strong night for Detroit's rookie class. The Pistons' Isaiah Stewart was brilliant against Cleveland's Allen in the post last night, as the bruising rookie pulled down a game-high 16 boards and, most valuably for fantasy investors, delivered six combined steals and blocks in the victory. This marked Stewart's second game this season with at least 15 points and 15 rebounds, while no other rookie has even one such game this season. Whenever Mason Plumlee sits, Stewart makes for a solid streaming option.
Fellow Motown rookie Saddiq Bey scored 20 points last night and sank six 3-pointers, marking his ninth game this season with at least five 3-pointers, tied for the most such games by a rookie in a season in NBA history (Stephen Curry in 2009-10, Allen Iverson in 1996-97).
With Donovan Mitchell ailing, Utah has empowered Joe Ingles as a point forward the past two games. The Aussie forward has responded with 20.5 points and 9.5 dimes per game during in two games against the Lakers. Ingles is still a free agent in roughly 30% of ESPN leagues.
Injuries of note
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is out indefinitely due to a partial tear of his plantar plate in the big toe of his right foot. Goga Bitadze figures to start in Turner's place.
Orlando won't have veteran point guard Michael Carter-Williams in the lineup this evening, aiding Cole Anthony's fantasy stock for a meeting with the Hawks.
Damian Lillard won't play for the Trail Blazers tonight due to a hamstring ailment.
The Nets won't have Kevin Durant or James Harden for tonight's tilt with the Pelicans in New Orleans.
Analytics advantage for Tuesday
Sacramento's Richaun Holmes is battling a hamstring injury and won't be available for the Kings against the Timberwolves tonight. Holmes' absence sets up Hassan Whiteside with real value given he's averaged 19.9 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per 36 minutes with Holmes off the floor this season. Whiteside, who is a free agent in around 60% of leagues, could feast on a Minnesota team that ranks 27th in rebounding percentage.
Top player to watch on Tuesday
While Whiteside could enjoy a nice game as a streaming option, building daily fantasy rosters around Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns could prove rewarding. The Kings are pacing for the worst defensive rating in league history and have ceded the fifth-most DraftKings points per game to centers on the season.
