The Detroit Pistons netted another big line from second-year forward Saddiq Bey on Thursday evening. Even with leading scorer Jerami Grant back in the fold, Bey kept filling the stat sheet with 21 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Maybe fantasy managers have been hesitant to trust Bey's production with Grant's recent return, but last night suggests the Villanova product can sustain real statistical value even with his veteran peer in the rotation.
After all, Bey is rostered in just 64.3% of ESPN leagues despite averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 3-pointers in 18 games since the start of January.
Thursday recap
Highlights
Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors: 25 points (9-22 FG), 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls: 30 points (13-21 FG), 18 rebounds, 4 assists
Lowlights
Richaun Holmes, Sacramento Kings: 4 points (1-4 FG), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 TO
Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat: 2 points (0-1 FG), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 TO
Thursday takeaways
• The Lakers lost yet again, but Malik Monk was a key positive for the team. The Kentucky product scored 21 points and tallied seven assists and seven boards against the rival Clippers. With LeBron James still sidelined, Monk's offensive creation has been crucial for the Lakers. You can find Monk in nearly 80% of ESPN leagues.
• In downing the Lakers, the Clippers' Marcus Morris Sr. produced a season-high 29 points. The forward has struggled with his shot recently, so this big line is a welcome shift. Reggie Jackson hit the game-winner with just 4 seconds left and produced 25 points and 14 combined assists and rebounds in the win. Tasked as the team's primary creator with Paul George sidelined, Jackson has been quietly valuable in recent weeks.
• Golden State's Klay Thompson sank seven 3-pointers and scored a season-high 23 points in a win over the Kings. This performance marked the first time he's made that many 3-pointers in a game since February 2019.
Injuries of note
• The Cavaliers won't have All-Star Darius Garland in the lineup against the Hornets tonight due to back soreness. Super rookie Evan Mobley has averaged 19.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per 36 minutes with Garland, Ricky Rubio and Collin Sexton off the floor this season (which will be the case this evening).
• Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris might need a second procedure on his left ankle, a decision that will be based on his progress over the next few weeks. It's possible we don't see Harris on the floor again for the Nets this season. LaMarcus Aldridge is also dealing with an ankle injury and won't play this evening for Brooklyn. With Aldridge ailing, Nic Claxton set a career scoring high last time out.
• The Pacers will be without starters Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner this evening.
Analytics advantage for Thursday
Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unlikely to return before the All-Star break due to an ankle injury.
Luguentz Dort has seen an uptick in offensive usage with Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, as the two-way wing has averaged 25 points in his last three games. You can find Dort available in 70% of leagues, while his player prop for combined points, assists and rebounds sits at an achievable 24.5 on DraftKings this evening.
DFS discussion
Maxi Kleber, Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out due to a knee ailment, evidence Kleber should be busy against Joel Embiid and the Sixers tonight. Even with Embiid and Andre Drummond rostered, Philadelphia ranks 27th in rebound percentage, aiding Kleber's upside on the glass.
Terry Taylor, Indiana Pacers: With so many frontcourt players sidelined for the Pacers, Taylor figures to play a large role in the rotation this evening. Taylor just posted a huge line against the Magic and could be a rewarding punt play for DFS purposes.
