Caris LeVert scored 42 points for the Indiana Pacers on Friday evening and, by Sunday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was a member of ... the Cavaliers. Cleveland not only completed a comeback victory against Indiana on Sunday, they also acquired LeVert from their divisional foes for a protected first-round pick earlier in the day.
A driving element for LeVert's fantasy value this season has been his atypically strong passing production from the wing. Given Cleveland's lack of creation due to Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio both being sidelined for the season, LeVert (who averages 4.0 assists per game for his career) should reasonably continue his current level of production going forward.
Turning to the Pacers, rookie guard Chris Duarte paced the team in both points (22) and minutes (36) and is the clear beneficiary of LeVert's departure. With Indiana missing Malcolm Brogdon due to an Achilles injury for the foreseeable future, even rookie Duane Washington Jr. could help fantasy managers with his blend of scoring and shooting.
Weekend recap
SATURDAY
Highlights
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers: 28 points (13-19 FG), 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 4 blocks
Julius Randle, New York Knicks: 32 points (11-22 FG), 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks
Lowlights
Duncan Robinson, Miami Heat: 3 points (1-9 FG), 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers: 5 points (1-10 FG), 4 rebounds, 6 assists
SUNDAY
Highlights
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls: 45 points (18-30 FG), 9 rebounds, 7 assists
Lowlights
Devonte' Graham, New Orleans Pelicans: 6 points (2-8 FG), 2 rebounds, 3 assists
Weekend takeaways
The Milwaukee Bucks netted 114 points from its starters in a drubbing of the Clippers on Sunday, the most by the team in any road game over the last 25 seasons. While the reigning champs remain real contenders, the key fantasy story here was how the Clippers' rotation looked in the wake of a recent trade with the Trail Blazers. Making their debuts with the Clippers, scoring wing Norman Powell contributed 28 points off the pine in 24 minutes, while defensive stalwart Robert Covington posted a somewhat quiet line. It was encouraging to see Powell's shot fall, but even more encouraging that he paced the team in shots from the floor.
In their deal with the Clippers, Portland acquired Eric Bledsoe and Keon Johnson, a 2021 first-round pick. The main fallout of this move is the sustained value of Anfernee Simons, who remains arguably the most underrated guard in fantasy hoops. For those in deeper leagues, guard CJ Elleby figures to play a sizable role in the rotation going forward.
The Pelicans have reportedly been in the market for another playmaking guard, but until then, it's fun to see Brandon Ingram shine as a distributor. The star wing scored 33 points and delivered a dozen dimes last night in a win over the Rockets, marking his first career game with at least 30 points and 10 assists
Injuries of note
Bradley Beal remains sidelined for the Wizards due to a wrist injury. Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyle Kuzma become stronger DFS and prop targets in Beal's absence.
Analytics advantage for Monday
Utah won't have Rudy Gobert in the lineup this evening due to a lingering calf injury. The absence of this block and board force should result in Hassan Whiteside shining for the Jazz. Even if he's not the starting center for Utah, Whiteside figures to flirt with 25 minutes in a matchup with the Knicks. New York prefers to play with size in the frontcourt. Whiteside, who has averaged 17.4 points and 14.4 rebounds (per 36) with Gobert off the court this season, can deliver as a streaming option.
DFS discussion
Darius Bazley, Oklahoma City Thunder: The absence of Draymond Green for the Warriors helps Bazley's potential to produce in the paint against Golden State. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined yet again tonight, Bazley should see more shots and touches for a depleted Thunder rotation.
Montrezl Harrell, Washington Wizards: A usage rate north of 30% in two of his last three outings drives interest in Harrell in this Monday matchup against Miami.
