In the wake of a busy NBA trade deadline, fantasy managers are beginning to learn how new-look rosters, rotations and roles around the NBA might unfold.
With the Washington Wizards dealing Spencer Dinwiddie to Dallas for an injured Kristaps Porzingis, we got our first look at the stripped-down Wizards in a close win over the reeling Brooklyn Nets last night.
Washington's Kyle Kuzma stepped up with his first career triple-double, while Raul Neto started and tallied 21 points and six dimes. Kuzma is already posting the best rebounding and defensive rates of his career, but could now add passing creation to the list on a roster extremely light on playmaking.
With so many transactions transpiring on Thursday, it's helpful for managers to read our breakdown of the fantasy implications of a busy deadline. NBA analysts André Snellings and Eric Moody canvas the league to analyze all the significant moves and detail the players most impacted.
Thursday recap
Highlights
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: 51 points (17-26 FG), 9 rebounds, 6 assists
Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors: 42 points (15-26 FG), 1 rebound, 4 assists, 5 steals
Lowlights
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies: 12 points (2-9 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 TO
Thursday takeaways
• The Nets have now lost 10 straight, the team's longest skid since 2017, but netted another big game from Cam Thomas. The rookie wing produced 27 points in the loss to Washington and has now scored at least 20 points in three straight games, the longest streak by a Nets rookie since Keith Van Horn did it in nine straight games in April 1998. Even when the team gets Ben Simmons and Seth Curry in the fold, it's likely Brooklyn will continue to need Thomas to produce from the perimeter.
• Luka Doncic opened last night's win over the Clippers in NBA Jam mode, sinking seven 3-pointers on his way to tying Los Angeles at 28 points apiece in the first quarter. The 51 points a new career best for Doncic and the second most in team history. Even as it was the Doncic show, I remain intrigued by Jalen Brunson's fantasy stock the rest of the way, as he started and played 37 minutes in an important complementary role.
• CJ McCollum made his debut with the Pelicans and lofted a team-high 21 shots from the floor. McCollum led the team in passes made and assists, suggesting his role in New Orleans could be quite a boon to his fantasy output.
• With Draymond Green still ailing, Golden State's rookie forward Jonathan Kuminga tallied 17 points in a loss to the Knicks. Kuminga has averaged 16.4 points and 4.2 boards during his last five games, supporting relevance in deeper leagues.
Injuries of note
• The Pacers list Malcolm Brogdon as questionable due to a sore Achilles. Tyrese Haliburton will debut for the Pacers and should consume plenty of possessions as the team's top playmaker this evening.
• Rudy Gobert has been upgraded to questionable for tonight's game against the Magic. If Gobert doesn't go, it's worth noting Hassan Whiteside posted a massive line in the team's last game.
Analytics advantage for Friday
Gordon Hayward will miss another game for the Charlotte Hornets due to an ankle injury. With Hayward off the floor, the team is likely to lean on 3-and-D wing Kelly Oubre Jr. for a significant role against the Pistons.
With Hayward off the court this season, Oubre has attempted a team-high 10.6 3-pointers per 36 minutes. With a nice blend of defensive rates and a uniquely high scoring peak given shot distribution, Oubre is an ideal building block at just $5,900 on DraftKings.
DFS discussion
Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons: During the last seven games, Stewart ranks fifth in the entire NBA with 20.3 rebounding chances per game. Facing a Charlotte team that ranks 29th in rebounding percentage, Stewart is in a nice spot to produce.
Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs: With Derrick White dealt and Josh Richardson not yet part of the rotation, Vassell could flirt with 30 minutes of run against an Atlanta team that has allowed the 10th-most DraftKings points per game to small forwards this season.
