The Phoenix Suns: A Puzzle Outside of Booker and Durant
Outside of the standout performances by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, managing the Phoenix Suns in fantasy basketball has been a relentless headache this season. Even after Bradley Beal was reinserted into the starting lineup, finding consistent value among the lower-rostered players remained a daunting task. Bol Bol, who showed promise by scoring in double figures in four straight games before the All-Star break, was subsequently limited to no more than 13 minutes in any of Phoenix’s first three post-break games, coming off the bench each time. This inconsistency made it nearly impossible to justify holding onto Bol, especially when opportunities for significant playing time seemed scarce. However, with a sudden turn of events on Tuesday, Bol was once again placed in the starting lineup for the Suns’ game against Memphis. In a thrilling overtime victory for the Grizzlies, Bol delivered a stellar performance, racking up 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and two three-pointers in 32 minutes. Despite his plus/minus (minus-12) being less than ideal, this individual brilliance is a strong indicator that Bol should be rostered as long as he continues to start. The Suns, still grappling with their lineup and searching for consistent answers, may give Bol another shot when they host the Pelicans on Thursday and Friday. Here’s a closer look at some of the top pickups from Tuesday:
Payton Pritchard: Capitalizing on Celtics’ Injuries
The Boston Celtics were hit hard by injuries on Tuesday, with Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis all sidelined. Adding to the uncertainty, Jaylen Brown suffered a bone bruise in his left leg and may be unavailable for Wednesday’s game against Detroit. This string of injuries opens up significant opportunities for players like Payton Pritchard. Against the Raptors in Toronto, Pritchard stepped up admirably, logging 35 minutes off the bench and contributing 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and four three-pointers. His versatility and solid performance make him a valuable pickup, especially given the likelihood of continued minutes due to the Celtics’ current lineup challenges. Sam Hauser, another player to watch, also had a decent outing with 10 points, five rebounds, and two three-pointers. Although Hauser’s role may shift to the bench if Porzingis returns, his recent performance suggests he could still be a useful addition in deeper leagues.
Santi Aldama: Consistent Production for the Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama has been a reliable option for fantasy managers all season, consistently delivering top-100 value in nine-category formats. In Tuesday’s high-scoring 151-148 victory over the Suns, Aldama played 32 minutes off the bench, amassing 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and five three-pointers. His efficient shooting (6-of-9 from the field) and well-rounded stat line are a testament to his growing role and impact on the team. Over the past three weeks, Aldama has been a top-60 player in nine-cat formats, making him a must-roster player in leagues where he is still available. His bench role hasn’t hindered his production, and he continues to be a strong option for managers seeking consistent and solid contributions.
Max Christie: Patiently Navigating the Mavericks’ Injuries
Max Christie’s return to the Dallas Mavericks starting lineup on Tuesday, replacing Dante Exum for the matchup against the Lakers, was notable. Despite a less-than-stellar shooting performance (4-of-13 from the field), Christie still managed to put up 10 points, one rebound, six assists, one block, and two three-pointers in 37 minutes. This significant playing time is a positive sign, especially considering his strong showing in his first seven games after the trade. In those games, Christie averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.4 three-pointers while shooting nearly 52 percent from the field and 84 percent from the foul line. While his recent two-game mini-slump is concerning, his overall productivity and the Mavericks’ injury woes suggest that patience with Christie could pay off in the long run.
Ty Jerome: A Steady Sixth Man for the Cavaliers
Ty Jerome may not be a household name in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation, but he has been a consistent contributor off the bench for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. On Tuesday, Jerome notched his ninth 20-point game of the season, finishing with 20 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four three-pointers in a 40-point win over the Magic. His efficiency (7-of-12 from the field) and regular minutes (averaging 21.1 per game over the past three weeks) make him a solid pickup for fantasy managers. Jerome has provided top-100 value in nine-category formats, and his ability to fill in gaps due to injuries makes him a reliable and valuable bench player.
Bismack Biyombo: A Rebounding Option for the Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have struggled with depth issues following Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending injury. However, Bismack Biyombo has quietly stepped up, recording his second consecutive double-double on Tuesday. In the Spurs’ loss to the Pelicans, Biyombo contributed 10 points, 12 rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes. While he isn’t a must-add player, his recent production suggests that managers in need of rebounds and occasional scoring may find him useful before his second 10-day contract expires. Biyombo’s consistency in his minutes and stat lines should be considered when making roster decisions, especially in deeper leagues where finding reliable options can be a challenge.
Strategic Additions and Lineup Considerations
In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of fantasy basketball, lineup changes and injuries can create both opportunities and headaches. Bol Bol’s resurgence in the Suns’ starting lineup, Payton Pritchard’s increased minutes due to Celtics’ injuries, Santi Aldama’s consistent production off the bench, Max Christie’s potential breakout with the Mavericks, and Ty Jerome’s reliability as a sixth man for the Cavaliers all present viable options for managers looking to bolster their rosters. Additionally, Bismack Biyombo’s recent double-doubles make him a useful pickup for those in need of rebounds. As the season progresses, staying informed about these players’ roles and performance can be the key to navigating the fantasy landscape successfully.
