Unexpected Opportunities for Kevin Huerter and Zach Collins
In a quirky twist of fate, Kevin Huerter found himself in an unexpected starting lineup for the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, thanks to Coby White’s bizarre finger injury. This was Huerter’s first start as a Bull, but it was the combination of other circumstances that truly shone a spotlight on his performance. Lonzo Ball’s early exit due to a head laceration allowed Huerter to log 34 minutes of play, during which he contributed a significant 23 points and seven three-pointers. While his initial games with Chicago were less than stellar, Huerter has shown marked improvement, especially in the three games since the All-Star break, where he has hit 14 three-pointers. Zach Collins, another Bulls player, also stepped up in their resounding victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Starting at center due to the absence of Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith, Collins contributed 19 points and five rebounds in 28 minutes. Despite Chicago’s efforts to improve their lottery odds, they are likely facing the 10th seed in the East and another appearance in the Play-In Tournament. However, with Vucevic, Ball, and Ayo Dosunmu managing injuries, both Huerter and Collins could see increased playing time and contribute significantly in the near future.
Andre Drummond: A Reliable Option in the Frontcourt
With the recent reports suggesting that Joel Embiid might be shut down for the season, managers in fantasy leagues can prepare by picking up Andre Drummond, who is currently rostered in only 8% of Yahoo! leagues. While there’s no immediate reason to drop Embiid, adding Drummond can provide a safety net. Guerschon Yabusele, who has been starting in Embiid’s absence, exited early on Monday due to a corneal abrasion, leaving his status for Wednesday’s game uncertain. Drummond played just 14 minutes on Monday, contributing 10 points and eight rebounds. However, if Embiid remains out, Drummond should see a more consistent role, potentially starting in New York on Wednesday. His presence in the frontcourt can provide a reliable source of points and rebounds, making him a valuable addition to any roster.
Kris Dunn: A Defensive Dynamo for the Clippers
Kris Dunn has been a standout player for the Los Angeles Clippers over the past five games, and his recent performance has made him a must-consider option for fantasy managers. Currently rostered in only 10% of Yahoo! leagues, Dunn has averaged eight points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and an impressive four steals per game. He had another five-steal game on Monday, showcasing his defensive prowess. While Dunn doesn’t offer much in other categories, his ability to generate steals is unmatched, making him a valuable asset in deep leagues. His consistent performance and defensive impact make him a strong candidate for any manager looking to bolster their team’s defensive stats.
Ziaire Williams: Consistency and Value for the Nets
Ziaire Williams has been a consistent starter for the Brooklyn Nets throughout the season, and his contributions have made him a reliable option in fantasy leagues. Currently rostered in 6% of Yahoo! leagues, Williams hit a season-high five three-pointers on Monday and added three steals and five rebounds. With the "silly season" approaching, Williams remains a great value pick for both current and future needs. His ability to contribute in multiple categories, including scoring and defense, makes him a versatile player who can fit into various team strategies. Managers should consider adding Williams to their rosters to take advantage of his consistent performance and potential for future growth.
Killian Hayes: A Solid Source of Assists for the Nets
Killian Hayes has been a pleasant surprise for the Brooklyn Nets, starting at point guard in the last two games and providing a steady source of assists. Currently rostered in only 1% of Yahoo! leagues, Hayes has averaged 14 assists over the past two games, with just four total turnovers. While he may not be a long-term option, his recent performance has made him a valuable target in deep leagues. His ability to distribute the ball without turning it over frequently makes him an attractive pick for managers looking to bolster their assist totals. Hayes’s consistent play and recent contributions make him a worthy addition to any roster in need of a reliable playmaker.
Emerging Talent: Kyshawn George, Richaun Holmes, and Kyle Filipowski
Several other players have shown promise and could be valuable additions to fantasy rosters. Kyshawn George, a rookie for the Washington Wizards, had a standout performance on Monday, contributing 12 points, three rebounds, five assists, three steals, three blocks, and two three-pointers. He has been a permanent starter for the past month and should continue in that role for the rest of the season. Despite his low shooting percentage, George’s ability to produce in multiple categories makes him a valuable target in deeper leagues.
Richaun Holmes has started the last two games at center for the Washington Wizards, with Alexandre Sarr sidelined due to an ankle injury. Holmes has averaged 11.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks in his six starts this season. If Sarr remains out against Portland on Wednesday, Holmes should continue to start and provide value.
Kyle Filipowski, a rookie for the Utah Jazz, started at center on Monday in the absence of several key players. He recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block, and four three-pointers. With Utah likely to increase their chances of drafting Cooper Flagg, managers can expect more starts from Filipowski down the stretch of the season, making him a valuable addition for those in deeper leagues.
Terrence Shannon Jr.: A Rookie to Watch
Terrence Shannon Jr., a rookie for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is another player worth considering in deeper leagues. Currently rostered in less than 1% of Yahoo! leagues, Shannon has been seeing increased playing time, averaging 23.2 minutes per game over the Timberwolves’ last five games. He has averaged 10.8 points, five rebounds, and 2.4 assists during this period. His best performance came on Monday, where he recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds, one steal, and two blocks in 29 minutes. While he may not be a long-term option, his recent play and potential for future growth make him a solid pick for managers looking to add depth to their rosters.
