Historic Night for Boston Celtics: Pritchard and White Make NBA History
Given the storied history of the Boston Celtics franchise, it’s not often that a player achieves something unprecedented, let alone two players. On Wednesday, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White combined for one of the most remarkable performances in Celtics history. Both players surpassed the 40-point mark, becoming the first teammates in Celtics history to do so in a single game. They also made NBA history by being the first teammates to record their first 40-point games on the same night, with Pritchard and White combining to hit 19 three-pointers, a league record. While White’s impressive stat line (41 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 9 three-pointers) is already recognized by 98 percent of Yahoo leagues, Pritchard, currently rostered in just 49 percent of leagues, delivered a jaw-dropping performance. Shooting 14-of-20 from the field, Pritchard tallied 43 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 10 three-pointers (on 16 attempts) in 43 minutes. The absence of Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis opened up significant minutes and scoring opportunities, which Pritchard seized with both hands. With the Celtics trailing Cleveland by eight games with only 20 left to play, and the focus likely shifting to ensuring the team’s stars are healthy for the postseason, there could be more nights like this for Pritchard, potentially pushing fantasy managers to the winner’s circle.
Shaedon Sharpe Shines in Boston
SG/SF Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers also had a standout night in Boston, contributing 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 three-pointers in 40 minutes. While his assists and defensive production have been limited on most nights, Sharpe is positioned to have increased value during the fantasy playoffs. The injuries to Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija’s reinjury during the first half of Wednesday’s game further solidify his role. Sharpe’s ability to score and hit from beyond the arc makes him a valuable addition to your fantasy roster, especially in deeper leagues where finding reliable scoring options can be challenging.
Alexandre Sarr Shows Promise in Washington
PF/C Alexandre Sarr of the Washington Wizards delivered a standout performance in the team’s three-point thriller against the Utah Jazz. Sarr was efficient, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and only committing one turnover. As the second overall pick in last summer’s draft, Sarr finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 2 three-pointers. While such nights are not the norm for Sarr, he has been a consistent starter and is expected to retain his role for the rest of the season, provided he stays healthy. His versatility and recent performance make him a worthwhile pickup in deeper leagues, particularly if you need a power forward or center.
Dennis Schroder Provides Backup Value in Detroit
PG/SG Dennis Schroder of the Detroit Pistons may be a reliable backup option for fantasy managers. Over the past week, he has provided 11th-round value in nine-category formats, which, while not elite, can be helpful in deep leagues where a dependable backup point guard is needed. In Wednesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Schroder finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 three-pointers. This was only his second double-digit scoring effort since joining the Pistons, so proceed with caution. However, Schroder’s potential to provide consistent minutes and occasional standout performances makes him a player to consider, especially if your league has a deeper bench.
Aaron Wiggins Elevates His Game in Oklahoma City
SG/SF Aaron Wiggins of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a top 100 player in nine-category formats since the All-Star break and close to a top 50 player since February 1. In Wednesday’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Wiggins logged 30 minutes and finished with 16 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 three-pointers. Cason Wallace may have been the initial choice to replace the injured Chet Holmgren in the starting lineup, but Wiggins’ higher offensive ceiling and recent performance make him a valuable pickup. His ability to contribute in multiple categories, particularly scoring and three-point shooting, can be a significant boost to your fantasy team.
Emerging Talent in Utah and Washington
PF/C Kyle Filipowski of the Utah Jazz and SF/PF Kyshawn George of the Washington Wizards both had notable performances on Wednesday, making them attractive pickups in deeper leagues. Filipowski, who started in place of injured veterans, finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 three-pointer in the Jazz’s loss to the Wizards. His presence and consistent minutes make him a player to watch, especially as the Jazz play four games in Weeks 19 and 20. Other Jazz players like Isaiah Collier (36 percent), Brice Sensabaugh (7 percent), and Johnny Juzang (less than 1 percent) are also worth a look, given the team’s injury report.
George, who has been in Washington’s starting lineup since January 25, had another strong night, recording 23 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 3 three-pointers in 35 minutes. His recent performance has provided eighth-round value in eight-category formats, and he is expected to retain his starting role for the remainder of the season. George’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions makes him a valuable addition to any fantasy roster, particularly in deeper leagues where finding consistent starters can be a challenge.
Other Noteworthy Performances
SG/SF Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks also had a standout performance, tallying 22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 three-pointers in the Mavericks’ 30-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Marshall filled in for the injured PJ Washington and demonstrated his ability to contribute in multiple categories. Despite the loss, his performance solidifies him as a worthwhile pickup, especially if you need a player to fill in for injured starters like Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis.
SG/SF Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings started in place of the injured Malik Monk and, despite scoring just 11 points, logged 39 minutes and finished with a complete stat line of 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 1 three-pointer. Even if Monk returns for Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Ellis will still hold value, as Jonas Valanciunas’ move into the starting lineup for the injured Domantas Sabonis has weakened the Kings’ bench. Another name to keep an eye on is Jake LaRavia (less than 1 percent), who recorded 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 3 three-pointers in 24 minutes during Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets.
Duncan Robinson and Jabari Walker: Reliable Contributions
SG/SF Duncan Robinson of the Miami Heat had a solid night in Cleveland, finishing with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 three-pointers in 29 minutes. His fifth three-pointer of the night was waved off due to stepping out of bounds, but Robinson’s consistent shooting makes him a valuable addition if Andrew Wiggins and Tyler Herro remain out for the Heat’s upcoming back-to-back games against the Timberwolves and Bulls. Robinson’s reliable three-point shooting and ability to contribute in other categories make him a player to consider in deeper leagues.
Finally, SF/PF Jabari Walker of the Portland Trail Blazers outperformed Donovan Clingan in Wednesday’s game, shooting 6-of-6 from three and finishing with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal in 31 minutes. While he is unlikely to maintain such a high shooting percentage, Walker’s ability to score and rebound makes him a player to watch in extremely deep leagues. His recent performance and the team’s injury situation provide a good opportunity to pick him up and see if he can continue to contribute.
