Luka Dončić’s Triple-Double Night Against the Dallas Mavericks
The night was electric as Luka Dončić delivered another standout performance, this time against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. Playing alongside the Los Angeles Lakers, Dončić recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. His all-around brilliance was on full display, particularly with the crowd chanting "Thank You, Nico" towards Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Dončić’s signature no-look pass to Austin Reaves was a highlight that showcased his playmaking skills. Despite this memorable night, Luka’s shooting has dipped to 38% from the field since joining the Lakers, a significant drop from his time in Dallas where he averaged around 44%. However, there’s no need for worry; fantasy managers should continue to hold onto him as his shooting percentage is likely to improve. Reaves, who has emerged as a steady third option, also shone with 20 points, 5 assists, and 3 three-pointers, cementing his value across all fantasy formats. It’s worth noting that Reaves’ role could change as the season progresses, but for now, he’s a reliable asset.
LeBron James: A Timeless Force
LeBron James continues to defy the odds and roll back the clock. In the 107-99 victory over the Mavericks, he racked up 27 points and 12 rebounds with his usual effortless ability to take over the game. LeBron’s durability and consistency make him an indispensable asset in any fantasy lineup. Even at this stage of his career, he can still dominate on both ends of the floor, providing a reliable source of points, rebounds, and assists. Fantasy managers should take notice of his steady performance and consider him a top-tier option, especially in deeper leagues. His impact on the Lakers’ performance and his individual statistics ensure that he remains a cornerstone player for any fantasy roster.
The Dallas Mavericks’ Struggles and Kyrie Irving’s Steadfast Performance
On the other side of the court, the Dallas Mavericks faced a tough night. Kyrie Irving shouldered the bulk of the scoring load, posting 35 points and making five three-pointers. However, the team’s lack of consistent scoring support, aside from Klay Thompson, remains a significant issue. Fantasy players in deeper leagues should hold onto Max Christie and PJ Washington despite their combined 4-for-22 shooting performance on Tuesday. The Mavs need to find a way to distribute the ball more effectively, and until they do, players like Irving and Thompson will continue to be the primary sources of fantasy production. Christie and Washington have shown potential in the past, and their roles could expand if the team continues to struggle.
Ty Jerome: The Efficient Fill-In for Cleveland
Ty Jerome has been a hidden gem for the Cleveland Cavaliers, filling in admirably for the injured Darius Garland. On Tuesday, Jerome put up an impressive 20 points, hitting 4 threes, and adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists. His shooting efficiency, particularly his 59% field goal percentage over the past three games, makes him a valuable hold in all 12-team leagues. Jerome’s ability to blend playmaking with scoring ensures that he remains a useful player until Garland returns. Even then, his recent performances suggest he could continue to have a role in the rotation, making him a player worth keeping an eye on for the rest of the season.
Jimmy Butler’s Impact on the Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler’s arrival has had a profound impact on the Golden State Warriors, not just for Steph Curry but for Draymond Green’s fantasy stock as well. Draymond’s numbers have improved significantly since Butler joined the team, with his shooting percentages jumping from 42% field goals and 59.5% free throws to 48% field goals and 85% free throws. His recent resurgence on both ends of the court has made him a top-40 player over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should thank Butler for raising the floor for everyone in Golden State. Draymond’s contributions in rebounds, assists, and blocks make him a must-own player, and Butler’s presence only enhances his value.
The Orlando Magic: A Frustrating Puzzle
The Orlando Magic remain a frustrating enigma for fantasy managers. Outside of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, the team has struggled to produce consistent fantasy players. Cole Anthony, who had a brief stint of fantasy relevance, hyperextended his knee and left the game early on Tuesday. No other Magic player, besides Wagner and Banchero, scored in double figures against the Cavaliers, a testament to the team’s offensive woes. The Magic’s elite defense contributed to the low scoring, but over the past 30 days, only Wagner (ranked 74) and Anthony (ranked 111) have made it into the top 150 in fantasy leagues. Wendell Carter’s low-end double-double potential is worth holding onto, but Goga Bitadze should be dropped without hesitation. The Magic’s current scoring issues make holding onto other players a risky proposition.
Bol Bol: A Fresh Opportunity
It’s time to give Bol Bol another chance. The Phoenix Suns are running out of options, and when Bol gets 20+ minutes, he becomes a fantasy dynamo. His recent performance, particularly in an overtime thriller where he scored 23 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots, earning 39 fantasy points in 31 minutes, highlights his significant upside. Although he logged a team-low plus/minus (-12), his starting role over Royce O’Neale in this game is a positive sign. Fantasy managers should consider adding Bol if they need a boost in blocks and scoring. He’s currently available in 86% of Yahoo leagues, making him a valuable waiver wire pickup.
Ja Morant: Addressing the Shooting Woes
Ja Morant is experiencing a tough offensive patch since the All-Star break, shooting just 35% from the field and a dismal 15% from three-point range. His True Shooting Percentage (TS%) of 47.5% is a cause for concern. Despite these shooting struggles, Morant played hero on Tuesday, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter and hitting a game-tying shot at the buzzer to force overtime. The Grizzlies secured a 151-148 victory, with Morant leading the way with 29 points. However, his inefficiency is becoming a trend, and fantasy managers should be wary. While he continues to contribute in other areas like points, assists, rebounds, and steals, his shooting percentage is eroding his value in category leagues. Morant’s position at 160th over the past 30 days in 9-cat leagues and his injury history suggest that he might be a player to move ahead of the fantasy trade deadline. A quick note: Jaylen Wells, one of the most unheralded rookies of the 2025 class, scored seven critical points in overtime, showing potential for a bigger role in the future.
