Keep an eye out for Houston’s Alperen Sengun during Wednesday night’s game against the Hornets.
The NBA is storming back from a quiet Tuesday with nine games on Wednesday. There are several exciting matchups including the Grizzlies hosting the Cavaliers. The Grizzlies are on a 10-game winning streak, which should make things difficult for a Cavaliers team only going 9-13. To further complicate matters, Donovan Mitchell (groin) is listed as doubtful. In another exciting game, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks take on Trae Young and the Hawks. Let’s discuss some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups and some to avoid.
guards
LaMelo ballCHA at HOU ($41): There may not be much defense being played in this game. The Hornets have conceded 118.9 points per game while the Rockets have conceded 117.5 points per game. However, Ball is already coming into this matchup hot, averaging at least 47.8 Yahoo points in eight of his last 10 games. Don’t expect the Rockets to be able to slow him down.
TJ McConnellIND at OKC ($18): McConnell was great substituting for Tyrese Haliburton (knee) while averaging at least 36.9 Yahoo points in each of the last three games. He shone in a loss to the Bucks on Monday, averaging 56.5 Yahoo points in 32 minutes. Somehow his salary has dropped by a dollar since then. You don’t have to worry about that. McConnell is worth the risk at this salary.
Guard to avoid
Mike Conley Jr., UTA vs. LAC ($19): Conley’s production wasn’t very consistent. He has at least 30.2 Yahoo points four times in his last eight games. However, he scored 21.8 Yahoo points or less in the other four games. McConnell has played much better and has a slightly cheaper salary, so there’s no need to take the risk of Conley putting on one of his better performances.
Forward
Julius RandleNYK vs. WAS ($44): Randle shot just 8-for-19 off the field when the Knicks and Wizards met last week, but he still finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds and a block. He’s been incredibly consistent, averaging at least 43.7 Yahoo points in 13 of his last 14 games. He has a utilization rate of 28.2%, is an excellent rebounder and logs 36 minutes per game which gives him a significant advantage.
Jalen McDanielsCHA at HOU ($17): For those who can’t fit Ball’s expensive salary into their budget, McDaniels is an opportunity to get involved in this matchup at a much lower salary. Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) is out and Gordon Hayward (hamstring) is listed as a possible concern, meaning McDaniels should remain in the starting XI. In the past seven games in the role, he’s averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
Forward to avoid
JohnCollinsATL at DAL ($25): Collins hasn’t exactly made a big impression lately, averaging a modest 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in his last six games. He has attempted fewer than 10 shots in three straight games and may continue to struggle to find scoring chances as the Hawks finally have a healthy roster.
centers
Domantas SabonisSAC at LAL ($45): Sabonis is a difficult matchup for most teams, especially for a Lakers roster currently without Anthony Davis (ankle). He has already played against the Lakers three times this season, averaging 19.7 points, 14.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists. So if you are looking for a center with a high floor, look no further.
Alperen SengunHOU vs CHA ($22): Sengun is coming off one of the best games of his career, recording 33 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and four blocks against the Lakers on Monday. While his playing time was inconsistent earlier in the season, he has averaged 32 minutes over the past six games. Given that he’s averaged 18.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks over that span, he’s certainly made a case for staying in that expanded role.
Center to avoid
Onyeka OkongwuATL at DAL ($24): The Hawks received some reinforcements for their frontcourt Monday when Clint Capela returned after a 10-game absence with a calf injury. He stayed off the bench for 21 minutes, while Okongwu as a starter had just 15.6 Yahoo points. With Capela taking up his playing time, it will be difficult for Okongwu to add value at this salary.
***
Mike started covering fantasy sports in 2007 and joined RotoWire in 2010. In 2018, he was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. In addition to RotoWire, Mike has written for Sportsline, Sports Illustrated, DK Live, RealTime Fantasy Sports, Lineup Lab, and KFFL.com.