On a night where Indiana and Syracuse met in the ACC/Big Ten challenge in a rematch of last year’s Sweet 16 matchup, two of the top draft picks from those teams met again in the NBA with huge fantasy nights in a double-overtime game in Philadelphia. That pair of rookies were two of the top fantasy performers of the night, and here’s the rest of the players who came up large for their fantasy hoop owners in Tuesday night’s action.
MCW had a big night in a losing effort for Phily. He scored 27 points on 11-19 shooting and a three-pointer to go with 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. It was Carter-Williams’s first career triple-double, but he contributes across the board on most nights with the potential to go off like this any time he takes the floor.
Oladipo also had his first career triple-double as he went toe-to-toe with his cheif competition for rookie of the year. Oladipo scored 26 points with 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. The Magic ultimately squeaked out a one-point win, but it’s the future of basketball and these two players’ fantasy owners that came out ahead tonight due to the two standout performances.
One of the main reasons that Oladipo and Orlando won was the big night from Arron Afflalo who dropped a career-high 43 points while stroking a handful of three pointers and adding six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He’s been the main offensive weapon for the Magic this season and is among the best fantasy SG options on a nightly basis.
As usual, Durant turned in a big line last night as the Thunder eked out a win in Sacramento. He finished with 27 points and 11 boards while adding three assists, two steals, and hitting all 10 of his free throws. The only slight downside was his poor shooting as he finished 8-21 for a 38% shooting night.
Dirk carried Dallas to a win in Charlotte after a dreadful shooting first half. He finished with 25 points, a block, an assist and three rebounds. Overall, a very “typical” Dirk night but still what owners expect every time he laces them up.
James was below his average in the Heat loss to Detroit, but still turned in a solid performance as usual. He had 23 points with six assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. He’s scored over 20 points in 11 of his last 12 games and is the top fantasy player for a reason.
Davis had his first double-double of the season as he played a season-high 33 minutes with Zach Randolph sidelined. Davis has 12 boards and two blocks to go with his 21 points. If Randolph is out more long-term or Davis earns more minutes in the Grizz rotation, he may be worth a look in fantasy leagues.
In a game I got to watch live, Crawford had the box score of the game even though it was Avery Bradley who hit the circus shot over the backboard that made the rounds last night. Crawford finished with 25 points with five assists and a steal while knocking in four threes and grabbing a pair of rebounds. Crawford has been so much better this season and Brad Stevens is coaching him up making him a smarter player who can contribute to your fantasy team.
Our surprise line of the night is Timofey Mozgov who pulled in 20 rebounds to go with his 17 points against Brooklyn last night in the Nuggets romp over the fast-sinking Nets. Mozgov hit all five free throw attempts and added a pair of blocks, a steal, and an assist as well. He how had 33 points and 35 rebound in the last two games and multiple blocks in his last four. His minutes are the concern going forward, but he contributes when he gets the chance to play making him a good pickup in the over 90% of ESPN leagues where he’s unowned.
