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Moses Moody Moses Moody scores 13 points off bench in loss Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 6:10 PM Moses Moody provided a boost off the bench with 13 points (5-of-10 FGs), one rebound, two assists, two steals and three 3-pointers against the Kings on Sunday. Analysis: There weren't many bright spots from the Warriors blowout loss to the Kings, but Moody was able to have a solid night in 26 minutes. Steve Kerr said that Moody would take on a larger role with Jonathan Kuminga set to miss at least the next few weeks, and he played well in their first game without Kuminga. Moody isn't worth adding in standard leagues at this point, but it is encouraging to see him play well. They only have three games next week, so keep an eye on how Kerr uses him in the rotation.
Stephen Curry Stephen Curry scores 26 points in blowout loss Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 6:05 PM Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 26 points (8-of-12 FGs), seven rebounds, one steal and four 3-pointers in a 129-99 loss to Sacramento on Sunday. Analysis: Curry got off to a hot start to this game and entered the break with 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Unfortunately, they were already down 24 points by then, and things only got worse in the second half. Curry was still able to turn in a strong line, but he wasn't able to provide a true encore after dominating on Thursday and then sitting out the first leg of the back-to-back on Saturday. It makes sense that the rest of the team played like it was their second straight night playing, but that's just the way the NBA schedule works. Miami will be in town on Tuesday, and they'll look to get back on track in that one.
Domantas Sabonis Domantas Sabonis produces 22/13/7 line in big win Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 6:00 PM Domantas Sabonis stuffed the stat sheet on Sunday with 22 points (10-of-13 FGs), 13 rebounds, seven assists and one 3-pointer against the Warriors. Analysis: Sabonis split the playmaking duties with Malik Monk in this game with De'Aaron Fox sidelined, and the Warriors didn't have many answers for the Kings despite them playing without their star point guard. Sabonis only needed 30 minutes of playing time to extend his double-double streak to 13 games, and he still only has two games without a double-double this season. Fox may remain sidelined for Monday's game against the Heat, since it is the second night of a back-to-back. Regardless, Sabonis will continue to produce elite value, just like he has all season.
Malik Monk Malik Monk puts up 26/3/12/4/1 line with 5 threes Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 5:57 PM Malik Monk posted a full line on Sunday with 26 points (9-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, 12 assists, four steals, one block and five 3-pointers in a 129-99 win over the Warriors. Analysis: With De'Aaron Fox sidelined for this game, Monk split the playmaking duties with Domantas Sabonis. While the expectation was that Monk's stats would be inflated, his double-double before halftime was certainly surprising. He only played 29 minutes due to the blowout win, but it was enough time for him to have arguably his best game of the season. Monk has been on a tear since moving into the starting unit, and he has been even better since Doug Christie took over as the team's interim head coach. He'll look to keep it going against Miami on Monday to kick off a three-game week.
Bradley Beal Haynes: Dunn, Plumlee to start over Beal, Nurkic Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 5:46 PM Chris Haynes Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee will start in place of Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic moving forward. Analysis: Beal and Nurkic have certainly been popular names when it comes to the upcoming trade deadline, but the Suns aren't going to wait until then to make lineup changes. Beal hasn't come off the bench since 2016, while Nurkic hasn't since 2017. Phoenix has lost four games in a row and currently sits in 12th place in the West. We'll see if these moves help give the team a much-needed jolt, though the trade rumors should only heat up after this change. Dunn has started in four of their last five games and has had some of the most-productive games of his career, while Plumlee has played well as a starter in their last three games. Nurkic will be a reserve in his return from a three-game suspension, while Beal is coming off scoring just eight points in their last game. A move to the bench will certainly limit their numbers, but managers should still expect Beal to play plenty of minutes. Perhaps this will move will help Beal get back to being the scorer that he has been for the past decade.
Amen Thompson Amen Thompson tallies 23/16/3/1 line as starter Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 5:40 PM Amen Thompson got the start on Sunday and contributed 23 points (11-of-19 FGs, 1-of-4 FTs), 16 rebounds, three assists and one steal against the Lakers. Analysis: Thompson got the starting nod in place of Jabari Smith Jr. in this game, and since Smith Jr. is expected to miss 4-8 weeks after fracturing his hand, that is a role that Thompson should maintain moving forward. Thompson was suspended for their last two games after his altercation with Tyler Herro, and while it wasn't his first start of the season, he was able to set new season-highs for both points and rebounds in his return to the starting lineup. They play three games next week, and managers should expect Thompson to continue to dominate fantasy hoops moving forward now that his spot in the starting lineup is safe.
Anthony Davis Anthony Davis pours in 30/13/2 with 5 blocks Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 5:37 PM Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points (10-of-18 FGs), 13 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and two 3-pointers in a 119-115 loss to the Rockets on Sunday. Analysis: After having a poor shooting night in their win over the Hawks, AD got back on track in this game, even if it wasn't enough for them to walk away with a win. This was the second time this season that Davis has recorded a 30-point double-double with at least five blocks. The rest of the league has a total of zero games reaching that threshold. Davis has done it 19 times in his career, which is sixth in NBA history behind five of the greatest centers in NBA history. The Lakers have three games next week, starting in Dallas on Tuesday.
LeBron James LeBron James nearly posts triple-double in loss Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 5:23 PM LeBron James posted a strong line on Sunday with 21 points (8-of-16 FGs), 13 rebounds, nine assists, one steal and four 3-pointers against Houston. Analysis: That slow stretch that LeBron had a month ago is clearly behind him. He has been a top-five player in 9-cat leagues over the past two weeks with averages of 28.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 3.3 triples per game while shooting 57.8% from the floor and 85% from the free throw line. This was his seventh straight game with at least 20 points, and he has made at least 50% of his shots during that stretch. He'll look to keep it going in Dallas on Tuesday.
Jett Howard Jett Howard scores career-high 21 points off bench Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 5:16 PM Jett Howard led Orlando with 21 points (7-of-16 FGs), two rebounds, four assists and four 3-pointers in a 105-92 loss to the Jazz on Sunday. Analysis: Howard barely played during his rookie season, but he has had a few decent performances in year two. However, none of them compare to this one, as he set new career-highs for points, assists and 3-pointers in the loss. Howard hasn't seen his minutes increase dramatically despite Orlando dealing with so many injuries, but that could change after a night like this. Still, we'll need to see him string a few good games together before he becomes worthy of a roster spot in standard leagues. Keep an eye on the rotation in New York on Monday.
Trevelin Queen Trevelin Queen turns in 11/3/6/3/1 line off bench Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 5:11 PM Trevelin Queen posted a full line on Sunday with 11 points (3-of-10 FGs), three rebounds, six assists, three steals, one block and two 3-pointers against Utah. Analysis: Queen is still on a two-way contract, and he barely saw the floor prior to the middle of December. However, with Orlando dealing with injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, Queen has been able to be part of the rotation a few times in recent weeks. He set a new season-high for assists in this game and scored in double figures for the second time this season. It's great to see him play well, but he isn't a player to consider rostering in standard leagues.
Walker Kessler Walker Kessler grabs 17 rebounds in win over Magic Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 4:52 PM Walker Kessler recorded a double-double on Sunday with 10 points (4-of-6 FGs), 17 rebounds, two assists and one block against Orlando. Analysis: About 24 hours after he grabbed 16 rebounds against the other Florida team, Kessler eclipsed that and tied his season-high for boards in this game. Utah won on Saturday through an excellent offensive effort, but they got it done on the defensive end in this game as they allowed a season-low 92 points in the win. Kessler's block numbers have been down recently, but he has been dominant on the glass over the last two weeks. They have four games next week, starting against Atlanta on Tuesday, which will give Kessler plenty of chances to swat some shots.
Donovan Mitchell Donovan Mitchell scores 19 points in win vs. CHA Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 4:44 PM Donovan Mitchell recorded a strong line on Sunday with 19 points (8-of-16 FGs), three rebounds, four assists and three 3-pointers against the Hornets. Analysis: Mitchell had a quiet first half in this game and entered the break with just two points on 1-of-4 shooting. This was his second straight game with less than 20 points, which hasn't been a common theme for him this season. However, it hasn't negatively impacted the team, as they've won 10 straight games, with Mitchell scoring less than 20 in four of those. They host the Thunder on Wednesday, which will be a matchup of the two hottest teams in the league. If they want to maintain their winning streak, Mitchell will have to be better.
Darius Garland Darius Garland leads Cavs with 25 points in win Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 4:35 PM Darius Garland led Cleveland with 25 points (8-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, two assists, one steal and four 3-pointers in a 115-105 win over the Hornets on Sunday. Analysis: For the third time in their last five games, Garland finished with exactly 25 points. He only scored 30 total over their previous two games, but he had 23 assists during that stretch, which made up for the lack of scoring. Garland's bounce back season has been a big reason for Cleveland's success this season, and he'll look to keep it going against an elite defensive team on Wednesday, which is also a matchup between the two best teams in the league when they take on the Thunder. Unfortunately, they only play two more games after that next week, which will limit Garland's impact.
Nick Smith Nick Smith Jr. contributes 18/5/2/1/1 line in loss Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 4:28 PM Nick Smith Jr. provided a boost off the bench with 18 points (7-of-12 FGs), five rebounds, two assists, one block and four 3-pointers against the Cavaliers on Sunday. Analysis: Smith Jr. didn't play a large role as a rookie, and he has played even less in year two. However, in the game where LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller returned to the lineup, Smith Jr. decided it was the perfect time to set new season-highs for points, rebounds and 3-pointers. It is encouraging for dynasty managers to see him play well, but he isn't a player to consider adding in redraft formats.
Brandon Miller Brandon Miller scores 24 with six 3-pointers Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 4:14 PM Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 24 points (8-of-14 FGs), two rebounds, two assists, one block and six 3-pointers against the Cavaliers on Sunday. Analysis: Miller had missed six of their previous seven games due to a sprain in his left ankle, but he picked up right where he left off in this one. This was his sixth game with at least six 3-pointers this season and was able to start up a new 20-point streak. He went 12 straight games with at least 20 points prior to his ankle injury, and he'll look to keep this new one going against the Suns on Tuesday, where they'll also be trying to snap their 10-game losing streak, which is currently the longest in the league.
Austin Reaves Austin Reaves records 21/10 double-double in loss Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 3:51 PM Austin Reaves recorded a double-double on Sunday with 21 points (6-of-13 FGs), 10 assists and three 3-pointers against Houston. Analysis: For the fifth time in his last six games, Reaves was able to record a point-assist double-double. During that stretch, he has averaged 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 2.7 triples per game. His field goal percentage hasn't been great recently, but he has taken a step forward in counting stats, which has allowed him to be a top-40 player in 9-cat leagues over the past two weeks. Reaves has been an excellent playmaker lately, and he'll look to keep it going in Dallas on Tuesday.
Jalen Green Jalen Green drops 33 with five 3-pointers vs. LAL Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 3:42 PM Jalen Green led the Rockets with 33 points (12-of-24 FGs), six rebounds, four assists, one block and five 3-pointers in a 119-115 win over the Lakers on Sunday. Analysis: Green got off to a hot start in this game and scored 18 points in just the first quarter. He only scored 15 more over the final three quarter, but he was able to score at least 20 points for the third straight game, which is his longest streak since October. Consistency has always been an issue for Green, so it is encouraging to see him string a few strong performances together. He'll look to keep it going in Washington on Tuesday, which will kick off a three-game week for them.
Jared Butler Jared Butler chips in 17/4/5 line off bench Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 3:29 PM Jared Butler provided a boost off the bench with 17 points (6-of-12 FGs), four rebounds, five assists, one steal and one 3-pointer against the Pelicans on Sunday. Analysis: Malcolm Brogdon exited this game early with a foot injury, which opened the door for Kyshawn George (1/3/1/1 in 27 minutes) to start the second half in his place. However, it was Butler that ended up stepping up his production. He set a new season-high for points and had one of his best passing nights of the year. Butler's role has been inconsistent this season, and his production in this game was entirely dependent on the absence of Brogdon, Jordan Poole and Bilal Coulibaly. He played well, but Butler can be left on the waiver wire.
LaMelo Ball LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) scores 24 in return Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 3:23 PM LaMelo Ball returned to the lineup on Sunday and contributed 24 points (7-of-20 FGs), three rebounds, four assists and three 3-pointers in a 115-105 loss to Cleveland. Analysis: This was only the fifth game that LaMelo has played in since the end of November, and it was his first back after a three-game absence. He struggled with his shot and had one of his worst assist outputs of the season. Ball has been an elite player in fantasy basketball once again this season, and he is averaging career-highs in both points and 3-pointers. They have four games next week, starting with a home game against the Suns on Tuesday.
Jarrett Allen Jarrett Allen records double-double with two swats Sun, Jan 5, 2025, 3:17 PM Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double on Sunday with 19 points (9-of-10 FGs), 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks against Charlotte. Analysis: Allen has once again been a top-40 player in 9-cat leagues this season, though his numbers haven't been consistent. This game was one of his stronger performances of the season, and he didn't miss a shot until the fourth quarter. His blocks have been down this season, but he has at least one in five straight games, which ties his longest streak of the season. They have two days off before the Thunder come to town on Wednesday, which will be a matchup of the two hottest teams in the league.