Fantasy basketball acquisitions: Consider Isaiah Collier, Bennedict Mathurin, and Nique Clifford
This week marks a pivotal moment for the remainder of the season. The tumult of the trade deadline and the subsequent player movements from last week have concluded, and now we approach the All-Star break before the final push toward the season’s conclusion.
Amidst all the activity, numerous players have assumed larger roles than previously, while some teams have clearly shifted their focus to future prospects rather than this season. This scenario creates opportunities for your fantasy teams to capitalize on players currently available in free agency.
As always, we will assist you in identifying these under-rostered players who are poised to contribute to your playoff ambitions.
Resources:
Sign up and play | Rankings | Adds/Drops | Scoring leaders
Player Rater | Mock draft lobby | Depth charts | Schedule | Injuries
Point guard
Isaiah Collier, PG, Utah Jazz (47.7% rostered in ESPN leagues): Collier has been performing at a high level for several weeks, reaching a peak last week with three starts while Keyonte George dealt with an ankle injury. Although George returned on Saturday, sending Collier back to the bench, Collier still achieved his third consecutive double-double as a sixth man. Over his last three games, Collier has averaged 20.7 PPG, 14.3 APG, and 4.7 RPG.
Brandon Williams, PG, Dallas Mavericks (3.6%): Williams made his return this weekend after a two-game absence, contributing 18 points and four assists in 24 minutes. He resumed where he left off, having averaged 17.8 PPG and 4.3 APG in the four games prior to his injury.
Shooting guard
Cason Wallace, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder (17.3%): Wallace has taken on the starting point guard role for the Thunder with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell unavailable. In his last four games, all as a starter, Wallace has averaged 17.0 PPG and 3.5 APG, along with 3.3 SPG and 2.3 3PG.
Nique Clifford, SG, Sacramento Kings (4.8%): Clifford has been receiving spot starts and performing well over the past couple of weeks, culminating in a 30-point performance against Cleveland on Saturday. He is having a notable rookie season, and with the Kings already out of playoff contention, he may continue to see an expanded role as the season progresses.
Small forward
Bennedict Mathurin, SF/SG, LA Clippers (49.4%): Mathurin appears to be one of the significant beneficiaries of the trade deadline, as his move to the Clippers has elevated him to a more prominent role than he had with Indiana. The Clippers typically rely on a two-man offensive strategy, and while Kawhi Leonard remains the primary option, Mathurin seems poised to take on a secondary role. If this occurs, he certainly has the potential to score over 20 points for the remainder of the season.
Gui Santos, SF, Golden State Warriors (8.4%): Santos has started the last three games for the Warriors and has scored in double figures for six consecutive games. During this stretch, he has averaged 14.8 PPG, 2.0 3PG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.2 BPG, including one points-rebounds double-double. Santos is likely to return to the bench when Kristaps Porzingis is back, but he is demonstrating that he can remain effective even as a sixth man.
Power forward
Jerami Grant, PF, Portland Trail Blazers (40.4%): Grant has started the last four games due to Deni Avdija’s back issues, and as he has all season, he has been scoring effectively. In his last four starts, Grant has averaged 22.5 PPG and 3.3 3PG. This closely mirrors his season-long statistics as a starter: 18 games, 22.1 PPG, and 3.1 3PG.
GG Jackson, PF, Memphis Grizzlies (13.0%): Jackson has stepped into the starting lineup for the Grizzlies following the trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. In his three starts, he has averaged 14.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.3 3PG, 1.3 BPG, and 1.0 SPG.
Center
Jusuf Nurkic, C, Utah Jazz (42.9%): Nurkic has returned from a two-game illness absence and resumed his position in the starting lineup alongside newly acquired Jackson. There was speculation that Jackson might start at center, but since that did not happen, Nurkic can continue to deliver strong performances when he is on the court. Although he has not played as frequently as desired, in the 14 games Nurkic has participated in since December 22, he has averaged 15.5 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 6.4 APG, and approximately one 3-pointer, block, and steal per game.
Brook Lopez, C, LA Clippers (15.3%): Lopez has entered the starting lineup for the Clippers following the trade of Ivica Zubac. While his first game was subdued, he made a notable impact in his second start with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 3-pointers in 36 minutes. Although he may not be the most consistent player, Lopez possesses the potential to deliver strong performances in any game he starts.
