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Already without Malcolm Brogdon, who remains sidelined with right hamstring tightness, Boston lost its starting point guard ahead of Wednesday’s game in Atlanta. Marcus Smart was sidelined due to right ankle inflammation, opening the door for Derrick White to enter the starting lineup. Rostered in 33% of Yahoo leagues, White came through for managers who decided to stream him. In the Celtics’ 126-101 demolition of the Hawks, he accounted for 16 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, one block, and two 3-pointers in 31 minutes. Brogdon’s absence put White back on the radar of some, and Smart sitting improves his value even more. The Celtics visit New Orleans on Friday, and it would be a good idea to add White before then. Beyond White, there’s another Celtic who would be worth a roll of the dice if Smart is not available Friday night.
Here are a few more noteworthy pickups from Wednesday’s 10-game slate:
Trey Murphy III (40%)
Murphy’s rostered percentage has increased markedly with Zion Williamson nursing a foot injury, and rightfully so. After playing well in Tuesday’s win over the Grizzlies, the second-year wing finished Wednesday’s win over the Bulls with 19 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, three steals, one block, and five 3-pointers in just 25 minutes. Given Williamson’s medical history, the Pelicans will likely continue exercising caution, so it isn’t too late to add Murphy.
Cameron Payne (37%)
Chris Paul missed another game, so Payne should have been an “add” once the future Hall of Fame point guard’s absence was made official. Payne was excellent in the Suns’ win over Golden State, posting a line of 29 points (career-high), three rebounds, seven assists, one blocked shot, and five 3-pointers. His fantasy value moving forward obviously hinges upon Paul’s availability, and there’s good value to be had when Payne is thrust into the starting lineup.
Jevon Carter (26%)
Jrue Holiday missed another game, meaning that Carter retained his fantasy relevance for another night. Playing 32 minutes, he finished the Bucks’ win over Cleveland with 11 points, four rebounds, eight assists, one steal, two blocks, and one 3-pointer in 32 minutes. Milwaukee visits Philadelphia on Friday, and Carter should be added if Holiday sits again.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (23%)
With Luka Dončić getting the night off, Dallas’ starting lineup was brutal. Not one of them hit double figures in Wednesday’s home loss to the Rockets. But the Mavs entered the fourth quarter trailing by just two points, thanks largely to Hardaway and Christian Wood. THJ racked up 28 points (10-of-26 FGs), four rebounds, three assists, and five 3-pointers in 34 minutes off the bench. Doncic returning for Friday’s game against Denver means fantasy managers missed out on the opportunity to benefit from adding Hardaway.
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Thaddeus Young (3%)
Young made another start for the Raptors, logging 28 minutes and finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. What will enhance his fantasy value even more is Toronto losing another player to injury, as Dalano Banton suffered a sprained ankle after playing 21 minutes. Managers who missed out on adding Young for Wednesday’s action will have a chance to make amends when the Raptors take on the Hawks Saturday night.
Nikola Jovic (1%)
Miami was without Bam Adebayo, which led many to assume that Dewayne Dedmon would get the start at center. Erik Spoelstra had other ideas, calling on rookie Nikola Jovic to fill the void, and he was solid in a loss to the Raptors. He played 24 minutes, finishing with 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one 3-pointer. Not a great line, but it may have been good enough to get Jovic another start if Adebayo isn’t available for Friday’s game against the Wizards.
Payton Pritchard (1%)
Pritchard was not a player fantasy managers were rushing to add ahead of Wednesday’s games, but he provided solid value in his reserve role. Pritchard recorded a line of 14 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and four 3-pointers. Boston was without Smart, who joined Malcolm Brogdon on the sideline, freeing up even more minutes, and Pritchard took advantage. He isn’t the priority add that White is, but Pritchard would be worth a look if Smart and Brogdon sit out Friday’s game in New Orleans.
Usman Garuba (1%)
With Bruno Fernando and Jae’Sean Tate out due to injury, Garuba has played 12 minutes or more in each of Houston’s last nine games. And he may have turned a corner offensively on Wednesday, shooting 5-of-5 from the field and finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two 3-pointers in 22 minutes. Jabari Smith getting into foul trouble led to Garuba picking up additional minutes, but he’s making strides. Keep an eye on him.