We got a great, nine-game slate Saturday in the Association! The 76ers came back to beat the Nets in the final seconds, Miami won the Battle of Florida with an overtime win against Orlando, the Lakers beat the Warriors in Golden State, and the Knicks edged the Jazz in a hard-fought contest. The nightcap gave us extra time in the Dallas-Sacramento rematch and our first look at the Luka Dončić-Kyrie Irving pairing.
We’ve got several quality adds tonight, and we’ll focus on some guys who may be under the radar right now due to trade deadline hoopla. We all know that Mark Williams, KJ Martin Jr. and Zach Collins should be added, so here are a few other guys who might not be so obvious.
For the record, make sure these three guys aren’t still available in your league. They should be more widely rostered: Jalen Duren (66%), Derrick White (69%), Collin Sexton (78%).
Top Pickups
Talen Horton-Tucker (7%)
Is it THT time in Utah? He’s played three games since Malik Beasley and Mike Conley were traded and in that span, he’s averaged 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.3 blocks across 26.0 minutes per contest. Collin Sexton has also played well, but after Horton-Tucker’s 23-point, seven-assist performance Saturday against the Knicks, we’re inclined to pick him up and let the good times roll.
Josh Green (30%)
Luka Dončić returned, Kyrie Irving was healthy, and yet Green still had a strong performance and remained in the starting five. In four starts prior to Saturday, Green averaged 18.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 dimes and 1.5 triples across 35.5 minutes per contest. He’s played a big role for Dallas over the last week, and the good times could keep rolling after Tim Hardaway Jr. left the game early due to hamstring tightness. Make sure you make Green a priority off your waiver wire.
Daniel Gafford (47%)
Danny G should have been on your radar already, but it seems that his fantasy value has been overshadowed by all of the excitement created by the trade deadline. Gafford has swatted at least three shots in three straight contests, and he’s been a high-floor fantasy option thanks to his scoring, rebounds and blocks.
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Jeremy Sochan (33%)
Sochan returned following a five-game absence and turned in a full stat line, picking up right where he left off prior to the injury. The rookie has been quite impressive with his ability to score, facilitate, rebound and pile up defensive stats, but he’s made his presence felt in a big way as of late. He finished Saturday’s matchup against the Hawks with 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal, a block and two triples.
Isaiah Livers (2%)
We’re waiting on Golden State’s decision regarding its trade for Gary Payton II after GPII failed his physical. If the deal is completed, Livers could remain viable moving forward. That’s because Saddiq Bey was included in the deal, and if he doesn’t return to Detroit, Livers should continue to see valuable minutes. He posted an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double across 40 minutes in Friday’s double-OT win against San Antonio.
Malaki Branham (19%)
Branham’s counting stats fell back to earth a bit in Saturday’s loss, but he still logged 28 minutes and tied for team lead in shot attempts. Fantasy managers should be encouraged that he remained in the starting lineup even with Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones back in action.
Josh Okogie (8%)
He finished with a big 25/4/3/3/1 line Thursday with Devin Booker out and got the starting nod Friday alongside Booker, turning in 17 points, six boards, three steals and three triples. Okogie could take a step back when Kevin Durant returns and some of Phoenix’s role players get healthy, but there’s a chance Okogie fills out the fifth starter position in the new-look Suns offense.
