Dončić, Reaves, Thybulle, Williams, Kessler start

While Mara has started four of Oklahoma City’s last six games, the 21 minutes he logged on Friday were the least he’s played in any of those starts. There were some positives to the rookie’s performance, specifically the field-goal percentage and blocked shots. However, Mara hasn’t done enough with Chet Holmgren (knee) out to become a player who has to be rostered in 12-team leagues.

After scoring no more than seven points in any of Oklahoma City’s first five games in November, Hartenstein has scored at least 20 in two straight games. He was outstanding against the Clippers, shooting 90 percent from the field and providing excellent value in points, rebounds and assists. Providing top-100 fantasy value, Hartenstein is rostered in 84 percent of Yahoo leagues. Given Oklahoma City’s frontcourt injuries, those rostering Hartenstein would be better served holding on to him than entertaining a trade after the last two games.

McCain has scored in double figures in four straight games, with Friday’s being the best of the bunch. The Thunder guard shot 7-of-11 from deep against the Clippers, recording season highs in points and three-pointers. McCain will mainly be a “points and triples” option in fantasy leagues, but Oklahoma City’s injuries open the door for him to provide consistent value.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with his third 40-point game of the season, but he wishes he’d scored 42 instead of 40. The two-time MVP’s shot as time expired missed the mark, resulting in a 113-112 Clippers victory. After shooting a combined 17-of-42 in two losses to the Trail Blazers, Gilgeous-Alexander was much more efficient on Friday, shooting well over 50 percent from the field. He could be in for another big night to end the week, as the Thunder visit the Kings on Sunday.

After reaching double figures in each of his first five games, Wagler totaled 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the Clippers’ first two games of November. The rookie has gotten back on track, having scored at least 11 points in four straight games. Wagler remains a deep-league option in redraft formats, while dynasty league managers should be excited for the rookie guard’s future.

Thanks mainly to the three-pointers and defensive stats, Jones has been close to a top-100 player in nine-cat formats. Against the Thunder, he shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and recorded five “stocks” in 29 minutes. This was Jones’ fourth game this season with at least two three-pointers, one steal and one block. Managers needing help in those categories should consider adding Jones ahead of Sunday’s game against the Hornets.

After coming off the bench in the Clippers’ first six games, Lopez is approaching the point where he needs to be rostered in 12-team leagues. He’s scored at least 20 points in three of the last four games, with Friday’s total being a season high. Add in the rebounds and three-pointers, and this was a good night for those rostering the veteran center. Isaiah Jackson (5/3/3 with one block), who began the season as the starter, should be rostered only in very deep leagues.

After being outscored 40-25 in the third quarter, Garland and the Clippers did what needed to be done down the stretch to win the 113-112 thriller. The Clippers’ starting point guard had the game’s biggest shot: a layup through contact and an ensuing free throw with 50.4 seconds left to take the lead for good. Even with the occasional struggles with turnovers, Garland is providing top-100 fantasy value through 11 games.

After a really bad game against the Magic, Sabonis bounced back and went back to his usual self against the Blazers. He looked healthier in this game, which is a good sign. The efficiency has still been good, but it is starting to come down from his super-hot start. He still puts up good counting stats which is why you have Sabonis in the first place. Overall, its been a good season so far.

Acuff got going in the second half after a bad start. He adjusted to how Portland was guarding him and he started hitting more of his shots. He helped spearhead the comeback late in the fourth after being down 20. He’s getting better each game and is still being one of the best scorers in the NBA this season.