Frank

Jackson

Jackson has played well for Utah’s G-League affiliate, so he’ll get a shot with the parent club. If the team embraces a full-scale tank, F-Jax might have some deep-league value down the stretch, but we’re not holding our breath for too much production.

One week before the start of training camp, Jackson found himself a new team. He appeared in 53 games for the Pistons last season, averaging 10.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.6 3-pointers in 22.0 minutes. Jackson shot just over 40% from the field, with most of his appearances in a reserve role. If he can lock down a roster spot for himself in Phoenix, Jackson would be in a similar position. There aren’t many minutes behind Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet, so there’s no need to consider targeting Jackson in drafts.

The Pistons have until Tuesday to decide on Jackson and Diallo’s team options. According to Edwards, they are likely to pick up Diallo’s option, but we have not heard an official word yet. If Jackson becomes a free agent, he will likely command some interest from around the league, but he will not be a fantasy target on draft night no matter where he lands.

Jackson and Hayes figure to handle the ball more with their main point guard sidelined, but keep in mind Jackson has averaged just 11.7 points on 36.2% shooting with little else in six prior starts this season. Hayes may be the better option of the two, but there’s no harm in avoiding either given their inconsistencies and with so many other options on today’s chaotic slate.

McGruder put up a decent line including 13 points, five boards and a block in Sunday’s win over the Pacers, but he won’t be able to build on it. Frank Jackson has scored 19 and 26 points in his last two games and could do more of the same with McGruder sitting out, while Killian Hayes could see a few extra minutes.

With Cory Joseph and Cade Cunningham both having been ruled out due to injury, Hayes and Jackson move into the starting lineup. Both played well in Friday’s game against the Thunder, and they’re definitely worth streaming. As for Bey and Stewart, those who have them rostered need to consider the possibility of those two playing limited minutes. That’s what happened on Friday, with both playing fewer than 10 minutes.

Cunningham only played eight minutes in Friday’s win over the Thunder and he will continue to deal with this issue ahead of Sunday’s game. If he is forced to sit out, Rodney McGruder and Frank Jackson could see a boost in minutes.

Jackson was probably over-qualified for this tank-fest and he showed why as he came off the bench and quickly asserted his dominance. With the win, the Pistons are now two games up on both the Magic and the Rockets for the worst record in the NBA, so with just four games left, there probably isn’t a chance that they can get to the bottom, especially with the way that Orlando has looked lately. Saben Lee also played well off the bench, scoring 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting (4-of-5 free throws) to go with 12 assists, five rebounds, and one steal in 35 minutes.

Since returning from the back issue, Jackson has only been logging minutes in the teens off the Pistons’ bench, which isn’t enough playing time for him to make an impact in fantasy hoops. Cory Joseph had another forgettable line through 23 minutes as a starter with eight points (2-of-6 FG, 2-of-2 FT), one assist, two triples, one steal and one turnover. Neither of these guys are worth rostering in fantasy hoops.

Jackson has appeared in just one game since February 11, so fantasy managers should not expect to see him on the court for long stretches Friday night. Feel free to leave him on the waiver wire.