Brandin

Podziemski

Podziemski did what he could on Friday during his 39 minutes on the floor. He led the Warriors in shot attempts, points, and rebounds, while tying a team-high in made three-pointers. The third-year guard’s zero assists and four turnovers weren’t ideal, but his production elsewhere was some of the best on the team. Podziemski eventually became the full-time starter over the second half of the season and played fairly well in the role. Going into Year 4, he could potentially have some fantasy value, depending on what the roster looks like.

For the first time in his career, Podziemski was able to reach the 30-point mark. It wasn’t enough for Golden State to get the win, but it was an excellent performance for him. Podz is averaging career highs in points, assists and three-pointers per game, and he is wrapping up the season on a hot streak. Golden State will be the 10th seed in the West entering the play-in tournament next week, and Podz will need to stay hot if they want to make it to the playoffs.

Golden State may be done some additional role players, which means De’Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski will need to step up and handle expanded workloads.

Podziemski continues to score the basketball efficiently despite the Warriors’ struggles to win games. The third-year guard made almost all of his shots inside the three-point line on Thursday to tie a team-high in scoring. He didn’t compile many other stats, however, as the Warriors dropped their fourth game in the last five. They’ll face the Kings on Friday.

Podziemski has now scored at least 20 points in six of his last eight games. The 23-year-old guard continues to score despite the return of Stephen Curry, who is still limited to about 25 minutes per game. Podziemski has provided 11th-round per game value this season, which makes him a solid value considering his preseason ADP.

Podziemski, who made all five of his two-point attempts on Sunday, finished with a solid overall stat line. However, his usage took a hit, largely due to Stephen Curry’s return from a knee injury. After five straight games with a usage of 21.8 or higher, Podziemski’s usage against the Rockets was 16.7. While he still provided positive value in multiple categories, there’s no denying that Podz has a lower ceiling when Curry plays, even if he comes off the bench as he did on Sunday.

Podziemski, who shared the team lead in scoring with Gui Santos, has scored 20 points or more in five of his last six appearances. The Warriors’ guard has provided third-round value over the last two weeks, more than picking up the slack as the team remained without Stephen Curry (knee). Even if Curry returns on Sunday against the Rockets as expected, Podziemski’s role will be fine due to the Warriors’ need for offense. Plus, Curry’s playing time will be limited in his first game back.

Podziemski has scored 20 points or more in four consecutive games, the first time he’s done so this season. The Warriors’ guard finished with a complete stat line, and he has been a second-round player in eight-cat formats over the past week. With it unknown when Stephen Curry (knee) will return, Podziemski will remain one of the players relied on for increased offensive production in Golden State.

Since being held to five points in a loss to Atlanta last Saturday, Podz has been on a tear. Over their last three games, he has averaged 21.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.3 triples per game. That has contributed to Golden State winning three straight games, and it has come at a crucial time for fantasy managers. He’ll look to stay hot in their final game of the week, which comes against the Nuggets on Sunday.

Sidelined since late January, Curry was expected to be incorporated into scrimmages earlier this week. Unfortunately, that did not happen as he continues to deal with lingering knee pain. Given the lack of scrimmaging, fantasy managers may not be able to get much value out of Curry in Week 23. When available, Gui Santos, Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton all have greater fantasy value due to Curry’s injury.