CJ

McCollum

McCollum has reached double figures in four straight and ten of his last 11 appearances, having moved into the Hawks’ starting lineup six games ago. As a starter, the veteran guard has averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.7 three-pointers in just over 28 minutes per game. The issue for McCollum has been field-goal percentage, as he’s made just 41.3 percent of his attempts over the last six games. The Hawks open a three-game Week 20 on Tuesday against the Mavericks.

McCollum has started Atlanta’s last five games, with the team’s win over the Wizards on February 24 being the only one in which he legitimately struggled. Since the lineup change, CJ has been a top-100 player in eight-cat formats. Meanwhile, Zaccharie Risacher (12 points, four rebounds, two steals and four three-pointers) sits outside the top-200 since moving to the bench. McCollum should remain in the starting lineup for the rest of the season.

While McCollum has averaged 17.0 points per game since moving into the Hawks’ starting lineup, he has not shot the ball well. The veteran guard is making just 39.3 percent of his attempts since the lineup change, a big reason why he has only been an 11th-round player over the past week, according to Basketball Monster. That isn’t terrible value, but fantasy managers were likely hoping for more when McCollum was moved into the starting lineup.

McCollum had one of his worst games as a Hawk against the Wizards on Tuesday, but he bounced back in this one. He scored 22 of his 25 points before halftime, which contributed to a second straight blowout win. McCollum has been a consistent source of offense for Atlanta, and he stepped up with Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) and Jalen Johnson (hip) sidelined for this ogame.

McCollum moved into the starting lineup Sunday and played 32 minutes. While the Hawks felt the change was necessary after losing to the Heat on Friday, it’s not a major difference for fantasy purposes because McCollum was already playing around 30 minutes per game when coming off the bench. The 34-year-old shooting guard has been excellent in his role lately, providing top-50 overall value over the last two weeks.

The Hawks have been successful in recent weeks with a closing lineup that includes McCollum, with Zaccharie Risacher moving to the bench. In the aftermath of Friday’s blowout loss to the Heat, Atlanta will go with this lineup from the start. McCollum joins Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu in the starting five.

McCollum was one of the reasons the Hawks were able to bounce back from a 16-point first quarter, shooting 4-of-7 from the field in the second. Unfortunately for him and the Hawks, the veteran guard didn’t offer much production after halftime, and Miami eventually pulled away for a 31-point victory. Atlanta’s need for bench scoring has preserved McCollum’s fantasy value, as he has been close to a top-50 player over the past two weeks.

McCollum continues to come off the bench, but ended up being the Hawks’ second leading scorer in the win over the 76ers on Thursday. The 34-year-old shooting guard had 23 points in 30 minutes off the bench. He’s provided 11th-round per game value on the season, according to Basketball Monster. The Hawks have two more games this week, starting with a matchup against the Heat on Friday.

Following a one-game absence, Daniels will return for Atlanta’s final game before the All-Star break. CJ McCollum started in his place on Monday and scored a team-high 38 points. McCollum should still play a significant role, though he will return to his typical role as a reserve.

Daniels did not play in Monday’s loss to the Timberwolves, which led to CJ McCollum moving into the starting lineup and scoring 38 points. McCollum is already rostered in most 12-team formats; he would be a worthwhile streamer in 10-team leagues if Daniels remains out.