Donte

DiVincenzo

DiVincenzo’s production has come inconsistently this season, but he’s still capable of getting hot and pouring in the points. He shot over 70 percent for the first time this season while still contributing plenty of triples and steals. This was the 15th straight game that he hit at least two three-pointers, and he has swiped at least one steal in all but two of those games. January was a productive month for him, and he has started February off well.

DiVincenzo did all of his scoring from beyond the arc on Monday, taking and making a lot of threes at an efficient clip. In addition to the scoring, DiVincenzo was by far Minnesota’s best distributor on the night — he led the team in assists and tied a season-high in the process. His four stocks may stand out the most, however, to add to a very balanced performance. The Timberwolves won this game convincingly, but even with the score being one-sided, DiVincenzo logged 31 minutes and, as a result, was nearly able to collect a double-double.

DiVincenzo was in a bit of a slump coming into Sunday’s game. The 28-year-old shooting guard had last scored at least 20 points in a game on January 8, a span of seven games. DiVincenzo wasn’t very efficient, but most of his attempts were three-pointers and he made 6-of-15 from behind the three-point line. He’s provided eighth-round per game value over the last two weeks and the Timberwolves have four games in the upcoming week, making him worth considering in standard leagues if he’s available.

Less than five minutes into the third quarter of Sunday’s game, the Timberwolves trailed by 19 points. They managed to rally to pull off one of their best wins of the season, and DiVincenzo’s shooting was a factor. He hit four of his five three-pointers in the second half, and the overall stat line will be helpful to fantasy managers. Rostered in 45 percent of Yahoo! leagues, DiVincenzo has been close to a top-50 player over the past two weeks. The Timberwolves begin a three-game Week 13 in Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Since going 0-of-6 from three in a December 8 loss to the Suns, DiVincenzo has made at least three three-pointers in five straight games. Sunday was the fourth in this run in which he’s made four, and the increased production has boosted his fantasy value. Over the last two weeks, DiVincenzo has been ranked just outside the top-75 in eight-cat formats. Depending on what happens with Jaden McDaniels, who left Sunday’s game with a hip injury, DiVincenzo would be worth a look in more leagues.

DiVincenzo has now scored 18 points or more in each of his last three games, which were all played with Anthony Edwards out of the lineup. Counting Wednesday, he’s shot 20-of-49 (40.8 percent) from the field, slightly lower than his percentage for the season (41.3 percent). However, over the past two weeks, he’s made 38.9 percent of his shots. DiVincenzo has still provided top-100 value, but things could be better for him and those who have him rostered.

On the heels of a two-point outing against the Suns, DiVincenzo bounced back nicely on Friday with his fourth 20-point game of the season. He hadn’t had a significant impact on the game through three quarters, but saved his best for the fourth. In the final frame, he recorded 10 points and knocked down two massive three-pointers to swing the momentum and ultimately help the Wolves get back in the win column. With Mike Conley (Achilles) and Anthony Edwards (foot) out on Friday, and Bones Hyland (knee) exiting early with an injury, there’s a chance DiVincenzo’s usage and production could take a jump in the short term.

Anthony Edwards’ return from a strained hamstring did not impact DiVincenzo much on Wednesday, as he remained in his usual spot in the starting lineup. And the “Big Ragu” did not disappoint, finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. DiVincenzo, who’s rostered in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues, has been close to a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. Locked into a starting role, he should be rostered in a higher percentage of fantasy leagues.

Edwards is progressing well in his return-to-play rehab program, and a return to the court appears imminent. Once Edwards is back, Mike Conley will likely shift back to the bench, with Donte DiVincenzo remaining with the first unit.

A fixture in the starting lineup since the beginning of the season, DiVincenzo has hit double figures in six straight games. Monday’s performance was the best of the bunch, with the Timberwolves guard recording his first 20-point game. Add in the rebounds, assists and three-pointers, and DiVincenzo had the kind of night that fantasy managers look for. Monday’s victory moved Minnesota to 2-2 without Anthony Edwards, as he continues to work his way back from a strained right hamstring.