Kon

Knueppel

Like the other Hornets starters, Knueppel’s playing time decreased because Monday’s game was a blowout. The rookie logged 20 minutes, negatively affecting his production. However, fantasy managers still received solid value in the rebound, assist and steal categories. Knueppel, who has been one of the best rookies in the NBA this season, returns to action on Wednesday when the Hornets visit Memphis.

For the second time in three games, Kneuppel grabbed 11 rebounds, pushing his double-double tally to four. The Hornets’ rookie has been a top-50 player over the past two weeks, remaining one of the most productive rookies in fantasy basketball. If there comes a point when the Hornets decide to sit LaMelo Ball, Kneuppel is one of the players who stands to benefit because of his ability to play on or off the ball.

Miller handled the bulk of the scoring duties for the Hornets on the second night of a back-to-back with Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel taking a back seat in a one-sided affair. The 23-year-old forward drained 6-of-10 shots, including 4-of-4 from three-point range, to score 18 of his 23 points by halftime. He was able to take off most of the final quarter after Charlotte built up a 33-point advantage in the final stanza. The Hornets have a three-game week coming up that features matchups against the Cavaliers, Magic and Wizards.

Knueppel’s phenomenal rookie campaign continues. The 20-year-old sharpshooter drained 4-of-5 from three-point range and topped 20 points for the first time since January 5. He’s contributed fifth-round fantasy value this season, averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks through 41 games.

For the first time since a November 26 loss to the Knicks, Knueppel failed to make a three-pointer in a game. He missed all three of his attempts against the Clippers, but the rookie wing still shot 66.7 percent from the field. Since the start of the new year, Knueppel has been a top-100 player in eight-cat formats, but the lack of defensive production has weighed down his value. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Knueppel has been one of the best rookies in the NBA and in fantasy basketball.

Interestingly, Knueppel did not attempt a shot during the first quarter of Thursday’s game. His involvement in the Hornets’ offense did increase in the ensuing quarters, but that was an interesting approach for the rookie to take. Over the past two weeks, Knueppel has been a seventh-round player in eight-cat formats. The Hornets end their Week 12 slate on Saturday against the Jazz.

Knueppel continues to play outstanding basketball as a 20-year-old rookie. He had 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and five threes against the Thunder. Over his last four games he’s averaging 21.8 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the field, 50 percent from behind the three-point line and 81 percent from the three-point line. Knueppel is not only one of the best players in fantasy basketball this year, but also a top-tier fantasy asset in dynasty formats.

Knueppel was upgraded to probable Monday afternoon, so his availability against the Thunder isn’t a surprise. The 20-year-old shooting guard has been dealing with a right hip contusion, though he finished his last game with 18 points in the win over the Bulls on Saturday.

Barring any setbacks, Knueppel is on track to play through a hip injury that landed him on Sunday’s injury report as questionable. He finished with 18 points and a pair of triples in Saturday’s win over the Bulls.

Knueppel is dealing with a right hip contusion, hence his appearance on the Hornets’ initial injury report for Monday. His absence would open up a spot in the starting lineup, with fellow rookie Sion James being the most likely replacement.