LaMelo

Ball

After recording nearly as many turnovers (six) as points (eight) in the first three quarters of Wednesday’s game, Ball rose to the occasion in the fourth. Shooting 4-of-4 from the field and 2-of-3 from the foul line, the Timberwolves point guard scored 12 points in the fourth quarter. With Anthony Edwards (knee) out, the Timberwolves need Ball to be consistently efficient, and he’s been solid this week.

Ball’s 34 points are the most he’s had in a game with the Timberwolves so far. With Anthony Edwards (knee) sidelined, the offensive burden undoubtedly falls on LaMelo. He’s due for some more performances like this one while Edwards remains out.

Despite a right wrist contusion, Ball is available to play on Monday. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting point guard, and the Timberwolves will need a more efficient Ball as they continue without Anthony Edwards (knee). He’s joined in the starting lineup by Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga and Rudy Gobert. Gobert’s return pushes Joan Beringer to the bench.

With Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) sidelined, the Wolves’ backcourt could be thin on Monday. If Ball and/or Shannon sit out, more minutes would be available for Bones Hyland and Ayo Dosunmu.

After attempting 11 shots and scoring eight points in Wednesday’s loss to the Warriors, the first game Minnesota played after losing Anthony Edwards to knee surgery, Ball wasn’t shy about getting up shots on Friday. He shot 6-of-15 from beyond the arc and led the Timberwolves in scoring while also recording seven assists. Just as encouraging was his committing two turnovers after racking up six on Wednesday. Ball and the Timberwolves play one more game this week, as they visit the Spurs on Saturday.

This was not a good LaMelo Ball performance and he will occasionally have these types of performances. He’s still getting used to a different system and he just missed his shots tonight. He will have another opportunity to bounce back in his next game against the Clippers on Friday.

Like backcourt sidekick Anthony Edwards, Ball cooled off on Friday after a stellar showing in Wednesday’s win over the Heat. He shot 2-of-8 from beyond the arc, which negatively impacted Ball’s overall field-goal percentage. The upside for fantasy managers was that LaMelo offered decent value in assists and steals. The Timberwolves end their Week 1 with a game against the Raptors on Sunday.

Ball looked comfortable with his new team, pairing with Anthony Edwards to hit 14-of-30 from the arc. Just as big for fantasy managers, especially those in category leagues, was Ball’s single turnover in 28 minutes. Expecting him to do that consistently would be greedy, but Minnesota’s lineup should keep Ball from feeling like he has to do too much offensively. Which would be great for his fantasy outlook.

Ball has scored in double figures in back-to-back exhibition contests despite limited minutes as Minnesota continues to ramp-up in advance of their season opener. The polarizing 25-year-old playmaker was able to connect with new running mate Anthony Edwards on a couple occasions, including a nifty drive to the basket that resulted in a kickout three-pointer. He’s one of the more unique all-around contributors in the fantasy landscape and there are probably going to be nights where the Timberwolves look unstoppable on the offensive end of the floor. He’s a borderline second-round pick in most fantasy drafts this fall.

Making his unofficial Timberwolves debut, Ball played 17 minutes in the first half in Milwaukee. While you can’t take too much from one game, he played efficiently and committed just one turnover. Combining Ball with Anthony Edwards (14 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one three-pointer) gives Minnesota a backcourt that’s far more dangerous off the dribble than last year’s group. And an efficient Ball can be one of the most effective point guards in fantasy basketball, regardless of league format.