Luka Doncic is on fire, Daniss Jenkins has a great opportunity and Ayo Dosunmu is excelling for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks hold differing perspectives, Aaron Gordon is preparing for the postseason, and Mikal Bridges isn’t currently making much impact.
With only three weeks remaining in the NBA’s regular season schedule, savor this final Risers and Fallers dispatch of the period. It’s been my privilege!
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Climbers
Luka Doncic, PG, Los Angeles Lakers (100% rostered in ESPN leagues)
Doncic has been on an unprecedented eight-game streak and culminated it with a remarkable 60-point outburst in a victory over Miami on Thursday night, marking the Lakers’ 11th win in their last 12 contests. Doncic has posted an average of 50 points across his last two outings and has registered a minimum of 30 points in eight consecutive games, all of which resulted in Lakers triumphs.
The fact that he averaged 50 points in a back-to-back set during March is astonishing, and he had been averaging 34.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 5.0 3-pointers for the month leading into Thursday’s game. He then sank nine 3-pointers and recorded five steals in that contest, currently propelling fantasy squads.
He’s the first Laker to achieve a 60-point game since Kobe Bryant did it in the “Mamba Out” performance, and his fantasy managers have experienced smooth sailing during this run. The sole remaining fantasy question is: did he reach his zenith prematurely? Regrettably, the answer is likely ‘yes,’ as the fantasy postseason is merely commencing for most of us. The positive news is that the Lakers intend to maintain their hold on third position in the West, so Luka should continue to put up outstanding statistics through the close of the season. And if he continues playing in this manner, he might end up with an MVP accolade, while his fantasy managers might claim their own championship.
Daniss Jenkins, PG, Detroit Pistons (21.0% rostered)
Cade Cunningham exited Tuesday’s contest mere minutes in with what was initially reported as a back ailment, but it revealed itself as a severe issue in the form of a collapsed lung. He’ll undergo re-evaluation in two weeks, which stands as some of the most disheartening fantasy news I’ve heard this season.
Jenkins took Cunningham’s place on Tuesday and recorded 15 points and seven dimes in 21 minutes, then commenced Thursday’s game as a starter. Unfortunately, he converted only 3 of 16 attempts to finish with nine points and five assists in a victory over Washington. However, the positive aspect is that he started, played 34 minutes, attempted the most shots among his teammates, and even recorded a block.
Jenkins, who has performed commendably when afforded a chance this season, was probably snatched up in 12-team formats as soon as the Cunningham news broke, thanks to his capacity to contribute across numerous statistical areas, including steals, blocks, and threes. But regardless of what size league you participate in, verify his availability without delay. He’s poised for a two-week surge, if not longer.
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves (33.0% rostered)
Dosunmu is set to receive a significant chance due to Anthony Edwards’ right knee inflammation, which will sideline him for one to two weeks. Dosunmu has already competed in two matchups absent Edwards, and he’s excelled, amassing 21 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 3-pointers in two Wolves victories.
Dosunmu often receives criticism in fantasy communities due to a dearth of steals, blocks, and three-pointers, and a good portion of it is warranted, but he did record three pilfers on Thursday evening, and he should get approximately 34 minutes each contest for the next two weeks.
It’s a toss-up as to whether he or Jenkins represents the superior acquisition right now.
Decliners
1:32
Shams shares the latest on Giannis’ discussions with Bucks
The ‘Get Up’ panel debates the friction between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks regarding his potential season-ending benching.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks (98.3% rostered)
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Thursday that the Bucks and Antetokounmpo are at odds concerning his potential return to play this season. Commendably, Antetokounmpo desires to compete, notwithstanding a current hyperextended knee. The truth is that while the Bucks haven’t been mathematically ruled out, they’re unlikely to reach the postseason… and Antetokounmpo is not fit.
Even if he does return to play this season, what duration will the Bucks permit their star player to be on the court in inconsequential games? And what adverse effect will this deadlock have on his rapport and future with the organization? I anticipate the team’s wishes will prevail in the end, and I’ll place Antetokounmpo’s estimated number of games played for the rest of the season at 2.5.
With such probabilities, I’m afraid he probably should be considered for the waiver wire, provided you lack an injured reserve slot on your roster. Retain Antetokounmpo for as long as feasible, but if you need to release him to secure a playoff berth — or to triumph in the postseason — it is reasonable.
Bobby Portis (55.9% rostered) has been performing exceptionally for the Bucks recently, while Ousmane Dieng (1.8% rostered) should be broadly accessible and have a substantial chance for the final few weeks of the season.
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, New York Knicks (96.0% rostered)
The Knicks are securely positioned in third place in the East and hold a 7-3 record in their recent ten contests. And while they haven’t faced many formidable opponents, they did secure a significant victory in Denver on March 6. However, the Knicks’ player receiving little notice on SportsCenter, or anywhere else right now, is Bridges.
Over his last seven games, Bridges is posting a mere 7.0 points, 1.0 3-pointers, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks while converting a dismal 32% of his field goals. His primary fantasy allure stems from his efficiency and aptitude for steals, blocks, and successful three-point shots, but it’s simply not materializing for him presently. And with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns shouldering the main burden for the Knicks, I don’t foresee an immediate alteration.
Bridges still retains some fantasy value, but it’s a critical period in fantasy right now, and difficult choices are necessary. Should your squad, including Bridges, be underperforming, or if you’re engaged in a field goal percentage contest, releasing Bridges isn’t an irrational notion. He’ll emerge from his slump at some point, but the fact remains he’s likely to be the fifth scoring option in New York for the remainder of the season.
Aaron Gordon, PF, Denver Nuggets (71.1% rostered)
Gordon is back on the court for the Nuggets following a hamstring ailment, but Peyton Watson (hamstring) is anticipated to return shortly. That’s going to leave the Nuggets congested in the frontcourt with Gordon, Watson, and Spencer Jones all vying for playing time, not to mention Christian Braun, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. And the primary concern for the Nuggets should really be ensuring Gordon’s fitness for the postseason.
Gordon is faltering across his recent five outings, averaging just 13 points and 5.4 rebounds on 42% shooting. Meanwhile, Watson was performing quite capably when he suffered his injury. I anticipate Gordon and Watson will, at best, split minutes over the final few weeks of the season, and I can foresee Gordon’s playing time being carefully managed with the aim of him being fully fit for the commencement of the playoffs.
Gordon is of greater significance to the Nuggets than he is to your fantasy squad, and it is logical for managers to seek a possible “end-of-season” standout with potential for their playoff run. For instance, I would consider releasing Gordon to acquire Jenkins.