Author: Michael Waterloo, Staff Writer
Join AccuScore now using the code SALE50 for $50 off an annual All-Sports premium membership. For all others this is $349, but as you are reading this article, it is only $299... Join Today
But this year, with a real opportunity, he’s going out there and making things happen. Oh yeah, we’re talking about Seth Curry here, not Steph.
While Seth is still the Eli to Steph’s Peyton, he’s coming into his own with Dallas. With Deron Williams out of the picture, the Mavs can ride Curry the rest of the way, and so far, he’s proven he can handle it.
Over his last seven games, Curry has at least 23 Fantasy points per game, and he’s hit the 31-FPPG plateau in each of his past four games.
Seth Curry is averaging 23.6 pts/gm since the All-Star break. Photo Credit: Steve Nurenberg/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire
Sure, a great deal can be attributed to the minutes that he’s getting – 33, 31, 37, 37, 36 and 35, respectively – but the production is there to go along with it. In Fantasy, that’s all we really care about.
The Yogi Ferrell experiment was fun while it lasted when he was seeing 30-plus minutes per night, but Curry has been the guard to own in Dallas.
Will it continue going forward? Well, why not? The Mavericks really have nothing to play for, so there’s no reason to keep Curry off the floor. He’s owned in 83 percent of CBS leagues and 60 percent of ESPN leagues, so if you’re going to make the move for him, now might be your last chance.
Stock Up
We’ve touched on Dario Saric and Richaun Holmes recently benefitting from Joel Embiid’s absence, but let’s not forget about Robert Covington, either. Covington was already the premier Fantasy option of the three, but with no Embiid in the fold, his stock only goes higher as a main focal point of the Sixers offense.
Over his past seven games, Covington has scored 30, 25, 35, 44, 37, 28 and 25 Fantasy points, respectively, while logging around 30 minutes on average.
Covington, who recorded back-to-back double-doubles last week, is contributing across the board for Fantasy owners, as he’s been an especially reliable source of steals over the past month.
Despite being the No. 53 player on the ESPN Player Rater, Covington is owned in just less than 65 percent of ESPN leagues. Take advantage of owners not paying attention and grab him for your playoff run.
When Taj Gibson was moved to the Thunder, it was time for the Bobby Portis show in Chicago. After so-so showings in his first couple of games post-trade, Portis has seen his minutes and production go up in his past two. In his latest showing against the Warriors, Portis posed a double-double, recording 17 points and 13 rebounds in 31 minutes.
Portis should see consistent minutes and production going forward, so his ownership needs to climb up from eight percent in ESPN and 41 percent in CBS leagues. In 12-team leagues and deeper, he should be owned. If the production continues to trend upward, he’ll be a guy you’ll want in your lineup on most nights.
Stock Down
When Serge Ibaka was traded to Toronto, it was clear that he and Terrance Ross – who went to Orlando in the deal – were the bigger winners for Fantasy purposes. However, were we expecting Ibaka’s arrival to turn into such a negative for Jonas Valanciunas? Not quite, well, at least not to this extent.
In the five games since Ibaka arrived, Valanciunas has failed to record 20 minutes on the court twice. Prior to Ibaka’s arrival, Valanciunas played at least 20 minutes in all but two contests all season.
Valanciunas’ Fantasy production has taken a hit, too, as he hasn’t eclipsed 30 Fantasy points in a game since the Feb. 6 outing against the Clippers. He’s hovered around 20 FPPG since February, which isn’t what you thought you were getting with his No. 51 overall preseason ADP.
Valanciunas is owned in 88 percent of ESPN leagues and 97 percent of CBS leagues. Based on name value, it makes sense. Based on production, though, it doesn’t. It’s OK to cut Valanciunas if you need to.
Hold
Heading into Friday’s slate of games, Willy Hernangomez was listed as doubtful with a sprained ankle. Since he’d already missed Wednesday’s game, it’s less-than encouraging for the 22-year-old from Spain. With Joakim Noah out for what seems like the season, this was supposed to be Hernangomez’ coming out party. Now, he’s become an injury risk while the likes of Kyle O’Quinn and Lance Thomas benefit from starting next to Kristaps Porzingis.
Even with the two “DNPs” on his game log, we’d advise you to hold on to Hernangomez if you can. Look, we get it. The playoffs are around the corner, so moves have to be made. But with more upside than most players on your waiver wire, you’d be best suited to hold on to Hernangomez as long as the injury doesn’t linger much longer for your playoff run.
The Fantasy Radio Sports Network (FNTSY) is the premier FREE 24/7 Fantasy Sports radio channel on the planet! Listen live or on demand and get the app in the ITunes Store or on Google Play. It’s the new home of the RotoExperts in the Morning and brand new shows featuring your favorite hosts, such as Tony Cincotta, Scott Engel, Jake Ciely, Nando Di Fino, Corey Parson, Pat Mayo, Joe Pisapia and many more!
