Whereas they could not have the worst document within the NBA, one may make a great argument for the Charlotte Hornets being the league’s worst staff. Friday’s 120-84 loss to Milwaukee was the staff’s tenth in a row, dropping the Hornets’ document on the season to 10-41. Whereas Brandon Miller’s progress has been a vivid spot, poor play and accidents have restricted Steve Clifford’s staff. Earlier than Friday’s recreation, normal supervisor Mitch Kupchak supplied an replace on beginning middle Mark Williams, who hasn’t performed since December 8 on account of a again harm, and it wasn’t promising.
In line with Kupchak, the second-year middle shall be re-evaluated in one other 4 weeks. Whereas he additionally famous that Williams is anticipated to return sooner or later this season, fantasy managers ought to function as if he will not. Given how dangerous the staff has been, placing a possible cornerstone again on the court docket when there’s little to play for will not be the very best plan of action. With that being the case, it is time for extra managers so as to add Nick Richards.
Rostered in 45% of Yahoo leagues, he completed Friday’s loss with 16 factors, 11 rebounds, and one blocked shot in half-hour. Over the previous two months, Richards has been a Tenth-round participant in 9-cat codecs. That is not adequate for a main middle in aggressive leagues, however he might be useful to managers on the lookout for extra depth on the place. Moreover Richards, Nathan Mensah is the one wholesome middle on the roster. Except he suffers an harm or is mired in foul hassle, Richards will strategy half-hour per night time. The reward outweighs the chance when contemplating whether or not or to not add him.
Let us take a look at a couple of extra of Friday’s high pickups:
Rui Hachimura (14%)
After happening a run of six straight video games in double figures, Hachimura’s manufacturing dropped off sharply after he was moved into the beginning lineup. Whereas taking part in in a lineup with 4 gamers who want their touches cannot be simple, scoring 18 factors in three video games seemingly turned off some fantasy managers. Hachimura was significantly better in Friday’s win over the Pelicans, ending with 21 factors, 5 rebounds, one help, one block, and two 3-pointers in 37 minutes. Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) is taking a look at an prolonged absence, and the Lakers can use Taurean Prince at both ahead place. That ought to defend Hachimura’s worth in deep leagues so long as he stays a starter.
Bilal Coulibaly (8%) and Corey Kispert (21%)
Washington was certainly one of many groups left shorthanded on account of trades, as they’d moved Daniel Gafford to Dallas forward of the deadline on Thursday. With Marvin Bagley III (again) nonetheless sidelined and Richaun Holmes but to affix the staff, Kyle Kuzma was moved to middle for Friday’s recreation towards the Celtics. This additionally meant that Coulibaly was again within the beginning lineup, and he completed with 21 factors, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and 4 3-pointers in 33 minutes. The rookie was 6-of-18 from the sector, however the general stat line was one which many class league managers would take.
As for Kispert, he continues to rack up the factors off the bench. He is scored not less than 23 factors in three of his final 4 video games, ending the four-point loss to the Celtics with 24 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists, three steals, and three 3-pointers in 24 minutes. Whereas his fantasy upside will not be as excessive as Coulibaly’s, Kispert can present worth, particularly in deep leagues.
Trey Lyles (7%)
Underneath regular circumstances, Lyles wouldn’t make the minimize. Whereas he has performed effectively just lately, the alternatives aren’t as plentiful as one would really like for a possible pickup. Nevertheless, the Kings are concerned in certainly one of two video games being performed on Tremendous Bowl Sunday. The schedule boosts Lyles’ worth, particularly the place there’s a want for 3-point manufacturing. He hit three in Friday’s win over the Nuggets, scoring 15 factors with seven rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes. In 5 video games this month, he is shot 16-of-28 from past the arc, scoring not less than 13 factors in 4.
Cameron Payne (1%)
With Tyrese Maxey (sickness) sidelined, Payne was pushed into the beginning lineup for his 76ers debut. He took benefit of the chance, scoring 20 factors with three rebounds, six assists, two steals, one block, and 4 3-pointers in 36 minutes. Payne’s fantasy worth transferring ahead will depend on Maxey’s availability: if Tyrese can play in Saturday’s recreation towards the Wizards, there’s no use to contemplate streaming Cam. If not, stream away.
