Dose: McBobby's World
Friday night was a huge night in the fantasy world. Both Kevin Love and LeBron James notched triple-doubles while Josh McRoberts broke out in a huge way. With plenty to cover, let’s get right to the action.
McRobert’s posts a gem
Josh McRoberts hit a career-high six three-pointers on his way to 24 points during Friday night’s game against the Magic. He added seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks, capping a terrific night. While the Bobcats ultimately lost the game in overtime, McRoberts’ performance likely helped a ton of fantasy teams. The former Duke star has been a key cog for the Bobcats this season and is a big catalyst for their playoff push. He’s averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. All of those numbers amount to a player who’s holding top-90 value in most leagues; not bad considering he went undrafted in a lot of leagues.
Vucevic goes for 20/20
While McRoberts was lighting it up for fantasy teams, Nikola Vucevic was helping the Magic get a victory, while also putting up his fair share of fantasy numbers. Vucevic dominated the paint, grabbing 23 rebounds, 10 of which came on the offensive end, while also scoring 24 points. The big man has been destroying it on the glass over his last four games, averaging over 14 rebounds per contest while also dropping over 16 points per game. He’s clearly hot right now and looks to be finishing the season in strong fashion.
All abroad the Love train
Kevin Love and the Timberwolves dominated the Lakers on Friday night, scoring 143 points in what was a 36-point margin of victory. Love led the way with a triple-double of 22 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists. He added a trio of three-pointers and went 6-10 from the field, completing a stellar night. The entire Minnesota roster was on fire as they shot a combined 67% from the field. The returning Nikola Pekovic looked fantastic in his first game since March 14, hitting 9-10 shots for 26 points and three rebounds. While Minnesota is pretty much out of the playoff race, the fantasy friendly stalwarts don’t look to be slowing down so keep riding the likes of Love, Pekovic, Ricky Rubio, and Kevin Martin the rest of the way.
LeBron James triple-doubles with ease
The Heat blistered the Pistons on Friday night behind LeBron James’ 17 points, 10 boards, and 12 assists. The game wasn’t even close as Miami led by 32 after the third quarter. Luckily for fantasy owners James did all his damage in just 29 minutes of action, which bodes well for his playing time down the stretch of the season. James has had a fantastic week, having scored 32 and 38 points in his other two games. Friday’s triple-double performance was a nice boost for owners and with the Bucks on the docket for Saturday night, James could put up another huge line.
Aldridge falls back to earth
After a great game on Thursday in which he notched 25 points and 16 rebounds, LaMarcus Aldridge crashed back to earth on Friday, hitting just 2-10 shots, totaling just five points. He did add 13 rebounds and four steals so it wasn’t a total loss but for a guy who has hovered around top-20 value all season, it was certainly a disappointing performance. Perhaps Aldridge was a bit aggressive in playing back-to-back games after such a long absence but either way he should bounce back in the next one.
Davis injures ankle
In what could be a really tough break for fantasy owners, Anthony Davis injured his left ankle on Friday and did not return. It was the same ankle that he hurt in the summer of 2012 and he’s already being listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against San Antonio. In his stead, Alexis Ajinca played well, adding nine points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. He’s certainly worth a speculative addition while Davis is on the mend. More news should trickle out about the extent of Davis’ injury over the weekend but with the Pelicans out of it, it wouldn’t be crazy to think they’d want to be extra careful with Davis’ ankle given his injury history.
Tyreke goes off
With both Brian Roberts (knee injury) and eventually Anthony Davis down, Tyreke Evans took full advantage, posting a huge line as the Pelicans defeated the Jazz. Evans racked up a career-high 15 assists to go along with his 22 points, three steals, and one block. It was an unexpected monster line from Evans, who has flirted with high-end and low-end value all season. With the Pelicans nursing a few injuries, Evans could be a fantasy gem as the campaign winds down.
Iggy returns
After missing three games with knee tendinitis, Andre Iguodala returned to action on Friday against Memphis, tallying five points, five rebounds, and three assists in nearly 29 minutes. Iguodala hasn’t had a big game in quite some time and Draymond Green (12 points, nine rebounds on Friday) is gaining some steam, leaving Iguodala as a player who has become marginalized in the Warriors offense. He’s not a great option in most leagues but hangs around due to his versatility in a variety of categories.
Belinelli stars in spot start
With Danny Green sideline due to a foot injury, Marco Belinelli went bonkers against the Nuggets, nailing six triples on his way to 27 points. He didn’t contribute much in boards or assist but did add two blocks and one steal for good measure. The sharpshooting Italian has had a few nice fantasy runs this season and with the Spurs looking to rest some stars late, he could be a nice fantasy player for the next week or so. Green’s in jury isn’t considered serious so he could start the next one but Belinelli still looks like an interesting play going forward.
Bogut goes down
Just when the Warriors couldn’t afford another front court injury, Andrew Bogut went down during Friday night’s game against Memphis. Bogut suffered a pelvic contusion about four minutes into the contest and did not return. With fellow big man David Lee nursing a hamstring injury, the Bogut news comes at an inopportune time for both the franchise and fantasy owners. Bogut is scheduled for an MRI on Saturday so stay tuned for updates on the severity of the injury.
Lowry plays through the pain
The Raptors clinched a playoff birth with a win against the Celtics on Friday and also dodged an injury bullet in the process. Kyle Lowry limped to the locker room in the first half with a right ankle injury but got it taped up and returned to score nine points, five assists, and three turnovers. He only shot 4-13 from the field so yes this was a terrible line for Lowry, but the good news is that his ankle doesn’t look to be in bad shape. He’s definitely susceptible to rest down the stretch so keep an eye on Greivis Vasquez in case he gets a spot start.
