Jan 18, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) controls the ball against Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Wednesday night in the NBA featured eight games, with only one game going to the wire. Jerami Grant made an amazing bank shot from beyond the arc to force OT in Houston, and Portland held on to win.
It’s “rivalry week” in the NBA, but the remaining games were lackluster. The Suns blew out the Mavs, while the Thunder blew out the Spurs, despite the fact that Victor Wembanyama outperformed Chet Holmgren. Remember that there are seven games on Thursday, eight games on Friday, ten games on Saturday, and just five games on Sunday. your roster moves!
Marvin Bagley- 49% rostered in Yahoo leagues
Bagley has been coming off the bench since Daniel Gafford returned to the lineup, but he has still played a significant impact. He took advantage of Gafford’s foul issues on Wednesday, recording a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Gafford has been in foul problems for years, so Bagley should be able to continue playing significant minutes off the bench. He may not perform at this level every game, but despite playing only 18 minutes on Sunday, he scored 14 points and seven boards. He does not participate in many areas, yet he has performed effectively.
Blake Wesley- less than 1%
Tre Jones was sidelined with an ankle issue on Wednesday, so Wesley got the start. The Spurs play on Friday and Saturday, and if Jones stays out, Wesley will continue to start. Even if Jones is approved to return, he could miss one of those games for injury maintenance. In his second career start, Wesley played 28 minutes against the Thunder, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, one block, and one 3-pointer on 5-of-5 shooting. However, if Jones returns, Wesley will not be worth rostering.
Jacob Gilyard- 1%
Gilyard returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday, with Luke Kennard sidelined due to a hamstring ailment. If Kennard is out on Friday, Gilyard should receive another start. He can produce consistent assist stats, which are difficult to find on the waiver wire. The disadvantage is that he does not contribute significantly in other categories. He started for 24 minutes on Wednesday and finished with six points, seven assists, one steal, and two three-pointers.
T.J. McConnell- 28%
Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss at least two more games, so McConnell should be in your lineup against the 76ers on Thursday. The Pacers also played on Friday and Sunday, and while Haliburton may return for the week’s final game, managers should be able to wring two more games of worth from McConnell.
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Royce O’Neale- 5%
Cameron Johnson is uncertain to play Thursday due to a left shoulder injury. If he is out, O’Neale will have an opportunity to get into the starting lineup. In six starts this season, he has averaging 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 triples. He has had some duds and some great games, so he isn’t the most consistent, but he should play significant minutes if Johnson is out.
Nicolas Batum- 8%
Tobias Harris is doubtful to participate on Thursday due to an illness. Batum will start regardless, and he has delivered fifth-round value over the last two weeks. He won’t score many points, but he can contribute in most other categories.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker- 3%
NAW took over for the ailing Mike Conley again on Wednesday. He finished with a 6/5/5/1 line in 31 minutes after scoring 18 points and making four 3-pointers as a starter Monday. If Conley is gone on Thursday, NAW should be worth watching, even if he did not play well on Wednesday.
Silly Season Hero Watch:
Both of these players performed well off the bench for the Grizzlies, but they are unlikely to be included in regular leagues right now. However, if you have the luxury of holding a player or two over the next month, there are two possibilities to consider.
GG Jackson- 11%
In 26 minutes, he scored 17 points (5-of-9 FGs), four rebounds, two assists, and four 3-pointers.Scotty
Pippen Jr.- 1%
In 24 minutes, he had 15 points (5-of-7 FGs), six rebounds, six assists, and one 3-pointer.
