Whereas they might not have the worst file within the NBA, one might make a superb argument for the Charlotte Hornets being the league’s worst crew. Friday’s 120-84 loss to Milwaukee was the crew’s tenth in a row, dropping the Hornets’ file on the season to 10-41. Whereas Brandon Miller’s progress has been a brilliant spot, poor play and accidents have restricted Steve Clifford’s crew. Earlier than Friday’s recreation, common supervisor Mitch Kupchak supplied an replace on beginning middle Mark Williams, who hasn’t performed since December 8 as a consequence of a again harm, and it wasn’t promising.
In keeping with Kupchak, the second-year middle will likely 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 crew has been, placing a possible cornerstone again on the court docket when there’s little to play for might not be the perfect 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 ok for a major middle in aggressive leagues, however he could be useful to managers searching 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 bother, Richards will strategy half-hour per evening. The reward outweighs the danger when contemplating whether or not or to not add him.
Let’s take a look at a couple of extra of Friday’s prime pickups:
Rui Hachimura (14%)
After occurring 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 straightforward, scoring 18 factors in three video games probably 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 shield Hachimura’s worth in deep leagues so long as he stays a starter.
Bilal Coulibaly (8%) and Corey Kispert (21%)
Washington was one among many groups left shorthanded as a consequence 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 hitch the crew, Kyle Kuzma was moved to middle for Friday’s recreation in opposition to 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 sphere, 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 at the least 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 might 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 lately, the alternatives aren’t as plentiful as one would really like for a possible pickup. Nevertheless, the Kings are concerned in one among 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 at the least 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 shifting ahead is dependent upon Maxey’s availability: if Tyrese can play in Saturday’s recreation in opposition to the Wizards, there’s no use to think about streaming Cam. If not, stream away.
