LaVine stays solid in fantasy despite trade rumors
Zach LaVine has been a reliable fantasy player despite the Chicago Bulls’ struggles and trade rumors swirling around the two-time All-Star.
We’re just over a month into the 2023-24 NBA season, and already there are so many reasons to be thankful.
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The Pacers and Magic look like they could break through and make the playoffs in the East
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Likewise, the Thunder and Pelicans could be those teams in the West
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Houston is competitive!
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Boston’s new-look lineup commands the best record in the Association
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No Harden? No problem for the surging Sixers
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Minnesota is the… top seed in the West?
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Draymond Green up to his usual tricks
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In-Season Tournament courts
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Wemby and Chet.
It’s been an exciting season in the real-world NBA, but what about fantasy hoops? Which guys have been the most impactful for your fantasy teams? This year, when you’re sitting around the Thanksgiving dinner table giving thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon you, consider the following players. I’m certainly thankful for them, and I hope you are too!
Turkey
It’s Thanksgiving day. You grab a plate and head over to the food table. There it is. That beautiful main course that lets you know this is the real deal. Turkey is the centerpiece of every Thanksgiving feast, and the guys listed below are surely the centerpieces of your winning fantasy rosters.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Goodness gracious, mama! That’s a badddddd man. SGA is currently the top player in fantasy hoops. He was a top-5 option last year, and while many predicted a small decline, he’s somehow been even better in 2023-24. He’s been incredible on both ends of the court, averaging 29.6 points to go with career-highs in rebounds (6.2), assists (5.9), and most incredibly, steals (2.5). He’s shooting career-best marks at 53.5% from the field and 92.8% from the charity stripe. The steals may regress and drop his per-game value slightly, but he’s still a top-12 player and will remain in the upper echelon of fantasy hoops for the foreseeable future.
Tyrese Haliburton
This time last year, Hali was featured in the “Mashed Potatoes and Gravy” section as one of fantasy’s best second-tier options. This season, he’s graduated to the main course. I’m, of course, wiping a single tear from my eye as I type this. Haliburton comfortably leads the league in assists at 11.6, and he’s providing a career-best 23.5 points and 3.2 triples per contest on 50/40/90 shooting splits. He’s the real deal, and a re-loaded Pacers offense and heavy workload haven’t led to less scoring opportunities or a decline in efficiency – just the opposite. Hali is an absolute stud, and we will be sure to give thanks.
Joel Embiid
The reigning MVP has taken it up a notch this season, averaging 31.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.1 triples and a career-best 6.2 dimes. The Sixers are the No. 2 seed in the West thanks to his and Tyrese Maxey’s monster contributions, and the best part? Embiid has yet to miss a game! Philly has played two back-to-back sets, and Embiid played in all four of those games. He’s ranked third in per-game fantasy value, and as long as he stays healthy, there’s no reason to think he can’t keep it up.
Anthony Davis
SGA is ranked No. 1, Embiid is ranked No. 3, so who’s second in per-game fantasy value? For the second straight season, AD is posting tremendous numbers. He’s posting 22.0 points, 11.7 boards and 3.3 dimes to go with a ridiculous 3.3 swats per game. Even if his block numbers regress slightly, he’s still going to be a top-12 fantasy option. Davis was drafted near the end of the first round or the beginning of the second round, and he’s paying that value off already. He’s only missed one game so far, and he’s played all four games in the Lakers’ two back-to-back sets.
Tyrese Maxey
He and Joel Embiid have been absolutely masterful this season, and without James Harden, the Sixers are thriving and sit as the No. 2 seed in the East. Maxey’s breakout campaign includes averages of 26.8 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 triples – all easily career-best numbers. He’s playing 38.1 minutes per night, and Philly’s bench is razor thin, so don’t expect the court time to wane anytime soon. Maxey already has a 50 point game under his belt, and we still haven’t seen the best of him yet! He is the epitome of a Thanksgiving main course, and if you need a reason to be thankful, look no further than this guy, who is looking like this season’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Side Dishes
Some people come just for the sides! Maybe you’re not a big turkey fan, maybe the many different Thanksgiving side dishes are your favorite part of the meal, or maybe you think the main course and the sides need to co-exist in order to build the perfect plate. Your team can’t all be superstars, right? Your fantasy roster has got to have complementary options, and the guys listed below are just that!
De’Aaron Fox – Mac and Cheese
How do you make your mac and cheese? Strictly on the stove with a roux? Noodles with cheese, milk and butter in a casserole dish baked in the oven? Breadcrumbs? No breadcrumbs? How many different cheeses? Which seasonings? There are a million ways to make mac and cheese, but they’re all great in their own way. Fox is just like mac and cheese. We’ve seen so many iterations of him, and they’re all excellent. Early in his career, he dished monster assists. Last season, he showed a huge improvement in efficiency and committed fewer turnovers. This season, he’s lights out from beyond the arc and scoring at a career-high clip. Fox has scored at least 30 points in half of his games to kick off the season, and the prolific scoring is due to his monster improvements in shooting from beyond the arc. He’s averaging 29.6 points and 3.4 triples on 37.5% from three. All of those numbers would be career-bests if they hold steady.
Jayson Tatum – Mashed Potatoes
As usual, Tatum is doing a bit of everything. He’s averaging 28.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.4 triples while shooting 50.7% from the floor and 79.7% from the charity stripe. Boston’s superstar forward is ranked 17th in per-game fantasy value thanks in large part to his poor FT%. It’s the least efficient mark of his career, and he’s due for some positive regression. Tatum is currently a side dish, but he’s the best side dish of them all, and some people even prefer him to the main course. He’ll work his way back into the top 12 before the season is over.
Bam Adebayo – Green Bean Casserole
He’s not for everyone. Personally, I can’t stand cream of mushroom soup dumped over a can of green beans, but it’s my wife’s favorite. I’d much rather snack on the bag of crispy onions, but green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple. Adebayo isn’t hitting threes, wowing us with highlight dunks or shots or even headlocking the NBA’s second-tallest Frenchman. No, he’s just going to work every day and averaging career-bests in points (22.8) and boards (10.2) to go with 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks. It’s the first time in three seasons he’s averaging at least one steal and one block. Most notably, he’s shooting 82.5% from the charity stripe on 7.5 attempts – both career highs. Whether he excites you or not, Bam is an elite fantasy staple.
Lauri Markkanen – Dinner Rolls
You’ve just loaded up your first plate at Thanksgiving dinner, and you’re already two rolls deep. Can you really eat another? How about two more? The rolls are like Markkanen’s fantasy production. He’s currently a first-rounder, but can he keep it up? There was no way Markkanen could follow up his huge Most Improved Player season with another equally strong showing, but he’s done it! To start the 2023-24 campaign, Markkanen is averaging 24.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and a blistering 3.5 triples.
Kristaps Porzingis – Cranberry Sauce
Just like Bam, KP isn’t for everyone. Just like that gelatinous mass of red goo, Porzingis’ risk of injury just turns some people off completely. In his first season with Boston, he’s averaging 19.5 points, 6.9 rebounds (career-low), 1.9 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.6 triples, while shooting 54.7% (career-high) and committing a career-low 1.2 TOs. He’s a second-round fantasy option, and just like cranberry sauce, it looks like he’s here to stay.
Scottie Barnes – Stuffing
Stuffing, filling, dressing. Whatever you want to call it, you can guarantee it will be on your table this Thanksgiving, and we’ve got a fantasy player who’s currently “stuffing” the stat sheet. The Barnes breakout is real, as he’s averaging 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks and 2.0 triples while shooting 47.8% from the floor and 75.5% from the charity stripe. These are incredible numbers on both ends of the court, and there’s no reason to expect him to slow down anytime soon. Barnes is the top option for a team with one of the worst benches in basketball that is struggling to get much from its other players like Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby. We are oh so thankful for Barnes this year.
Desmond Bane – Gravy
You’ve got your turkey, your potatoes, your stuffing and your vegetables. Now it’s time to grab the gravy boat and start pouring. And just like a Thanksgiving gravy boat, Bane is pouring in the triples and the points this season. He’s averaging 25.8 points, 4.3 boards, 4.8 dimes, 1.4 steals, 0.8 blocks and 3.6 three-pointers. He’s been no slouch on defense, and he’s contributing effectively in a number of categories. He’s not just a one-trick pony, but the scoring and three-point shooting are absolutely elite.
Evan Mobley – Baked Corn
Corn is great, but how about when it’s baked up into a casserole? That’s what takes corn from ok vegetable to superstar side dish. Mobley has gone from ok vegetable over his first two seasons to a superstar side dish, and just like baked corn, he’s become a foundational piece of Cleveland’s success and a breakout fantasy star in Year 3. He’s averaging 16.6 points, 10.4 boards, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting 55.8% from the field and 71.7% from the charity stripe – all career highs.
Alperen Sengun – Brussels Sprouts
Maybe not the most popular side dish, but vegetables are a healthy and fundamental part of a well-balanced meal. That’s just what Sengun is for fantasy managers. He’s not an exciting player by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s averaging 20.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks and 0.8 triples while shooting 58.8% from the floor. He’s a mini Nikola Jokic who plays a fundamentally sound game of basketball by scoring, rebounding and passing at an elite level.
Wildfowl, Venison, Corn
According to an article from The Smithsonian regarding the food served at the first Thanksgiving, “Wildfowl was there. Corn, in grain form for bread or for porridge, was there. Venison was there.” These were the foods shared between some of America’s earliest settlers and the Native Americans in a feast that formed the basis for the modern-day Thankgiving celebration. Just like these “founding foods,” it feels like the players in this section have been around forever, but they’re still just as great as the first time you saw them play. The following vets are still fantasy studs, just like turkey, deer and corn remain favorites around the Thanksgiving table.
LeBron James
Yes, I’m going to use the words “Year 21.” It’s become cliche, it’s become overused, but there’s a good reason for it! This man is ranked in the top-15 in per-game fantasy value behind ridiculous averages of 26.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.2 triples on 58.6% shooting. Is he ever going to slow down!?
Stephen Curry
Golden State is a mess right now, and Curry is carrying the team. He’s the only player on the squad averaging more than 17 points per game, and he’s providing 30.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 5.5 triples. The assists are way down, but the scoring and three-pointers are career-highs. That’s right. The best shooter of all time has actually improved his shot in 2023-24. Unreal.
Kevin Durant
How long has KD been around? He was drafted by a team that no longer exists. In Year 17, he’s averaging 31.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks and 2.3 triples. He’s a first-round fantasy option currently carrying the limping Suns, and if he continues on this pace, he’ll average better than 30 points a night for the first time in 10 years. This is not normal.
Paul George
PG13 has had a tough time staying on the court in recent seasons, but he’s been absolutely magnificent when available. This season, he’s posting 24.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 3.3 triples on nearly 50/40/90 shooting splits. He’s looking like prime Indiana PG, and fantasy managers who rolled the dice on him in the third or fourth rounds are getting incredible value.
Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Crustini
These guys are all new to the Thanksgiving table, just like the roasted pumpkin and goat cheese crustini. When the dish first appeared next to established favorites like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, your Aunt Gladys rolled her eyes. Uncle Marv made gagging noises. Your younger cousins decided to give it a shot, however, and instantly loved it. They convinced the rest of the family to expand their horizons, and what do you know! The pumpkin and goat cheese crustini has now become a regular part of your Thanksgiving experience, and the three rookies here will be regular fantasy studs for years to come.
Chet Holmgren
A rookie delivering first-round value? Are you kidding? Holmgren is averaging 17.0 points, 7.8 boards, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.1 blocks and 1.6 three-pointers. We love a big man who can shoot outside shots and rack up defensive stats, but how about one who’s on pace for 50/40/90 shooting and commits just 2.1 TOs? Yeah, that’s not just strong production. That’s elite production.
Victor Wembanyama
The most hyped prospect since LeBron James, Wemby has been as good as advertised, averaging 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.6 blocks and 1.5 triples. His counting stats are nearly identical to Holmgren’s, but Wemby’s 42.4% shooting from the field, 78.2% shooting from the charity stripe and 3.6 TOs bump him down the per-game rankings. Low efficiency and high turnovers are to be expected from rookies, so Wemby is typical, and Holmgren is the exception.
Ausar Thompson
We knew he was going to be good, but this good? No way. Thompson has been a regular starter for the last-place Pistons, and he’s made the most of his opportunities. Thompson is averaging 11.3 points, 10.1 boards, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks across 30.5 minutes per night. He’s a mid-round fantasy option despite poor shooting marks of 43.9% from the field, 69.8% from the free-throw line and 2.4 TOs. As mentioned above, we can expect some warts when it comes to shooting and ball security, but Thompson’s stellar two-way play is highly encouraging for his future outlook.
Desserts
Whether you love a traditional pumpkin pie, or there’s another sweet treat that catches your eye (I’m a coconut cake guy, myself), there are bound to be plenty of desserts at your Thanksgiving feast this year. Desserts come out last, after you’ve already gorged on turkey and loaded up on carbs, but you always find room for them. The guys listed below are late-round selections who have exceeded expectations and rounded out your fantasy team with delicious value.
ADP data courtesy of Hashtag Basketball
Tobias Harris (90.4 ADP)
He’s a third-round fantasy option scoring nearly 20 points per night on highly efficient shooting splits. Can he keep it up? We’re not sure, but we’ll enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts.
Derrick White (87.3 ADP)
He’s ranked inside the top-55 in per-game fantasy value, and the arrival of Jrue Holiday has done little to dampen his fantasy appeal.
Mark Williams (92.3 ADP)
Big Markky Dubs is ranked just inside the top-40 thanks to a double-double average, better than 70% shooting from the floor and nearly a steal and a block per contest.
Herb Jones (134.9 ADP)
He’s ranked… checks notes… inside the top-20! Thanks to healthy averages of 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 threes, Herb is a second-rounder. His high efficiency and low turnovers certainly help, too.
Dillon Brooks (141.9 ADP)
He’s ranked just outside the top 100, but he provided early-round value to start the season. In his first year with the Rockets, he’s averaging 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.0 triples. Houston is competitive, and it’s been a blast seeing him with the Rockets so far.
Jalen Johnson (144.6 ADP)
Onyeka Okongwu? Saddiq Bey? Clint Capela? There’s only one fantasy golden boy in Atlanta’s frontcourt, and it’s Johnson, who currently ranks as a fourth-round fantasy option. He’s been a steady starter averaging 15/8 with solid shooting and defensive numbers. Let the good times roll.
Max Strus (142 ADP)
Ok, so it’s not just Heat Culture, apparently. Strus is a top-50 fantasy option in the early goings of the season. He’s logging over 35 minutes a night and contributing more than just triples. He may slow down a little when the team is fully healthy, but he’s still going to blow his ADP out of the water.
Jalen Duren (93.3 ADP)
Ranked as a late fifth-rounder, Duren is delivering a nightly double-double with strong shooting and defense. He’s dealt with some nagging injuries, but when healthy, he’s a monster option at center, and he just turned 20 last week. The best is yet to come.