Week 13 of the NBA season will kick off a bit earlier due to MLK day. Things are quickly ramping up in the East, with the once top-seeded Magic careening downward in the wake of their injuries down to the 7th seed with a 23-21 record and having lost seven out of their last 10 games. They’re now firmly entrenched in the play-in area alongside the Heat, Pistons, Hawks, and Pistons. There’s a sizable 4.5 game gap between these teams and the 10th seeded Bulls. We’re still curious whether the 15-26 76ers will be able to summon up the mid-season rally to leap back into a Play-In spot, but it seems unlikely with Joel Embiid’s continued struggles with his health.
In the West, the Nuggets have crept into the top four, having won seven out of their last 10 games. The jockeying for a Play-In spot in this conference remains as competitive as ever. I would only discount the bottom feeder teams such as the Jazz, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers. Every other team in the West has a shot to make the Playoffs.
And yes, we’re all eagerly waiting to see what develops with Jimmy Butler, who’s interestingly rejoined the Heat after suspension and is playing despite all the drama.
We’re shooting the Three Lists of Threes today for your weekly dose of fantasy tips: Buy-lows, sell-highs, and streams.
Here are some sell-highs we can consider.
Sell ’em
Jalen Green, PG/SG, Houston Rockets
I’m struggling to think of a player hotter than Jalen Green right now. In fact, he was even mentioned in my Sell column last week, and yet, he’s still here. In fact, Green is averaging 27.6 PPG in his last 12 games while shooting 50% from the floor and 90% from the line. He’s also cashing in 47.2% of his three point attempts while launching 8.8 per game. His shooting certainly won’t hold, especially considering his historical pattern of being hot and cold, but admittedly he’s gotten hot earlier this season than he typically does. He’s been scorching hot for three weeks now.
Because he’s so young at 22, it’s completely reasonable to think that he’s taken a leap, and while the leap probably won’t look like the 58.7% shooting from the floor he’s achieved in his past five games, it can hopefully hover right around 46-48%. But then again, efficiency has never been Green’s strong suit, but if you can find a manager who’s convinced that Green has finally hit his stride, I’d see what I can get for him.
Ivica Zubac, C, Los Angeles Clippers
It feels almost unfair to bring up James Harden in a spot that’s meant to give props to Ivica Zubac, but this correlation is inseparable. Harden’s had a history of elevating centers well beyond what they are typically capable of (outside of Dwight Howard). He was exceptional in enabling Clint Capela on the Rockets, Joel Embiid on the 76ers, and Nic Claxton on the Nets. Now he’s enabling Zubac on the Clippers, helping Zubac hit career-highs in points. Harden’s ability to operate the pick and roll is elite.
Zubac’s rebounds are also sky-high, clocking in at 12.7 per game, good for fourth in the league. It helps that this is Zubac’s first season as a starter, but I’d be curious what his trade value looks like, especially after last night’s 21-19 game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul George, SF, Philadelphia 76ers
I have no faith in the 76ers this season. Paul George’s contract is looking worse by the day, and the 76ers may have to face an uncomfortable truth very soon that they simply don’t have the juice this season. Luckily for them, running it back next season with a healthy Jared McCain isn’t the worst prospect. Likely, their approach will be similar: fight all season for a playoff spot while inserting Joel Embiid into the lineup intermittently and keeping him as healthy as possible, and then go all-in in the twilight of their championship window.
As for George this season, I’m not expecting much. He’s 34, has missed 13 games this season, and looks primed to miss many more. I’m looking to get off this wild ride.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information
