It’s a long road to a fantasy basketball title but luckily you have Nick in Time to help you throughout the season to help guide you. So far so good with some of my recommended players. If you need a refresher please feel free to review last week’s article here.
As we head into week 3 of the 2018 season here’s the weekly game breakdown:
Teams with 5 games:
Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers
Teams with 4 games:
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors
Teams with 3 games:
Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards
Here are my recommended pickups for Week 3 of the NBA Fantasy Season:
Bryn Forbes, Guard, San Antonio Spurs: Forbes has taken over the Spurs point guard position after Dejounte Murray‘s season-ending injury. He’s been hot this past week averaging 14.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 3.0 3-pointers through four games. Derrick White should return soon but Forbes should have another 4 games to showcase why he deserves to continue to start.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard, Los Angeles Clippers: Through five games he’s averaging 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.4 3-pointers on 48 percent shooting. Now to be honest that’s not a very high floor but more importantly, has plenty of room to grow. If the Clippers are smart they Patrick Beverley Alexander has a high ceiling and is going to be more popular is the weeks go on. LAC plays three games this week.
Elie Okobo, Guard, Phoenix Suns: Okobo is someone I’ve been keeping an eye on. He saw extended run and played a career-high 31 minutes after Isiah Cannan left early spraining his ankle. Okobo finished with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, three 3-pointers. The Suns have said they’ll trade for a veteran point guard but with Devin Booker out you can take a flier on Okobo, especially in deeper leagues and formats.
Danny Green, Guard, Toronto Raptors: With five-game averages of 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 blocks and 3.0 3-pointers on 44 percent shooting, it appears that Green is en route to returning to form. Green is a peripheral stats monster and I’ll bank on him reaching the top 60-75 by season’s end at this pace. Green and the Raps play four times in Week 3.
Monte Morris, Guard, Denver Nuggets: This Morris guy has surprised me so I’m not going to take credit for seeing this one. However, let this be an example of guys getting opportunities. Morris had 20 points, seven dimes, three steals and two 3-pointers on Thursday, and scored 11 with seven assists on Tuesday, and had nine points, six boards and four assists last Sunday. I still think Gary Harris and Jamal Murray are the winners due to the loss of Will Barton (hip). Morris plays four times this week.
Zach Collins, Forward, Portland Trail Blazers: Blazers play 5 games this week so I would grab Collins if have the room. He’s been a high points per minute guy this past week. This past Saturday playing 24 minutes against the Heat scored 13 points, 8-for-8 from the free throw line and adding four rebounds, two blocks, and a three-pointer. Collins is averaging 11.2 points, 6.4 boards, 0.8 steals, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 3-pointers on 68 percent shooting through five games. He’s getting 22 minutes a night. His numbers have the potential to go up as well. #Pickhimupnow
Kelly Oubre, Forward, Washington Wizards: Oubre is always a guy I’ve liked even over Otto Porter‘s inconsistent self. (I feel bad for all of you who drafter Porter.) Oubre’s averaging 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.4 3-pointers on the season, shooting 52 percent from the floor, but has been especially hot over his last three games. He’s averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 3-pointers over that stretch. Washington only plays three games in Week 3 but make sure you add Oubre if you need forward.
Montrezl Harrell, Forward, Los Angeles Clippers: Harrell went crazy against his former team. He even dropped a 30 burger against them. Harrell’s game is based a lot on hustle so he has no problem producing in 18, 24 or even 30 minutes. He’s averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.2 blocks on 61 percent shooting after five games. Marcin Gortat is only played on average 18 minutes a game. Harrell is close to a must add.
Taj Gibson, Center, Minnesota Timberwolves: Gibson is averaging 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.0 blocks. He’s not the most exciting player around, but he’s putting up effective numbers while Karl-Anthony Towns continues to frustrate his owners. Gibson won’t hurt you anywhere and the Wolves play four times in Week 3.
Dwight Powell, Center, Dallas Mavericks: Powell has gotten progressively worse since the season started, but is averaging 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks after five games, shooting a ridiculous 78 percent from the floor in just under 16 minutes a night. Carlisle is going to give Powell minutes because he loves Powell! Dallas plays three games in Week 3.
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