Fantasy Basketball: “Heating Up” Report
Fantasy owners are looking to win these last couple weeks of the regular season and vault their teams into the playoffs. The trade deadline is approaching as well.
NBA teams are hitting their strides and players have found their roles. Let’s talk about players who have stepped up so far in the second half of the season.
Kevin Porter Jr., G, Rockets
The former first-round pick has dealt with off the court issues before being dealt from the Cavs to the Rockets for a second-round pick. Since being called up from their G-League affiliate over the All-Star break, Porter has been vaulted right into a starting role.
The Rockets have been dealing with a lot of player turmoil and injuries. His averages in the five games he’s played are 20 points, eight assists and four rebounds a game. He may still be underrated, so he is a good trade target or waiver wire add.
His role should be secure with John Wall out with a knee injury that may need surgery.
Russell Westbrook, G, Wizards
After a slow start to the season playing through a quad injury, critics doubted Westbrook, citing that he was past his prime. However, as of late the point guard has returned to form with three triple-doubles in his last four games.
On the season, Westbrook is averaging 22 points, 10 assists and 9.6 rebounds. But in the last 15 days, his averages are 28 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. His performance and stat stuffing ability will help teams trying to make the playoffs,
Westbrook is finally returning his second-round draft value.
Tobias Harris, F, 76ers
Harris has been underrated for the majority of his career. This season he has been the second leading scorer on his team.
Despite being on the cusp of an All-Star berth, he watched his teammates Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons play in the game. Now Embiid is out for a couple weeks with a knee injury and Harris has stepped up his game to keep the 76ers competitive.
His season splits are 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He is a good trade target who will be the main option on his team for the next couple weeks.
Matt Noah is a sophomore majoring in journalism. To contact him, email matthewnoah29@gmail.com.
