by Special for Yahoo Sports
It’s the calm before the storm ahead of next Thursday’s trade deadline, but seasoned fantasy managers are still vigilant. While next week’s article addresses the aftermath of the deadline, I won’t be suggesting any pre-emptive withdrawals based on deals rumored today, but instead focus on players whose values are rising or who offer decent streaming options.
Here are six players to add to Week 17. Recommended players recently inducted into less than 50 percent of leagues are listed at the end, as usual.
Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls (43% drafted)
Williams made a mess during Thursday’s game against the Hornets. However, he has trended upward, especially in the previous eight games when he averaged 13.1 points (50.7% FG, 40.0% 3PT, 88.2% FT), 5.6 boards, 1 .8 triples, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in 31.1 minutes . The third year forward continues to improve from a consistency standpoint. Although, as evidenced by the last race, there are still nights where he fails to make a big impact.
Nonetheless, he is maintaining career-high averages in scoring (10.3 PPG), blocks (0.8 BPG), free throw percentage (89.2% FT) and minutes (29.4 MPG), and its well-rounded statistical profile makes it worth including in most cases. formats.
Kenyon Martin Jr., Houston Rockets (37% drafted)
In his last twelve games, Martin averaged 14.4 points (56.8% FG, 35.1% 3PT, 51.4% FT), 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 dimes and 1.1 threes in 30.0 minutes. He contributes next to nothing in the way of thefts, blockages and fights from the charity band. However, he rarely runs the ball, averaging just 1.0 freebies in his last 12 games. With Kevin Porter (foot) still set aside e Yellow Green (veal) e Jabari Smith (ribs) also dealing with injuries, Martin could be heavily involved in the short term and deserves consideration in all formats.
Nance recorded three consecutive double-doubles while averaging 9.4 points (63.3% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 84.6% FT), 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 dimes, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks in 24.8 minutes in the last eight games. In the meantime, Zion Williamson (hamstring) is still on the mend and will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks, e Jonas Valanciunas he has seen under 20 minutes in three of his last six matches, only surpassing 22 minutes once during the same stretch of play.
While his role remains modest — the last time he earned more than 30 minutes was Dec. 11 — Nance is shooting a career-high percentage from the field (62.0% FG) and has proven he’s worth giving a look in most leagues .
Attack parties Jusuf Nurkic (veal) e Gerami Grant (concussion) both came off Wednesday’s win against the Grizzlies with injuries, and Eubanks jumped to totals of 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 24 minutes. With Nurkic out in the All-Star break, Eubanks is a solid stream option, especially in the deep leagues. In six starts this season, Eubanks is averaging 7.7 points (on 72.4% shooting from the field), 6.8 boards, 1.8 dimes, 1.3 blocks and 0.7 steals in 28 ,2 minutes.
Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets (19% drafted)
Since the start of the new year, Gordon has averaged 16.1 points (46.1% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 80.7% FT), 3.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 triples in 30.9 minutes in 14 appearances. Additionally, he combined for 49 points, 10 dimes and four steals in his last two games. For those in leagues with day lineups, Houston has four more games (including tonight against Toronto) before the trade deadline, during which Gordon should be green-lighted.
Following the recent injury to Steven Adams (knee), Tillman was placed in a significant role after being a rotating afterthought for most of the campaign. Over the last six games, Tillman has averaged 6.2 points (64.0% FG, 62.5% FT), 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 0.5 blocks in 23 ,2 minutes. Adams (knee) is expected to miss at least two more weeks, so Tillman is a quality streaming option for now, particularly in the deep leagues.
Recent Recommendations: Tari Eason, Jeremy Sochan, Alex Caruso, Kevon Looney, Victor Oladipo, Royce O’Neale, Rui Hachimura, Daniel Gafford, Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, Delon Wright, Hamidou Diallo
