Welcome back to another week of Fantasy basketball. We’ve got a ton of goodies for you to consider in this edition, so hit that waiver wire up.
This week, the slumping Bucks shook up their starting lineup; Tyrese Maxey will be out for weeks (see below for the Fantasy opportunity); and the Spurs are struggling to put up offense.
So while you wonder whether Donovan Mitchell can score double digits on Saturday (he’s -9000 to do so as per FanDuel despite barely getting there in two of the last three), let’s get to this week’s…
Ochai Agbaji, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors (ESPN: 27.9 per cent; CBS: 43 per cent): Agbaji is really starting to show what he can do as a pro, scoring double-digit points in seven of the last eight. His PT and touches are rising, as is his Fantasy value as he becomes a better source of treys. Agbaji has become a bigger part of the rebuilding Raptors’ offense and he needs to be owned as long as he’s starting with Scottie Barnes (eye) out. As an athletic, young swingman capable of drawing contact when he goes to the hoop (see video below), Agbaji is going to get a ton of rope in Toronto.
Kyle Lowry, PG, Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN: 5.9 per cent; CBS: 13 per cent): The greatest Raptor ever, Lowry has been regressing for a while and is as old as dirt now, but is starting with Maxey (hamstring) out. Lowry didn’t do much in his last two games, but had back-to-back double-digit scoring games before that, adding seven dimes in the second one, so he still has something left in the tank. It’s unclear how much more PT he can handle at this stage (he played 32 minutes on Friday), but he can provide some value for your team.
Ty Jerome, PG, Cleveland Guardians (ESPN: 3.2 per cent; CBS: 7 per cent): Jerome has been posting some impressive numbers in limited PT (11 points, five dimes, three boards, two treys and two steals in just 16 minutes on Wednesday, and then 20 on Friday in just 21 minutes) and could get more action with Sam Merrill (ankle) limited. If Jerome can get 20 minutes or more on the regular, he’ll be a fine deep league asset. After missing most of last season with an ankle injury, he’s been shooting the lights out off the bench so far.
Javonte Green, SF, New Orleans Pelicans (ESPN: 0.8 per cent; CBS: 2 per cent): With Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III both dealing with hammy woes, Green has a chance to offer short-term deep league value. Green had season-highs with 11 points in 30 minutes on Wednesday before shooting poorly on Friday, but his bucket count has risen so far in November. Based on his brief time in Chicago last season, there’s more in his game than we’ve seen so far in 2024-25.
Tidjane Salaun, PF, Charlotte Hornets (ESPN: 0.8 per cent; CBS: 8 per cent): On Friday, Salaun became the second youngest player to ever start a game for the Hornets, and while he didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard, he did haul in seven boards. The sixth overall pick in 2024, Salaun could offer deep league value while Miles Bridges (knee) is out.
Jose Alvarado, PG, New Orleans Pelicans (ESPN: 18.8; CBS: 46 per cent): Alvarado has been among the Pelicans’ top performers early on, pouring in another 21 points on Friday for his third straight game of at least 18. His PT is way up in November as he takes advantage of injuries ahead of him in the depth chart and flashes an offensive ability we’ve never seen from him before. Alvarado is flying off the wire fast, so grab him while you can.
Robert Williams III, C, Portland Trail Blazers (ESPN: 3.3 per cent; CBS: 6 per cent): It’s now three and a half years since we last pimped Williams, and it’s been a roller coaster ride since then for the oft-injured big man. He just returned from his latest woe on Friday with a solid 13 points in 17 minutes, so you may want to jump on him before his PT rises and he flies off your wire. Given his defensive prowess, Williams is sure to get bigger minutes going forward.
Jordan Clarkson, SG, Utah Jazz (ESPN: 22.3 per cent; CBS: 52 per cent): Clarkson just came back from a health woe of his own, but stands to benefit if Keyonte George (foot) misses some time. It’s surprising that Clarkson remains in Utah considering he’s been mentioned in trade rumours for a couple of years now, yet he enjoyed a career season back in 2022-23 before regressing since. However, he can still ball (18 points in just 21 minutes on Thursday), so don’t sleep on him. If Clarkson can get his shooting back to its normal level, he should be good for about 15 PPG.
Moussa Diabate, PF, Charlotte Hornets (ESPN: 0.1 per cent; CBS: unowned): Wow, Diabate has posted intriguing rebound totals in limited minutes, but 15 with three blocks in 29 minutes on Friday? That has our attention. Hell, even his FT shooting is getting better. We’re not necessarily suggesting you pick Diabate up (unless you’re in a super deep format), but he needs to be watched considering what he’s been doing off the bench. While Bridges is out, this is another dude who will benefit.
Spin Doctors hit it big in the early-’90s with two top 20 hits. Here’s “How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Can Have Me)?” the fifth single from their debut effort, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite.
The post The Wire Troll: Ochai Agbaji On the Rise for Raptors first appeared on RotoRob.