Tuesday’s NBA games featured just four matchups, creating a quiet atmosphere leading up to a busy Wednesday, where all 30 teams will take to the court ahead of the All-Star break.
The New York Knicks achieved a solid victory over the Indiana Pacers, thanks to a remarkable scoring performance from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 70 points. With OG Anunoby sidelined once again, Precious Achiuwa, who is rostered in only 16% of leagues, stepped up with a notable stat line of nine points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one block. Achiuwa remains available in 84% of fantasy leagues and could maintain this starting role if Anunoby is unable to play on Wednesday.
On the Pacers’ side, Thomas Bryant, who is rostered in a mere 8% of leagues, had an impressive outing with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, a block, and a three-pointer. Myles Turner is again expected to miss Wednesday’s game, which paves the way for another start for Bryant, making both him and Achiuwa valuable considerations for those in need of frontcourt depth.
In a critical game for the Toronto Raptors, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley were instrumental in their triumph over the 76ers, while Tyrese Maxey struggled significantly offensively. Additionally, Quentin Grimes (14% rostered) had a promising performance after stepping into the starting role for Justin Edwards. He recorded 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one three-pointer across 36 minutes, which makes him a worthy addition for upcoming games.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls had a dismal showing, scoring only 29 points in the first half and ultimately losing to the Detroit Pistons by a whopping 40 points. Despite the Bulls’ struggles, the Pistons showcased brilliance from Malik Beasley (40% rostered), who hit seven three-pointers in just 16 minutes. Beasley has made waves through his consistent three-point shooting, breaking the franchise’s single-season record for three-pointers by surpassing Saddiq Bey’s previous mark. He is only second to Anthony Edwards in both made and attempted three-pointers and is well-positioned to achieve historical significance, potentially joining elite scorers like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson with 300 made threes in a single season.
Beasley remains available in 60% of fantasy leagues and is an excellent option for those seeking points and three-pointers. His fantasy performance has improved, placing him outside the top 120 for the season but within the top 65 over the past two weeks.
The evening concluded with a notable return as Bol Bol (15% rostered) made his first start in nearly two years, almost achieving a double-double in the first half and finishing as the second-leading scorer for his team, just behind Kevin Durant. His impactful contributions included solid rebounds and essential three-pointers, drawing nostalgic recognition from fantasy players. Given his performance and with Bradley Beal still out, Bol is expected to remain in the starting lineup, making him a strong option to consider for streaming.
This condensed slate of games hints at exciting developments ahead as teams sharpen their rosters for the All-Star festivities. Fantasy players should keep a close eye on emerging talents like Achiuwa, Bryant, Grimes, Beasley, and Bol for their next moves.