Now we are starting to move and groove. NBA action is back and in full swing. The teams and players are beginning to find their rhythms and another exciting season is in motion. On a weekly basis we have you covered by breaking down some of the top stories and performances from around the league. Of course, this is done from a fantasy basketball perspective to help you on the path to victory. All stats referenced are entering play on Monday.
Fantasy Basketball Week in Review
What is Going on With Joel Embiid?
The season began with news that Joel Embiid would be sidelined for at least the first three games. Embiid continues to deal with knee issues so it shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. Philadelphia is obviously playing the long game with Embiid, but he is slated to return to action this week.
When he’s on the court, Embiid is one of the best there is from a fantasy perspective. But how much can we count on him to provide season-long consistency? There doesn’t appear to be any more news surrounding the NBA’s investigation, but Embiid did have a locker room altercation with a reporter.
We could see some rust when Embiid returns, but ultimately, his talent will take over. From a long-term perspective, it’s difficult to expect him to last the full season or consistently log big minutes. In filling in for Embiid, Andre Drummond began the season averaging 8.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He’ll continue to have value all season and we shouldn’t cut bait once Embiid makes his season debut.
Julius Randle Adjusts to the Twin Cities
The timing of the trade might have been a little surprising, and close to the start of the season, but Julius Randle hasn’t missed a beat. He has shown no ill effects of last season’s shoulder injury and has looked right at home in Minnesota.
Randle is working on a streak of four straight games of at least 20 points. We are seeing peak efficiency from Randle as he’s shooting 59.5% from the field. That would be a career high for Randle and it’s hard to expect him to continue such a torrid pace. The problem here is quantity as with 14 field goal attempts per game, Randle is at his lowest mark since 2017. That is something to keep an eye on. Another issue is that Randle’s 6.8 rebounds per game are currently a career low.
There’s a KAT in New York City
On the other side of the Randle trade, Karl-Anthony Towns has flourished in New York. We can write off the disaster that was the Knicks’ opening night loss in Boston, but they have taken some time to find their groove. At the same time though, the potential has certainly been on display.
That was clearly evident against Miami as Towns simply took over the game with 44 points and 13 rebounds. Following the Boston game, Towns had four straight double-doubles and the vision New York had for their offense was very apparent. Towns adds a presence the Knicks previously didn’t have and he quickly has looked comfortable in his new home.
Stephen Curry Returns
The Golden State Warriors entered the season with a plethora of options. To say they had depth and playing time uncertainty would be an understatement. We still need some time to unpack this situation, but with Stephen Curry returning to action on Monday, things became more crowded once again.
Prior to missing three games with an ankle injury, Curry had yet to play more than 27 minutes in a game. With 18.3 points and 6.7 assists per game, the guard still needs to get going. His track record has dictated that some patience is in order.
Buckets for RJ Barrett
This three-game stretch is what we have been waiting on from RJ Barrett. The swingman missed the first three games for the Raptors, scored 20 points in his season debut, and then went nuts. Granted he’s doing so with Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes sidelined, but it counts just the same.
Barrett has between 31 and 33 points in those three games while averaging six rebounds and just under nine assists. We are seeing a complete game from Barrett and in the short term, this trend should continue. The usage will be there for Barrett and he appears to be up to the task. As the Raptors get healthier, this will be a situation to watch as Barrett emerges.
James Harden is Playing a Complete Game
Kawhi Leonard is once again sidelined for the Clippers so that leaves James Harden as the main show in town. While we know that the veteran can play a complete game, his performance has been up and down at times. All Harden has done is fill the stat sheet and the good news is that he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Not to imply that anyone forgot how good Harden is or can be, but in recent years he has faded behind others. In all six games this season, the veteran has a double-double and he is close to averaging a triple-double on the season. Harden is scoring 21.8 points per game with 8.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists as the Clippers’ offense continues to flow through him.
Paul George Returns
The role for Paul George is certainly there in Philadelphia. In time, we will see Tyrese Maxey’s usage decrease, but the return of George should also help make things easier for the guard. At first, George’s minutes will be restricted as they ease him into action. Once the rust is removed and George finds his footing with the 76ers, he’ll continue to be a fantasy asset.
Paolo Banchero is Sidelined
The Orlando Magic could be a very intriguing and exciting young team to watch this season as they look to take the next step. Things have quickly become more difficult for them with Paolo Banchero now sidelined for at least the next month. Prior to his oblique injury, the forward was averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. That is not production that can easily be replaced.
From the perspective of the Magic, likely will be a group effort. It will take a village to replace Banchero, but initially, I would look to see Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter have increased usage.
Don’t Sleep on Dennis Schroder
In what should be a rebuilding year for the Brooklyn Nets, players such as Dennis Schroder have something to say about that. The veteran point guard is taking advantage of his opportunity and the usage should continue to be there. Brooklyn is lacking for true offensive options which means Schroder is in a favorable position from a fantasy perspective. So far this year, he is averaging 19.9 points and 7.4 assists per game, and that production should continue.