With the NBA and fantasy basketball seasons tipping off during the same week as Christmas, it’s understandable if you were caught off guard. Not to worry! We’ve got a long season ahead of us, but for those playing in fantasy basketball category leagues, you’d be advised to avoid falling too far behind the eight ball. Lucky for you, FlurrySports is here to dish an assist!
Each week, you can expect some category-specific advice and analysis in this very column to help guide you through the fantasy basketball season. While we only have a few games to go off of after the first week of the NBA season, there are already some players to note if you are looking to boost your lineup in specific statistical areas. Read on for a look at some players who are off to hot starts in various fantasy basketball categories.
CLICK HERE for our Top Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Adds for Week 2!
Points | Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis
Terrence Ross, SG, Orlando Magic
It would be hard for the Magic to play much slower than they did offensively last season. The season may only be a week old, but Terrence Ross is off to a blistering start in terms of scoring the rock. Did a pair of matchups against the lowly Washington Wizards’ defense help? Maybe. But Ross emerges from Week 1 with a points per game average of 23.3 and also hung 19 on a much more formidable Miami Heat D in the season-opener.
Ross doesn’t lend much help in other categories, and also tends to drag down field goal percentage. But if points are what you’re after, the Magic shooting guard figures to be a viable option assuming his minutes stay steady going forward.
Other Players to Note
- Terry Rozier, PG, Charlotte Hornets
- Malcolm Brogdon, PG, Indiana Pacers
- Lauri Markkanen, F, Chicago Bulls
Rebounds | Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis
Jarrett Allen, C, Brooklyn Nets
He may be coming off the bench behind DeAndre Jordan in the Nets lineup, but 2017 first-round pick Jarrett Allen is a menace on the glass. Through Brooklyn’s first four games, Allen has only averaged 22.3 minutes of action, but has still managed to average 11.3 rebounds. The Nets’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday saw Allen rip down 15 boards, his highest output yet. Allen is typically good for a couple of blocks each game as well, and his free throw percentage is far better than most other NBA centers, including Jordan. Make a point of leaning on Allen for rebounds in fantasy basketball category leagues this season.
Other Players to Note
- Josh Hart, SG, New Orleans Pelicans
- Kyle Anderson, F, Memphis Grizzlies
- Enes Kanter, C, Portland Trail Blazers
Assists | Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis
Dejounte Murray, PG, San Antonio Spurs
The dynastic days of the Spurs are long gone, but there is a new crop of young talent in San Antonio that is teeming with potential. Dejounte Murray has gotten his 2020-21 season off to a fine start in numerous statistical areas, averaging 15.0 points and 1.3 steals over the first three games. The fantasy basketball category that jumps out though is his assists. Murray enters Week 2 dishing 7.3 assists per game, and it has been consistent production to create that average as well. In the Spurs’ home game against Toronto, Murray paired 10 helpers with 11 points to notch a double-double. Playing 30 minutes per game, Murray should provide solid assist production for fantasy owners in the weeks to come.
Other Players to Note
- Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
- T.J. McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers
- Mason Plumlee, C, Detroit Pistons
3-Pointers | Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis
Bojan Bogdanovic, SF, Utah Jazz
When it comes to three-pointers, attempts don’t necessarily translate into successful makes. And while all shooters are prone to having off nights, Bojan Bogdanovic is as steady as they come from long range. Through three games this season, he is averaging 3.0 made threes, picking up right where he left off last season. The Jazz are certainly glad to have him back after he missed the postseason with a wrist injury. Fantasy basketball category managers in need of three-pointers should find Bogdanovic playing north of 30 minutes per game to be a welcome sight as well.
Other Players to Note
- Victor Oladipo, G, Indiana Pacers
- Buddy Hield, G, Sacramento Kings
- Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Dallas Mavericks
Blocks | Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis
Chris Boucher, PF, Toronto Raptors
Most of the main cast from the Raptors 2019 NBA Championship team have now moved on. As a result, defense will be of the utmost importance if Toronto hopes to contend with the favorites in the Eastern Conference this season. The departures of Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka in particular have opened up more playing time for Chris Boucher. So far, the 28-year-old is making good on his minutes at the defensive end.
Entering Week 2 of the NBA season, Boucher ranks second in the league in blocks per game, with 4.7. That number was helped immensely by a seven-block performance against San Antonio over the weekend. Fantasy basketball category managers should monitor Boucher’s playing time going forward and look to stream him for extra blocks if his minutes remain consistent.
Other Players to Note
- Mikal Bridges, SF, Phoenix Suns
- Jerami Grant, PF, Detroit Pistons
- Darius Bazley, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Steals | Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis
Larry Nance Jr., PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Larry Nance Jr. has frustrated many fantasy basketball managers with his inconsistent offensive production over the years. What has been consistent to start off the 2020-21 season is his defense, particularly with regard to steals. Through three games, Nance has averaged 2.3 thefts per contest with sturdy minutes to suggest that the production may be sustainable going forward. The Cavaliers won’t be any good this year, but tough, scrappy defense from players like Nance is worth monitoring in fantasy basketball category leagues.
Other Players to Note
- Lonzo Ball, PG, New Orleans Pelicans
- Dillon Brooks, SG, Memphis Grizzlies
- Kelly Oubre Jr., SF, Golden State Warriors
