There are a lot of Shooting Guard/Small Forward options I include on this list weekly. Flexing is important in fantasy sports and especially on night’s in which just about all of your players are playing because it will help further organize your lineup. The more flex options you have, the easier it is to make trades. Depth is key!
Terrence Ross SG/SF TOR-22% Ownership: Even though Ross is the third of fourth shooting option on Toronto, he has scored in double figures in four of his last five games. Ross is a bit shot dependant, but lately, we have seen him produce in other categories. Before his last game, he grabbed at least four rebounds in four straight games. Ross’ defense has been keeping him in the game, and he has had four multi-steal games in his last six and even had two blocks in his last game. He has also hit the 30-minute mark in 3 of his last 5 games showing the Raptors commitment to him. Ross is also a scoring threat from the outside. He is absolutely a safe add right now.
Courtney Lee SG/SF NY-39% Ownership: The Knicks defense STINKS and because Lee is the team’s best defender, expect him to get more playing time. Lee has played 38 and 34 minutes in his last 2 outings and this will not change. Lee has scored in double figures in his last four games and provides minor rebound and assist help. He does not turn the ball over much and does help with steals. Most of his scoring will come from the perimeter and he has driving ability but does not use it enough. As the old cliché goes, sometimes defense is your best offense and when you add Lee, it will not be because he is putting up a ton of numbers, it is because he will have the opportunity to play deep into games each time out.
E'Twaun Moore G NO-5% Ownership: The carousel of Pelicans guard production continues as Moore has played 20 minutes or more in his last 6 games. Moore does have double-digit scoring capabilities and does not shy away from taking long-range jumpers. Moore also provides rebounding help and guards who rebound, are beneficial in fantasy basketball. Moore has grabbed at least three rebounds in four of his last six games. Moore spends a good amount of time playing off the ball so assists won’t play as much of a factor, but, we have seen surprising block production from him. Guards who block are also good for fantasy and he has four in his last four games. The playing time commitment is there and he does get shots. If you start to see consistent double-digit scoring outings he will become a must add, but for now, add him, but keep tabs on who else is out there.
Jodie Meeks SG ORL-4% Ownership: One small step for Meeks translates to one giant leap offensively for the Magic. They struggle offensively and Meeks consistency from behind the arc has given him starts. Meeks can also ball-handle which will spot him even more playing time. Meeks has scored in double figures in four of his last five games and scored 23 (hitting 6 three’s) in one of those games. Meeks will also provide minor rebound, assist and steals help. The playing time commitment is there as he has played over 20 minutes in his last 6 contests with 2 of those games being over 30 minutes. Again, the Magic’s offense is powered by Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic….THAT’S IT! Meeks certainly has the ability to be an everyday contributor offensively for this team.
Vince Carter SG/SF MEM-4% Ownership: Carter is at the twilight of his career and injuries have not been helping, BUT, Memphis has been plagued by injuries all season and most of the team are on his level health-wise. Carter’s stats and playing time have been trending upward lately and even played 30 minutes in his last game. He played over 20 minutes in the 4 games before his 30-minute outing. Carter has hit nine three pointers in his last 3 games combined and has scored in double figures in his last three games. Carter provides minor rebounding help and because he is a seasoned veteran, he knows to wait for long rebounds before falling back on defense and that has certainly helped his cause. Carter grabbed seven rebounds in his last game and even though he may have lost a step, he is still in a position to produce because Chandler Parsons is not and his recovery has been very slow.
Jeremy Lamb SG/SF CHA-6% Ownership: Even if a player has an outstanding game, it does not necessarily mean to pick him up. Sample size is important and before his last two games, Lamb had scored in double figures in four of five games and even had a six and eight rebound game during that span. Lamb is known for his shooting, but he needs playing time in order to produce and 12 minutes won’t cut it. Remember, Lamb is a Hornet. The Hornets are another team that relies on their guards for all of their offense, which keeps Lamb in the mix for shots, minutes and offensive production. Lamb also has recorded a steal in each of his last four games and even a block in three of his last five games.
Dante Cunningham F-NO-2% Ownership: WATCH HIM! Cunningham’s stats have not been pretty, and he is not a scorer, but he does the dirty work for the Pelicans and on a team that lacks depth up-front, Cunningham’s playing time has been stable as he has played over 30 minutes in 5 of his last 6 games. He would have played over 30 minutes in his last game if he didn’t injure his knee (he came back that same game). Cunningham swiped the ball in four of his last five games and provides minor blocks help. The other stat that stands out for Cunningham (besides his playing time) is his rebounding and he has grabbed five or more in five of his last six games. Cunningham is also playing with a huge chip on his shoulder because Donatas Motiejunas has signed with the team and is currently learning the Pelicans offense. Once Motiejunas is settled, Cunningham will be in a battle for playing time, so if there ever was a time for Cunningham to be motivated, his time is now.
Wayne Ellington SG/SF MIA-10% Ownership: Ellington is back from injury and he looks back to being 100 percent. Ellington has scored in double digits in his last five games and he has hit four three-pointers in three of his last five games. Ellington also provides minor help in steals. With Justise Winslow out for the remainder of the season, Ellington picks up more playing time and shots and has played 37 minutes in 2 of his last 3 games. Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson have been effective, but neither are top scoring options and Miami has been going with the hot-hand when it comes to shot distribution because they have nothing else going for them. Even Hassan Whiteside has been out of the lineup, and when he is in, teams know to put the majority of focus on him and Tyler Johnson. The opportunity for Ellington to have consistent 20-point outings is there and he is certainly worth picking up.
Kosta Koufos PF/C SAC-3% Ownership: Just when you think Koufos is about to get some serious consistent run on the floor, the Kings switch it up. This is what happens when you lack an identity DeMarcus Cousins plays all over the court and he will bring up the ball and not even pass. Koufos has been able to stand out and recently posted an 18- point outing with 5 rebounds. Koufos is a specific low block player, but serves as a bailout option inside. He is often forgotten about by defenders because of Cousins’ overall impact. He provides minor help with blocks and steals and works hard to gain positioning to keep plays alive. After seeing three straight games with 20-minutes or more, he was given 15 minutes of playing time versus the hobbled Heat. Not ideal! Keep Koufos under serious watch for the next couple of days because the Kings do lack depth.
WILD CARD PICK UP: Anthony Tolliver F SAC-1% Ownership: Not impressed with Koufos? Tolliver minutes have improved and even though he is averaging 20 minutes per game for the season, we have been seeing him play consistently in the late 20’s and even early 30’s. The Kings have no idea what they are doing with their rotation (per usual). Tolliver has scored in double figures in two of his last three games and has grabbed at least four rebounds in three of his last five games. Tolliver does have the ability to burn defenders from the outside and in recent weeks he had games in which he has hit four and even five three-pointers. Tolliver is another bailout option for Cousins when he is tripled. Tolliver is good at finding the cutter when at the key and he will a bit with assists. Tolliver is also not afraid to drive and take contact adding to his offensive game.