Bettor Hockey Now January 2nd: 2024 Winter Classic + Fantasy Focus + Minnesota Wild Talk
Published: Jan 03, 2024
Bettor Hockey Now is your weekly home for NHL News, fantasy hockey, and betting discussion. In the first episode of the new year, Adam Bernard, Anthony Rivera & Christopher Morais talk about the frequency of NHL Outdoor Games and whether the Minnesota Wild’s season is on life support or not. They’ll also provide some waiver adds for this week, and “Sweater Whether” is a cross-state battle of outdoor jerseys from yesteryear!
Intro: 00:00
2024 Winter Classic Recap: 03:30
World Juniors Discussion: 13:00
Fantasy Focus - Nico Daws: 19:15
Fantasy Focus - Adam Fantilli: 25:30
Fantasy Focus - Eeli Tolvanen: 29:15
Fantasy Focus - Dennis Hildeby: 34:00
Minnesota Wild Team Focus: 38:30
Sweater Whether - 2019 Outdoor Edition: 50:00
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Dalton Knecht shot 3-of-15 from the field and 1-of-4 from the foul line in Monday’s loss to the Clippers, scoring eight points with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one three-pointer.
Knecht had a rough night, shooting 1-of-8 from beyond the arc and 1-of-4 from the foul line. Unfortunately for the second-year wing, he’s had more difficult nights than good ones this summer, which is concerning for the Lakers. Generally speaking, teams want to see their returnees excel in Las Vegas, if not dominate. Knecht has not done that, which may result in him playing more games at summer league than the Lakers would have hoped.
Bronny James accounted for 17 points (6-of-10 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, five assists and three three-pointers in Monday’s loss to the Clippers.
James put forth his best performance of the NBA 2K26 Summer League on Monday, leading the Lakers in scoring and offering solid value in the rebound and assist categories. Looking forward to the regular season, the second-year guard is not in a great position to provide tangible fantasy value. The Lakers remain in win-now mode, likely limiting Bronny’s opportunities to contribute. His ability to crack the rotation will likely hinge on what James can provide as a defender and perimeter shooter.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser tallied 10 points (5-of-9 FGs), two rebounds and two steals in Monday’s win over the Lakers.
After two subdued performances, Konan Niederhauser was more involved offensively on Monday. The nine shot attempts exceeded his total in the Clippers’ first two games in Las Vegas, and the rookie’s teammates appeared more intent on getting him the ball. That led to a few dunks that likely boosted Konan Niederhauser’s confidence, and he finished in double figures. The hope is that he’ll be more consistent on both ends of the floor.
Jordan Miller finished Monday’s win over the Lakers with 19 points (7-of-11 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one three-pointer.
Waived by the Clippers just before the start of summer league, Miller is looking to earn another NBA opportunity, whether it’s with Los Angeles or another team. He needs to improve three-point shooting and defense, both on and off the ball. Miller looked good against the Lakers and performed well in Sunday’s win over the Bucks. The Clippers have a few standard contract slots available, and Miller may be positioning himself to earn one. However, he won’t be worth the risk in fantasy leagues.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Hornets have signed Drew Peterson to a two-way contract.
After spending his first two seasons with the Celtics, Peterson is reportedly headed to Charlotte. The player and his new head coach are familiar with each other, as Hornets coach Charles Lee was a Celtics assistant during the 2023-24 season. While the change of scenery may result in more opportunities for Peterson, he is not a player to target in fantasy drafts.
Rasheer Fleming accumulated seven points (3-of-6 FGs), two rebounds, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in Monday’s loss to the Kings.
After missing Phoenix’s first two summer league games with a sore right knee, Fleming was available to make his debut on Monday. The second-round pick out of Saint Joseph’s was a Suns target, as evidenced by the team’s moves to draft him. Fleming had a quiet night, but he’s a frontcourt player who has range beyond the three-point line and can defend multiple positions. Due to the Suns’ defensive struggles last season, Fleming may be able to earn consistent playing time as a rookie.