With the fantasy playoffs just around the corner, searching for low-rostered players who could be of increased value for those weeks is a solid practice at this point in the season. One team that should be on fantasy managers’ radar is Portland, which is nowhere near contention for a Play-In Tournament spot, and multiple veterans (and Scoot Henderson) have been sidelined due to injury. Those circumstances have opened the door for unproven players to emerge, with Dalano Banton (6% rostered, Yahoo) and Kris Murray (4%) being two of them.
The Trail Blazers got off to a good start before losing to Houston by a 123-107 final, with Banton and Murray having career nights. Banton’s accuracy (10-of-27 FGs) left something to be desired, but he finished with a career-high 30 points while accounting for eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and four 3-pointers in 38 minutes. As for Murray, the rookie recorded his first double-double, tallying 12 points, 11 rebounds (career-high), seven assists (career-high), one block, and one 3-pointer in 33 minutes.
Based on their season-long fantasy values, Banton and Murray aren’t players who would be considered under normal circumstances. However, this is clearly a “special” situation in Portland, and some low-rostered players will help managers win a playoff round (or more) in the coming weeks. Let’s look at a few more of Friday’s top pickups:
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (36%)
The Heat rookie had a good night off the bench in Miami’s loss to Oklahoma City. Playing 31 minutes, he finished with 25 points (10-of-13 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one 3-pointer. Over the past two weeks, Jaquez has provided 8th-round per-game value. With it being unknown when Tyler Herro (foot) will be a full go, Jaquez (and Duncan Robinson) will have increased fantasy value.
Amen Thompson (34%)
Thompson had a big night in Portland, finishing the Rockets’ victory with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a career-best five blocks. While he has not been a top 100 player over the past two weeks, the defensive production makes Amen a player worth adding…
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