Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
During my inaugural column, I hit the ball out of the park. Recommending guys like Michael Carter-Williams, Glen Davis and Ed Davis, who all had very good stat lines, I felt proud, to be quite honest. So, I figured I’d give it another go.
Here are some guys I like for Wednesday’s night of hoops.
Wesley Matthews, SG ( vs OKC)
FPPG allowed to SG: 30.40
If you are in need of three-point production, look no further than the red hot Matthews. Currently nailing half of his three-point attempts (2.8-of-5.6 per game), Matthews currently ranks fourth in the league in three-point percentage, coming in at a whopping .510%. Considering he is taking six threes per game, his efficiency is outstanding. I like his chances to continue his hot shooting tonight, as the Blazers host the Thunder in an exciting matchup between two of the Western Conference’s best. The Thunder are surrendering the 13th-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards on DraftStreet, and can really be had from beyond the arc. The Thunder are coughing up 26.6 three-pointers per game this season, which ranks third-most in basketball. Oklahoma City are also surrendering 15.9 fastbreak points per game, which is the fifth-most. Portland likes to run, averaging the fourth-most fastbreak points per game (10.2). He may be guarded by Thabo Sefolosha, but I still like Matthews quite a bit.
Andre Drummond, C (@ MIL)
FPPG allowed to C: 36.70
Quickly becoming one of my favorite players in basketball, of course I love Drummond tonight. He’s emerging into a star in both real life and fantasy circles. During last night’s upset against Miami, Drummond got busy early, but also got into foul trouble, which resulted in his second-lowest minute total of the year (23). Now, he faces a much less imposing frontcourt in Milwaukee. Rebounds are Drummond’s bread and butter, and he’ll have a great chance to haul in plenty of boards. The Bucks are sporting the second-highest opponent offensive rebound percentage in basketball (27.9%), and the eighth-highest opponent defensive rebounding percentage (76.7%). Drummond, who is third in rebounding on the year, should go off against the pedestrian Zaza Pachulia.
Kyrie Irving, PG ( vs DEN)
FPPG allowed to PG: 36.05
Irving may not be producing like a first round pick, but he is starting to come around. His field-goal percentage is improving, and when you are averaging 81.4 offensive touches per game, fantasy points will come. Things are pointing in the right direction for those who want to roll Kyrie out on Wednesday night. The Nuggets aren’t exactly a force on defense, allowing 101.7 points per game, which is the 10th-most in the league. Also, Denver likes to run, and if they get ahead early, Cleveland will have to score a ton of points to keep up. I think Kyrie will be forced to take plenty of shots in this one, and Ty Lawson doesn’t frighten me, defensively. We could be looking at a 30-plus point effort from Irving, with tons of shots.
Ryan Anderson, PF ( vs DAL)
FPPG allowed to PF: 35.08
I hate to see a burgeoning star like Anthony Davis sidelined… unless, of course, I own Anderson. A scorching shooter, Anderson is averaging a strong 24.6 points, seven rebounds and eight three-point attempts per game over his last five games. Eight, folks. There is a lot to like about this matchup, as both of these teams rank inside the top-10 in points per game. This could be quite the high-scoring affair, which should spell monster fantasy production from Anderson. In the two games Davis has missed so far, Anderson is averaging over 45 minutes per game, and along with Jrue Holiday, will see the majority of looks on offense. On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas certainly doesn’t scare me, as they are surrendering the sixth-most points per game (101.9) and Dirk Nowitzki isn’t exactly an elite defender. Anderson should see plenty of opportunity to light it up from downtown tonight.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
