Fantasy Basketball: Bridges‘ Durability, Drummond‘s Rebounding Surge, and Rising Stars too Watch
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NEW YORK – Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets has extended his consecutive games played streak to 570, a remarkable feat in today’s NBA landscape increasingly defined by load management, while Andre Drummond is proving a vital fantasy asset amidst Joel Embiid’s ongoing absence. These developments,alongside breakout performances from players like Kel’el Ware and continued strong play from De’Aaron Fox,are reshaping fantasy basketball strategies as the 2023-24 season progresses.
Fantasy managers are increasingly focused on identifying players who offer consistent production and durability, traits embodied by Bridges and Drummond.While star power often dominates headlines, reliable contributors are the bedrock of successful fantasy teams. This week’s analysis highlights players poised to make a meaningful impact down the stretch, offering insights into potential waiver wire pickups and trade targets.
Mikal Bridges is Redefining Durability
Bridges’ streak of 570 consecutive NBA games played is a testament to his commitment and physical conditioning. Beyond availability, Bridges has expanded his offensive game, stepping into a playmaking role during Jalen Brunson’s recent absence and maintaining that role upon Brunson’s return. He’s currently delivering career-best defense, improved shooting (2.4 3PG), and a career-high 4.7 APG, making him a more complete offensive threat.Currently ranked 24th in fantasy PPG, Bridges contributes across nearly every category and is thriving in Mike Brown’s system.
Andre Drummond needs to be Roster Everywhere
drummond is a must-roster player in most leagues. He recently grabbed a season-high 24 rebounds against the Miami Heat on Sunday and has averaged 12.0 PPG and 14.0 RPG across seven starts with Joel Embiid sidelined. Drummond has logged six double-doubles in that stretch, producing like a top-tier rebounder. Even with embiid’s eventual return, his workload and effectiveness are uncertain, as he’s averaging career lows in PPG and RPG. With Embiid missing seven straight games and likely to be managed carefully, Drummond is a valuable fantasy starter and a crucial insurance policy.
De’Aaron fox Continues to Shine
De’Aaron Fox continues to be a fantasy mainstay, consistently delivering strong scoring and assist numbers for the Sacramento Kings. While specific recent stats weren’t provided, his overall season performance solidifies his position as a top-tier fantasy guard.
Kel’el Ware Emerging as a Potential Gem
Kel’el Ware, a rookie with the Philadelphia 76ers, is beginning to showcase his potential. While detailed statistics weren’t included, his emergence as a contributor during Embiid’s absence suggests he could become a valuable fantasy asset, particularly in deeper leagues, offering rebounding and shot-blocking upside.
Coby White’s Breakout Season
Coby White of the Chicago Bulls is enjoying a career year, recently finishing with a season-high 28 points against the New Orleans Pelicans.He is currently putting up a career-high 16.4 PPG despite averaging just 26.5 MPG. White has averaged an extraordinary 30.1 fantasy points per game over his last eight games, despite averaging just 2.6 RPG and 3.0 APG.His fantasy ceiling could increase with even a slight betterment in rebounding and assists. White is currently rostered in just 17.8% of ESPN leagues, a figure that likely should be higher.
