NBA Fantasy Week 12 Highlights
Following the post-New Year’s lull, the NBA fantasy landscape experienced a notable shift, albeit without the expected scoring fireworks. Week 12 saw a handful of stars shine brightly, providing a glimpse of their potential as they made their way into the perfect fantasy basketball lineup. Here’s a rundown of the standout performers from the week, showcasing their exceptional contributions on the court.
Standout Performers
- Luka Dončić (Guard) – Leading the pack, Dončić delivered an impressive triple-double performance, racking up 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, despite the Lakers’ loss against the Spurs. With LeBron James sidelined for the game, Dončić was the sole bright spot for the team, marking his score as the highest of the week, even amid a generally quieter scoring climate.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Guard) – After a period of stagnation for the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back spectacularly against the Jazz. He registered 46 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an overtime victory, converting 17 of 19 free throw attempts, showcasing his ability to draw fouls and score under pressure.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Frontcourt) – After a long recovery period, Antetokounmpo has consistently delivered solid performances, but his latest outing was particularly striking. Despite the Bucks’ loss to the Nuggets, where he notched 31 points, 11 assists, and narrowly missed a triple-double, he is poised for more dominant games, especially with Milwaukee in need of wins to secure playoff positioning.
- LeBron James (Frontcourt) – The week marked a significant return for LeBron, who posted a whopping 63 and 64 fantasy points respectively in consecutive games. His scoring efficiency has been crucial for the Lakers, who continue to grapple with injuries to other key players, forcing him to take on a greater role as the season progresses.
- Cooper Flagg (Frontcourt) – As the Mavericks face mounting player injuries, Flagg has stepped up his game, contributing 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists against the Jazz. Despite the team’s struggles, Flagg’s continued emergence provides a silver lining, particularly as Dallas navigates the implications of Anthony Davis’s injury.
- Jamal Murray (Utility) – The injury-stricken Nuggets have been relying heavily on Murray, who put forth a remarkable effort against the Celtics by scoring 22 points while dishing out a career-high 17 assists, despite being hampered by injuries himself. It’s uncertain how the upcoming back-to-back games will affect his availability.
- Cade Cunningham (Utility) – Cunningham began the week impressively with 67 points against the Knicks, but was unable to play for the remaining games due to a wrist injury. The Pistons have demonstrated depth that helps mitigate such injuries, although his absence may weigh down the team’s performance in the upcoming week.
Conclusion
As fantasy managers strategize moving forward, it’s an intriguing time in the fantasy basketball realm, particularly with the entry of these players into the rotation of top scorers.
