Cooper Flagg’s Rising Fantasy Stock
Despite not making the fantasy basketball perfect lineup for Week 6 of the NBA season, Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ standout rookie, deserves recognition amid the team’s ongoing struggles. The Mavericks, who are experiencing a turbulent season, have faced significant injuries in their frontcourt, similar to the chaotic energy of the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things” as they lose crucial players like Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and Dereck Lively II. Fortunately, Anthony Davis managed to return to action on Friday, providing some relief for the Lakers.
As Dallas grapples with these setbacks, Flagg’s fantasy stock is on the rise. He showcased his potential by coming close to a triple-double with 10 rebounds in a game against the Lakers, before achieving a career-high 35 points against the Clippers just one night later. Over the span of the week, he accumulated an impressive total of 51 fantasy points. While he did not feature in the perfect lineup this week, savvy fans should keep an eye on his performance going forward.
Top Six Scorers from the Perfect Fantasy Lineup
- Luka Dončić: As the Lakers assert their dominance with a seven-game winning streak, Dončić has consistently delivered, scoring at least 33 points in every game except one during this stretch. His notable efforts place him atop this week’s fantasy rankings, as his health and form position him favorably in the MVP race and the pursuit of another NBA Finals berth.
- Cade Cunningham: The Detroit Pistons’ guard has entered the MVP conversation thanks to his team’s success in the Eastern Conference. His tally of 39 points, alongside 13 rebounds and 11 assists against the Magic—despite the loss—marked his second triple-double this season. With favorable upcoming matchups, fans can anticipate his continued presence in future highlight reels.
- Jaylen Brown: Breaking his way into the perfect lineup for the first time this season, Brown has stepped up for the Celtics during Jayson Tatum’s absence. He showcased his talents with a season-high of 41 points against the Timberwolves. His performance in a tightly contested match underlines Brown’s ability to generate significant fantasy points when it matters most, especially given the 39 minutes he spent on the court, tasked with defending against Anthony Edwards.
- Deni Avdija: Originally, Giannis was projected to take the last frontcourt position but a thrilling Sunday game from Avdija changed that narrative, propelling him into the lineup. He finished just shy of a stunning 30-20-10 triple-double. This marks his second consecutive week with fantasy scores exceeding 70 points, indicating a steep upward trend in his performance.
- Jalen Johnson: Proving to be a reliable name in the weekly fantasy rankings, Johnson recorded his second triple-double this season, netting 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading to 71 fantasy points. He followed his initial success with a remarkable performance that included 75 points in a game against the 76ers, demonstrating his capability to deliver in the absence of star player Trae Young.
- Tyrese Maxey: The recent double-overtime thriller between the Sixers and Hawks led to notable additions in the perfect lineup, including the prolific scorer Maxey. Already familiar with high-scoring games, he lit up the scoreboard with 44 points, alongside 7 rebounds and 9 assists, further demonstrating his prowess as a top fantasy player this season.
Conclusion
Overall, Week 6 showcased dynamic performances from these players as the season unfolds, encouraging fantasy managers to modify their rosters to capitalize on emerging talent while keeping an eye on the fluctuating landscape of team injuries and player performances.
