Mitchell Robinson was a key contributor for the New York Knicks as they routed the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Nerlens Noel got the cursory start at center for the Knicks, but it was Robinson — in just his second game back from a six-week absence — who led New York in rebounds, blocks, and scoring efficiency over 31 minutes of play.
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Robinson doesn’t seem to be far from reclaiming his starting role for the Knicks. He’s already a proven rim protector, as last season he was seventh in the league in blocks per game and second overall in block percentage. Rostered in just 69.5% of ESPN leagues, Robinson is an impact waiver addition for those in 10-team leagues.
Also in the contest, Julius Randle scored 37 points through three quarters of play, becoming the first Knicks player with as many points through three quarters since Tim Hardaway Jr. (also against the Wizards) back in February of 2018. Alec Burks added 20 points in 29 minutes off the bench. He is rostered in just 22.3% of leagues and has scored 19-plus points in three straight games for New York.
Tuesday recap
Highlights
Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic: 31 points (10-18 FG), 1 rebound, 6 assists
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 28 points (11-17 FG), 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals
Lowlights
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Los Angeles Lakers: 3 points (1-7 FG), 0 rebounds, 3 assists
Kelly Olynyk, Miami Heat: 0 points (0-6 FG), 7 rebounds, 1 assist
Tuesday takeaways
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On a slate that featured top shooting guards Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, it’s impressive that Fournier posted the most DraftKings points at the position last night. His 31 points in the loss to Denver tied a season-high and was just one shy of his most in any game during the last three seasons. The Magic play the Suns tonight in what could be Fournier’s last game with Orlando ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
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The decimated Lakers got drubbed by the Pelicans last night. There is still some fantasy value to consider with Los Angeles, however, as forward Kyle Kuzma finished the game three assists shy of a triple-double. He is still a free agent in more than 40% of ESPN leagues.
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a name to know. The Pelicans guard is rostered in just 5.5% of ESPN leagues, yet scored 18 points last night and has scored at least that many points in three of his last four games. Currently starting for an injured Lonzo Ball, Alexander-Walker could become a full-time starter if New Orleans deals Ball by Thursday’s deadline.
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Another backup guard for the Pelicans making some noise is rookie Kira Lewis Jr., who scored a career-high 16 points last night to go along with some awesome playmaking (six assists) and defensive results (two blocks). Lewis could surface as a relevant fantasy option in deeper leagues if both Ball and JJ Redick end up away from the New Orleans rotation.
Injuries of note
1 Related
Analytics advantage for Wednesday
Danilo Gallinari is listed as questionable for the Hawks due to a knee contusion. With Cam Reddish having already been ruled out and Gallinari not at full strength, De’Andre Hunter is a worthy free agent target in all leagues. Hunter is rostered in just shy of 50% of ESPN leagues. He could play an expanded role against a Kings team that has allowed 49.9 DraftKings points per game to power forwards over the last 15 games — most in the league during this stretch.
Top players to watch on Wednesday
Kevin Porter Jr. is questionable to play for the Rockets due to a quad injury. With Eric Gordon already having been ruled out, rookie wing Jae’Sean Tate is a strong play tonight in what should be a busy complementary playmaking role for Houston.