The Memphis Grizzlies are grabbing attention as the season winds down, albeit mainly due to their extensive injury list and their distant hopes of reaching the playoffs. Although Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a top fantasy pick, questions surround his ability to stay fit for the entire fantasy basketball season. Meanwhile, players like Vince Williams Jr. have asserted themselves as reliable fantasy choices, with others like GG Jackson shining occasionally. However, the spotlight is currently swiveling towards Ziaire Williams after the Grizzlies’ recent loss to Minnesota.
Only included in eight percent of Yahoo league rosters, Williams has been in the starting lineup for the Grizzlies' past four games. Despite a less impressive performance against the Nets, he scored a noteworthy 27 points against the Bucks in Memphis' last game before the All-Star break. His performance against the Timberwolves was commendable, spending 36 minutes on the court and logging 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two 3-pointers. With an average of 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.8 3-pointers in his last four games, he has provided an 11th-round value.
Does this surge make Ziaire a must-add player? Not quite. However, his recent rise in yield, coupled with his secure place in the starting lineup, mark him as an athlete to monitor closely as the fantasy playoffs draw closer. It's an uncertain road ahead; he might maintain value or end up being a tactical move, particularly if Memphis opts to rest injured players Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart. Nonetheless, Williams has solidified his relevance in the discussion. Moreover, with two home games against the struggling team of Portland at the finish of Week 19, Memphis could be in for a shake-up.
A quick overview of some notable performances from a rather calm six-game night:
Andre Drummond (40%)
Drummond was the spotlight of Wednesday’s discussion, and deservedly so, following his impressive performance off the bench during the Pistons' loss. With Cleveland, Wednesday's rival team, fielding two prominent players and Alex Caruso (hamstring) out of action, Drummond got a spot in the starting lineup. He delivered remarkably with his 17 points, 26 rebounds, a steal, and three blocks in 36 minutes. Drummond, who on average sees close to 27 minutes of play, has matched a 6th-round player in 9-cat formats over his previous four games. Whether supporting Nikola Vucevic from the bench or joining him as a starter now and then, Drummond is worth taking a chance on in standard leagues.
Obi Toppin (33%)
The most significant beneficiary of Aaron Nesmith's (ankle) absence has been Bennedict Mathurin, who was Rick Carlisle's choice for the starting lineup. However, Toppin surpassed a month's best scoring record on Wednesday, with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a pair of 3-pointers in 24 minutes as a substitute. Bringing Pascal Siakam on board has effectively wiped out Toppin's fantasy value. However, the percentage of managers continuing to hold on to him implies some aren't ready to let go just yet. They found their faith rewarded on Wednesday, but Obi's value is likely to dip as the Pacers recover and regain full strength.
GG Jackson (29%)
Jackson, previously highlighted in this column, has scored double figures in eight of his previous nine games. Off the bench against Minnesota, the rookie racked up 14 points, three rebounds, and two 3-pointers in 27 minutes of play, shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. While some assists or defensive action from Jackson would be welcome, his value should continue to rise as the fantasy playoffs approach.
Rui Hachimura (26%)
Despite LeBron James' excellent fourth-quarter performance in the Lakers' comeback win against the Clippers, Hachimura contributed five points during that surge. As a steady part of the starting lineup since February 3, he closed the game with 17 points, two rebounds, a steal, and a 3-pointer in 29 minutes. Like Jackson, Hachimura's limited defensive input restricts his fantasy potential. However, with consistent play time and LeBron's status uncertain for Thursday's game against the 9-49 Wizards, Hachimura might be in for a favorable matchup.