Nerlens Noel – C – Philadelphia
(Vs. New York) 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 block, 1 steal, 7-14 FG (50%), 1 turnover
Although he narrowly missed a double-double, Noel’s performance was still a productive, and the type of outing that anyone starting him has been getting used to as of late. Noel’s points and rebounds have kept him at a high fantasy scoring rate, but it’s his assists and defensive stats that really push him over the top. Look for these performances to continue as the season ends.
Noel is averaging 11.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.4 steals, 43% shooting, and 1.8 turnovers per game in his past five.
DeMarcus Cousins – C – Sacramento
(Vs. Utah) 26 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, 11-22 FG (50%), 8 turnovers
Cousins failed to post a third consecutive triple-double, but his owners can live with this double-double. Cousins is a start in salary based leagues no matter what at this point, and hats off to you if you own him in a year-long league, as he’s really coming on strong to close the season out.
Cousins is averaging 28.3 points, 18.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 3.5 blocks, 1.5 steals, 48% shooting, and 5.8 turnovers per game in his past give.
Russell Westbrook – PG – Oklahoma City
(Vs. Houston) 40 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists, 12-29 FG (41%), 4 turnovers
Surprise, another triple-double for Westbrook, giving him a whopping 73.25 points in Draft Kings’ scoring format. If you don’t know by now, Westbrook is a must-start every chance. The salary is worth it, as two cheaper players combined often don’t come close to touching his fantasy points.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW9bm-xplrA
Westbrook is averaging 31.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1 steal, 35% shooting, and 5.6 turnovers per game in his last five.
James Harden – SG Houston
(Vs. OKC) 41 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 12-22 FG (54%), 3 turnovers
Nobody is scoring like Harden over the last several weeks, and he’s doing it on efficient shooting, with plenty of three-pointers thrown in for good measure. With Harden making a late push for his MVP cause, look for a few more 40 point outings.
Harden is averaging 34.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.0 steals, 48% shooting, and 4.2 turnovers per game in his past five.
LeBron James – SG – Cleveland
(Vs. Chicago) 20 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 1 block, 3 steals, 8-17 FG (47%), 3 turnovers
James finally posted his first triple-double since rejoining the Cavs on Sunday, although most of his numbers remain down somewhat the last month. It’s a tossup each game as to whether he or Kyrie Irving will lead the team in scoring, but LeBron’s defensive stats almost always give him a boost regardless of his still-impressive offensive numbers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLC_0iVS_5s
James is averaging 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.8 steals, 49 percent shooting, and 3.0 turnovers per game in his past five.
