Fantasy Basketball Pickups: Hello Ausar Thompson and Friends
Ausar Thompson shines in a thrilling game, making him a top fantasy pickup as injuries open up opportunities for several players
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Fantasy Basketball, NBA
Detroit: The Miami Heat faced off against the Detroit Pistons again, and it was another nail-biter. This time, the Pistons snagged a one-point win, thanks to some clutch performances from players who are still available in many fantasy leagues.
One standout was Ausar Thompson. With Tobias Harris out due to a thumb injury, Thompson stepped up big time. He scored 19 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and even had four steals. It was the kind of game fantasy managers have been hoping for. If Harris stays out, Thompson is definitely worth adding to your roster.
Tim Hardaway Jr. also made some noise, especially in overtime, hitting three straight 3-pointers. He ended up with 16 points, but he’s not as appealing as Thompson right now. Let’s check out some other players who had great games on Monday.
Gradey Dick from the Raptors had a solid outing too. With Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl both out, he scored 27 points and grabbed six rebounds. He’s a must-add in standard leagues, especially with the Raptors needing someone to step up.
Russell Westbrook had a nice game for the Nuggets, filling in for an injured teammate. He put up 18 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists. He’s worth considering for your lineup, especially with the Nuggets playing again soon.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is another player to watch. With Joel Embiid out for a week, Oubre took advantage and scored 19 points in a recent win. He’s got a good chance to keep producing.
Nick Richards from the Hornets is also on the radar. He scored 19 points in limited minutes, and with the Hornets having back-to-back games coming up, he could be a sneaky pickup.
Malik Beasley stepped up for the Pistons too, scoring 28 points after Jaden Ivey was a late scratch. If Ivey stays out, Beasley could be a solid option.
Ben Simmons is still trying to find his groove, but with the Nets trading away Dennis Schroder, he might get more chances to shine. He had a decent game recently, so keep an eye on him.
Lonzo Ball had a surprising performance, playing more minutes than usual and contributing in multiple categories. If other players on the Bulls remain out, he could be worth a look.
Lastly, Keon Ellis had a nice game for the Kings, showing he can be valuable even off the bench. If Keegan Murray stays sidelined, Ellis could be a good gamble in deeper leagues.