LeBron posts rare empty stat line as Edey, Gillespie and Huff rise on fantasy radar
lebron-empty-stat-line-edey-gillespie-huff-fantasy-trends
Six weeks into the NBA season, fantasy managers are beginning to see clear patterns emerge. High scores are the norm—teams are averaging 116.8 points per game, the league’s best November mark since 1961-62—and several individual performances are rewriting early-season expectations.
Historic numbers across the league
Nikola Jokic logged his NBA-leading 11th triple-double on Monday, the second-highest total ever through 20 team games, trailing only Oscar Robertson’s 13 in 1961-62. The Denver star also recorded his 11th career outing with at least 25 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, second only to Wilt Chamberlain’s 24.
Lauri Markkanen’s 29-point effort against Houston pushed him to 12 games of 25 or more points—already topping the 10 he posted all last season. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic continues to score at a torrid pace, averaging 35.3 points; his 526 points in 15 games are the most to start a season since Elgin Baylor in 1961-62.
LeBron James: zeroes across the board
Monday’s loss to Phoenix produced a career first for LeBron James: 0 rebounds, 0 steals and 0 blocks in 31 minutes. The 41-year-old still supplied 10 points and three assists, but the empty defensive line had never happened in his two-decade career. Through his other four appearances, James averaged 38.2 fantasy points in 32.5 minutes, yet the arrival of the high-usage Doncic and the growth of Austin Reaves—who pairs with Doncic for a league-best 63.4 combined points per game—has trimmed some of James’ volume. Last season, in 23 games alongside Doncic, James posted 23.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists per contest.
Zach Edey becomes a must-add
After missing the start of the year following ankle surgery, Memphis center Zach Edey is quickly rewarding managers who waited. The second-year big man erupted for 30 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks against Sacramento on Sunday, the first time any Grizzlies player has reached that combination and the only instance league-wide this season. Edey has appeared in eight games and is trending upward for points, boards and swats.
Collin Gillespie’s breakout in Phoenix
With the Suns battling injuries, Collin Gillespie has stepped in as the starting point guard and delivered a career-high 28 points and eight three-pointers Monday versus the Lakers. The former Villanova standout has exceeded 20 points in three straight starts, supplying playmaking, steals and at least four triples each time. Devin Booker left Monday’s game with a groin issue, potentially opening even more usage for Gillespie, who is now a viable add in deeper formats.
LaMelo Ball struggles to gain traction
Availability remains LaMelo Ball’s biggest obstacle. Limited to 14 games, the Hornets guard is averaging 18.9 points—his lowest since his rookie season—and shooting a career-worst 37.8% from the field. Over his past nine outings he has played just 27.5 minutes on average, making him a risky fantasy hold despite Charlotte being 13.1 points per 100 possessions better when he is on the floor.
Jay Huff shines as Pacers’ new rim protector
Indiana’s decision to elevate Jay Huff to the starting lineup is paying quick dividends. Over three starts, the 7-footer is averaging 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and three made threes, offering a rare blend of rim protection and long-range shooting. With Myles Turner gone in free agency, Huff’s performance suggests the Pacers may have found a capable replacement—and fantasy managers in need of blocks, boards and triples have a new target.
Source: ESPN
