The NBA season is full of ups and downs. Players performances are very much of an ebb and flow. At times players may be performing well, while at others they might be stinking the joint out. A key to fantasy success is to recognize that a player is hot, ride the streak while you can and sell at the pinnacle so that you maximize the salary value or trade value depending on your league format.
I’ve already given you three fantasy overachievers from the backcourt and we now focus on those forwards who are playing above their heads. If you are holding onto these guys, look to cash out now and maximize the return on your investment. Wait too long and you will have lost out as these players are bound to come back to their playing reality.
I’ll start in Milwaukee where we have Khris Middleton starting at the power forward spot for the Bucks. Khris Middleton who you ask. Well here’s a guy whose career averages of 9.2 ppg and 3.1 rpg are very pedestrian at best. Take a look at his last five games this month in the absence of John Henson and his slash line looks like 19 ppg, 7 rpg and 2.6 apg. Middleton’s time in the starting rotation is going to come to a crashing halt shortly and with it the bottom will fall out on his fantasy value.
From Milwaukee I take you over to Atlanta where the Hawks are dealing with some bad news as Al Horford is lost for the season. Further to that piece of impactful fantasy news, Paul Millsap is really overachieving at the moment. Those general managers whom are in need of a replacement for Horford will be shopping for a power forward; sell them Millsap now while the value is high.
Millsap is a very solid option, he just isn’t a 20.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg 2.8 apg and 1.4 block per game kind of guy. His season averages are 16.8 ppg and 8.3 rpg while his career averages are even lower at 12.6 ppg and 7.1 rpg. It is rare that a 28-year old, seven year NBA veteran elevates his play and maintains it for an extended period. The run with Millsap is nearing it’s end, sell now and sell high.
Our last stop is keeps us in the Eastern Conference and it takes us to the coast where we find the Brooklyn Nets and their super-sub Mirza Teletovic. This is a classic case of fantasy overachievement as Teletovic is nothing more than an NBA scrub who is getting a chance on a woeful franchise. There is no possible way that Teletovic can maintain a slash line of 15.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 1.6 apg. The last five games are in no way indicative of what is to come. The market is high on this guy and now is the time to cash out.
Up next is our three most fantasy overachieving centers. I’ve now given you three guards and three forwards whose sell ratings are high, take advantage of the market and cash out. Fantasy basketball is about knowing who's at their peak when they are at their peak and knowing when they aren’t going to give you anything more than what they have already. Take my advice and reap the benefits.