Fantasy Basketball 2021: NBA Pickups to Watch After February 17
Don't hesitate to acquire a free-agent center. They're difficult to replace in the fantasy basketball realm, so you should always monitor potential replacements in case one goes down with an injury.
The New York Knicks received bad news when they found out Mitchell Robinson fractured his right hand. He's going to miss four-to-six weeks following surgery. New Orleans Pelicans center Steven Adams exited Wednesday's contest with the Portland Trail Blazers with an ankle injury.
Knicks center Nerlens Noel is rostered in more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues, but managers can get an early jump on the big man who could fill in for Adams.
Meanwhile, a sharpshooter and a rookie point guard deserve your attention out west.
Let's take a look at three fantasy pickups who could slowly bubble up to the top of your adds list in the coming days.
C Willy Hernangomez, New Orleans Pelicans (2 Percent Rostered)
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Willy Hernangomez may see an expanded role for at least the short term. Steven Adams exited Wednesday's defeat to the Trail Blazers with an ankle injury. He had also been battling a back issue in recent games.
Hernangomez moved into the starting lineup for the second half against the Blazers and finished with 11 points and 17 rebounds in 29 minutes.
Over the past couple of weeks, Hernangomez cracked the rotation, playing minutes in the mid to upper teens. In an unfortunate circumstance, he could build some momentum before the All-Star break. The New Orleans Pelicans may not rush Adams back to action because of his combination of injuries.
In previous stints with the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, Hernangomez has flashed the ability to produce double-doubles with extended minutes. If the 6'11", 250-pounder can knock down triples with more consistency and block a shot or two every game, he's going to become a hot commodity on the adds list.
Managers should keep an eye on the injury report for Adams and move Hernangomez to the top of their watch list for the remainder of the week.
PG Facundo Campazzo, Denver Nuggets (8 Percent Rostered)
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Facundo Campazzo stuffed the stat sheet in his first NBA start Tuesday against the Boston Celtics, logging 15 points, three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block.
Gary Harris (adductor) and Monte Morris (shoulder) returned to action Wednesday. The former started with the first unit, which moved Campazzo back to a bench role, but he still scored 14 points shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 2-of-3 at the free-throw line. The rookie guard also tacked on a couple of steals.
As of right now, Campazzo has a decent role in head coach Mike Malone's rotation. When Will Barton (personal reasons) comes back, the 29-year-old rookie could fade in terms of fantasy relevancy.
Over the last three contests, however, Campazzo has scored at least 14 points, knocked two three-pointers and logged two steals in each outing. He's unlikely to keep this up but belongs on your radar after a few solid performances.
SG/SF Grayson Allen, Memphis Grizzlies (14 Percent Rostered)
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Grayson Allen has started the last four games, but he had a hot hand before shifting to the first unit. Over the previous seven outings, the third-year pro has knocked down 26 three-pointers.
In Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Allen drilled six triples, recording 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal.
With guards Desmond Bane (personal reasons) and De'Anthony Melton (shoulder) out, Allen should continue to shine whether he's in the starting five or coming off the bench.
Allen has played at least 30 minutes in five consecutive contests. Managers in need of three-pointers should grab him now. Otherwise, you can wait to see if he sustains his hot streak for another outing, but be sure to keep track of his production against the Detroit Pistons on Friday and the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
Over the last week, Allen has converted on 55 percent of his shot attempts.
