Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star in Fantasy Basketball

Nov 18, 2024 at 4:52 PM
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan has been making waves in the fantasy basketball world. His ability to block shots at a prolific rate has significantly boosted his fantasy value, especially with additional playing time. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)

Discover the Hidden Gem in Fantasy Basketball - Donovan Clingan

Week 4 Wrap Up

Dove – Bossman Dlow. Donovan Clingan's performance without Deandre Ayton in the lineup has been remarkable. His size and value as a shot-blocker and rebounder are already evident. The former Huskie is averaging a low-end double-double with five stocks in his last three outings. Ayton's finger injury has left Clingan as a more reliable option in fantasy leagues.

Top Performers. In the world of fantasy basketball, there are several players making waves. Tari Eason, Jared McCain, Brandon Boston Jr., Shaedon Sharpe, and Luguentz Dort are among the under-50% rostered players that should be on every fantasy manager's radar. Each brings unique skills and potential to the court.

Who's in My Rotation: Waiver Pickups

Tari Eason, the SF/PF from the Houston Rockets (48%), is a force to be reckoned with. Jared McCain, the PG/SG of the Philadelphia 76ers (44%), also shows great promise. Brandon Boston Jr. from the New Orleans Pelicans (39%) is another player to watch. Shaedon Sharpe from the Portland Trail Blazers (37%) has been a standout, and Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder (33%) is a reliable option. Kris Dunn from the Los Angeles Clippers (12%) is a nice streamer over the next two weeks in category leagues.

Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets (20%) has been a consistent starter in place of Aaron Gordon. He offers fantasy managers a decent source of stocks, 3s, scoring, and rebounds. Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic (26%) is set to have a great week with the Magic playing four games. Moussa Diabaté from the Charlotte Hornets (24%) has been a beast on the glass and as a rim protector.

Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls (23%) has quietly been a top 80 player over the past two weeks, thanks to his production and efficiency. He's also eating into Josh Giddey's minutes, which is beneficial for fantasy purposes.

Schedule Highlights

It's a great week for streaming, with at most eight games daily. The Week 5 daily schedule of games includes Monday (8), Tuesday (6), Wednesday (8), Thursday (4), Friday (8), Saturday (7), and Sunday (6). There are teams to avoid, such as the Thunder and Suns (both teams don't have games after Wednesday), the Heat (plays on Monday and Sunday), and the Timberwolves (plays on Thursday and Sunday).

Four games are set to be played by teams like the 76ers, Bucks, Bulls, Clippers, Magic, Pacers, Rockets, and Warriors. Three games will be played by teams like the Celtics, Cavaliers, Hawks, Hornets, Jazz, Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, Nets, Nuggets, Pelicans, Pistons, Raptors, Spurs, Trail Blazers, and Wizards. Two games will be played by the Heat, Suns, Thunder, and Timberwolves.

Back-to-Backs

Tuesday/Wednesday: Cavs, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Thunder. Wednesday/Thursday: Magic. Friday/Saturday: Bucks, Bulls, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Rockets, and Warriors. Sunday/Monday: Celtics, Clippers, Kings, Mavericks, Nets, Pacers, and Raptors.

Injury News

Nuggets C Nikola Jokić (personal) is considered day-to-day. Mavericks G Luka Dončić (knee) is also day-to-day. Trail Blazers C Deandre Ayton (finger) is day-to-day. Trail Blazers G Anfernee Simons (illness) is day-to-day. Kings F DeMar DeRozan (back) is day-to-day. Kings C Domantas Sabonis (back) is day-to-day. Nets C Nic Claxton (back) will miss at least one week. Celtics G Jrue Holiday (knee) is considered day-to-day. Raptors G Immanuel Quickley (elbow) will be re-evaluated this week.

Rotation Notes

Detroit Pistons: Malik Beasley (27%) has been on fire without Tim Hardaway Jr. in the lineup, starting his last two games and averaging 38.8 fantasy points per game. Ausar Thompson (45%) is a player to stash as he continues to ramp up. Los Angeles Lakers: Rui Hachimura's absence due to an ankle injury has opened up opportunities for the rookie from Tennessee. If Hachimura isn't ready to return by Tuesday, Knecht (20%) has streaming potential. New Orleans Pelicans: CJ McCollum's return to practice and Trey Murphy III's comeback are good news, but the Pelicans are still down four of their original starting five. Keep Brandon Boston Jr. rostered, while Yves Missi (19%) should continue holding value. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe's play is affecting Deni Avdija's minutes. Deandre Ayton's finger injury has led to Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams splitting time. Anfernee Simons' illness is opening the door for Scoot Henderson and Dalano Banton (7%). Check the injury report before the Blazers play on Wednesday.

Sacramento Kings: Fox on Fire!

De'Aaron Fox has a 49% usage rate and is averaging 54.5 points per game in two games without DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis. Kevin Huerter (24%) has been alternating good and bad games. Trey Lyles is another alternative. The Kings are off until Friday after their Tuesday game.