Sunday's game against the Wizards was the first of back-to-back games, so the Celtics were without multiple starters due to injuries or injury management reasons. Derrick White, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis did not play, but the rest of the roster did, and Boston won 130-104. sam houser (13% registered, Yahoo) Peyton Pritchard (7%), with the former joining the starting lineup.
Hauser caught fire in D.C., making 10 of his first 12 3-pointers and posting 30 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal in 23 minutes. On his 13th 3-pointer, Hauser stepped on someone's foot on the Wizards bench and twisted his ankle, ending his night early. With Boston leading by more than 30 points at the time, there was no need for the Celtics to bring Hauser back. He has had some positive moments as a spot starter, and Sunday's performance was his best.
As for Pritchard, the absence of White and Brown increased his fantasy value despite coming off the bench. He had 14 points, five rebounds, one steal, two 3-pointers and dished out a career-high 13 assists in 35 minutes, despite committing only one turnover. Unlike Hauser, Pritchard would be a safe bet in the deep leagues if the Celtics decide to rest some players for Monday's game against the Pistons. Let's hope Hauser's ankle sprain doesn't cause him to be sidelined for too long.
Let's take a closer look at Sunday's top picks.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (41%)
Miami was without Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jovic for Sunday's game in Detroit, which resulted in Jaquez and Haywood Highsmith joining the starting lineup. The rookie from UCLA had 15 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and one 3-point shot in 35 minutes. Although Jaquez didn't produce an elite stat line, he was talented enough to provide solid value as a streamer. The Heat play again on Monday, with that night's matchup against the 76ers being the first of four games in Week 21. Jaquez's fantasy value depends on the availability of other players, especially Butler.
Malik Beasley (32%)
The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo on Sunday due to a sore hamstring abrasion. His absence coincided with the return of Khris Middleton, and Beasley was one of the Bucks to step up in the win over the Suns. Beasley made 6-of-11 from the field and had 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and five 3-pointers in 29 minutes. Jae Crowder (18 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 3-pointers) also played well, but Beasley is more of a fantasy, especially if Giannis has to miss multiple games. It will provide good material.
Luke Cornett (3%)
Cornette was another Celtics player who took advantage of extra playing time on Sunday. He had 14 points, six rebounds, one assist and two blocked shots in 20 minutes, going 5-of-9 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line. Al Horford has yet to play on either end of a back-to-back this season, and with Porzingis' status pending on Monday, the Cornettes could have staying power for at least one more night.
tori craig (1%)
The Bulls did not play on Sunday, but the team's injury report for Monday's game against the Trail Blazers lists starting point guard Coby White (hip) as potentially injured. It had been. Craig fills a hole in the starting lineup and hit four 3-pointers Thursday against the Clippers. Craig didn't have much of an impact in Saturday's win over the Wizards, but he could still add value if White is sidelined again.
Justin Champagnie (1%)
Champagnie, who had 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, three blocks and three 3-pointers against the Bulls on Saturday, was named to the starting lineup against Boston on Sunday. He played 36 minutes and finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 2 3-pointers. Washington will play three games in Week 21, starting with Tuesday's game against the Rockets, but Champagnie could be worth watching if he remains in the starting lineup.
