30 under-owned (or just interesting) Top 100 players in fantasy basketball

All numbers as of 11/17/19 (prior to Sunday’s games)

Top 50 Players Under 66% Owned:

Robert Covington, SF/PF, Timberwolves — #25 ESPN Player Rater, 55.9% owned

12+ Points Per Game, 5+ Rebounds Per Game, 1 Assist Per Game, 1+ Steal Per Game, 5+ 3 Point Attempts Per Game, 45+ FG%, 35+ 3PT%

16 players average 12/5/1 with 1+ SPG and 5+ 3PA. Bob Covington has the 6th best FG% of that group, and 7th best 3PT%. And he’s third on the Timberwolves in field goal attempts per game.

Devonte’ Graham, PG, Hornets — #26 PR, 60.9% owned

18+ PPG, 3+ RPG, 7+ APG, 8+ 3PA, 41 FG%, 41.4 3PT%

Nine players are averaging 18/3/7. Devonte’ Graham as the SIXTH MOST total assists in the NBA. Basically tied with Terry Rozier in minutes per game and shots per game. Only other players averaging 7+ APG and 8+ 3PA: James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Trae Young (all are 99% owned).

PJ Tucker, SF/PF, Rockets — #37 PR, 41.6% owned

9+ PPG, 6+ RPG, 1+ APG, 1+ SPG, 4+ 3PA, 51.7 FG%, 45.6 3PT%

Only 21 players average 9/6/1 with 1+ SPG and 4+ 3PA. Out of those players, Tucker has the fourth best FG% and the third best 3PT%. Less than 25 players average 6+ RPG and 4+ 3PA. Tucker’s ratios are way above those of last year, but he’s still getting good shots with Harden and Sergeant Russell Westbrook on the team. Tucker’s value is in his minutes (2nd on Houston): he is indispensable to the Rockets because of his defense and his smart shot selection. Tucker was a top 50 fantasy player last season.

Luke Kennard, SG, Pistons — #38 PR, 54.5% owned

17+ PPG, 3+ RPG, 4+ APG, 7 3PA, 45.2 FG%, 40.7 3PT%

32 players average 17/3/4, and De’Aaron Fox, Gordon Hayward, Steph Curry, and D’Angelo Russell are four of them (and, they’re all out injured). Only 16 players average 7+ 3PA per game. Dukie Lukie is second in MPG on the Detroit Pistons, and fourth in FGA. Kennard has the 7th most total 3PM in the NBA.

Marcus Morris, PF/SF, Knicks — #40 PR, 45.8% owned

18+ PPG, 5+ RPG, 1+ APG, 1 SPG, 5+ 3PA, 41.1 FG%, 45.9 3PT%

Morris is second in MPG on the Knicks, second in FGA, and tops in PPG. He’s absolutely taking his opportunity as a starter and running with it, scoring his most PPG in his career. He and RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are the Knicks’ offense. I don’t know if that’s IRL good (nope!), but Marcus Morris has been fantasy gold this season. If his volume decreases, his value will, too. GPBT! His ADP was 130+.

PJ Washington, PF, Hornets — #42 PR, 32.2% owned

13+ PPG, 5+ RPG, 1+ APG, 1+ SPG, 3+ 3PA, 52.1 FG%, 50 3PT% (!)

The rookie has been fantastic to start the season. Washington is currently the third most fantasy valuable player on Charlotte, and is almost double the value of Miles Bridges (who’s having a sophomore slump). Of the 110 players who are averaging 9+ FGA per game and 3+ 3PA per game, PJ Washington has the 10th best FG%. He’s also tied with Devin Booker for second best 3PT% of those who take 3+ deep shots per game. Maybe he’s playing above his head, but what if he isn’t? Or, what if he isn’t by much? Less than 75 players average 13 PPG and 5 RPG; that’s a pretty nice floor for a rookie to build upon.

Kendrick Nunn, SG, Heat — #44 PR, 46.4% owned

17+ PPG, 2+ RPG, 3+ APG, 1+ SPG, 6+ 3PA, 47.2 FG%, 38.4 3PT%

19th best 3PT% of players who shoot 6+ 3PA per game. Still averaging the most shots on the Heat, even after the return of Jimmy Buckets, and Nunn is fourth in MPG on the Heat over the past two weeks. The Heat have had injuries and unavailable players all season so far, so maybe Kendrick’s minutes will go down as the season goes along, but Nunn is top 20 in True Shooting Percentage of all players who are averaging 15+ FGA per game. He looks like a real player in this young NBA season.

Josh Richardson, SF/SG, 76ers — #47 PR, 60.5% owned

14+ PPG, 3+ RPG, 3+ APG, 1+ SPG, 4+ 3PA, 42.1 FG%, 31.3 3PT% (career 36.5 3PT%)

Only 28 players are averaging 14/3/3 with 1+ SPG and 4+ 3PA. JRIch is third in MPG on the 76ers, and fourth in FGA. If his threes start dropping more towards his career 36.5 3PT% (2+ 3PM his last three games). JRich was the 65th best player in fantasy last year. His floor seems pretty stable as a top 75 player, especially since Philly needs his perimeter offense more than most teams.

Brook Lopez, C, Bucks — #48 PR, 48.9% owned

10+ PPG, 4+ RPG, 1+ APG, 2+ BPG, 5+ 3PA, 41.1 FG%, 28.6 3PT% (34+ 3PT% last three seasons)

Only Kristaps Porzingis and Brook Lopez average 2+ BPG and 5+ 3PA. BroLo was a top 25 player in fantasy last year. He’s currently fourth in MPG and shots per game on Milwaukee, but that was with Khris Middleton, who’s now out injured. BroLo has averaged 14+ PPG the last week, AND he’s averaging more BPG this season than last. NO ONE else in the NBA has 27 total blocks and 18 3PM. He’s elite.

Top 100 Players Under 50% Owned:

Brandon Clarke, PF/C, Grizzlies — #61 PR, 43.6% owned

Averaging 12+ PPG and 7+ RPG the past two weeks, with 1+ BPG. He’s shooting above his head so far, but he’s also getting minutes and shots (fifth in FGA on Memphis last two weeks).

OG Anunoby, SF, Raptors — #64 PR, 42.1% owned

Only 18 players are averaging 1+ SPG and 1+ BPG. Anunoby is one of them. Only 8 players also average 3+ 3PA, including OG. His ratios (55.1 FG%, 52.5 3PT%) are elite but unsustainable, but maybe not by that much? The duo of OG and Pascal Siakam looks like one of the best defensive foundations in the NBA.

Tomas Satoransky, SG/PG, Bulls — #69 PR, 13.1% owned

Top 60 player over the past two weeks, averaging 10/4/5 with nearly two steals per game, and Sato’s shooting over 50% from the field. He started slow and his points go up and down, but he’s a useful player to have on your bench, even if he goes down in value a little bit.

Evan Fournier, SG, Magic — #70 PR, 41.9% owned

Fournier’s averaging 4 3PM over his last three games. Orlando’s sloooooow start on offense might be getting just a liiiiiiitle bit better. Fournier was a top 100 player last year, and the Magic DEARLY need his shooting. He’s one of the most needed players in the NBA, in a weird, Orlando kinda way. Can you imagine the Magic with less shooting?

Ivica Zubac, C, Clippers — #71 PR, 15.2% owned

He’s averaging 8 and 6, with 1+ BPG, but he plays less than 20 MPG. You can stream him, but if his minutes go up, then his counting stats will, too.

Langston Galloway, SG, Pistons — #72 PR, 2.6% owned

Langston Galloway is a top 50 player over the last 15 days, I shit you not. He’s averaging 10+ PPG over his last nine games. Langston is top 25 in total 3PM. If you need a shooter, he’s basically free. He hit 7 threes in his last game.

Nerlens Noel, C, Thunder — #74 PR, 3.5% owned

He gets you defensive stats, which are absolutely valuable! But, his future is capped along with his minutes while Steven Adams remains with the Thunder. If Adams gets traded, then Noel’s value probably goes up along with his counting stats. I would stream him rather than roster him.

Marcus Smart, SG/PG, Celtics — #79 PR, 26.4% owned

Smart’s averaging 13+ PPG, 3 RPG, 4+ APG, 1+ SPG, and 3+ 3PM over the last 15 days. That’s amazing. Only 11 players are averaging 3+ 3PM on the season.

Richaun Holmes, C, Kings — #82 PR, 19.9% owned

Holmes is averaging 10 and 9 over the past two weeks, with 1+ BPG. He’s the starting big for the Kings, and he’s hitting his shots efficiently. If you’re getting minutes (third most total minutes on the Kings the last two weeks), and you’re nearly averaging a double-double, then you are a valuable fantasy basketball player.

Moritz Wagner, PF, Wizards — #84 PR, 2.1% owned

Go Blue. I love Moe Wagner, but Rui Hachimura and Davis Bertans (who also play PF) are playing more minutes and taking more shots. If Wagner keeps up the scoring, then I can’t see Washington...actually, I take that back, anything is possible on the Wizards.

Joe Harris, SG/SF, Nets — #85 PR, 39.1% owned

One of the best long range shooters in the NBA last year, Brooklyn Joe is currently 10th in 3PT% of the players who average 5+ 3PA. One of only 16 players to take 10+ FGA and 5+ 3PA, and have good ratios (40+ FG% and 40+ 3PT%). Harris was a top 90 player in fantasy last year, and his elite ratio help should keep him there this season.

Nemanja Bjelica, PF, Kings — #87 PR, 25.4% owned

Ahhh, Sacramento, the team that doesn’t want you to get too comfortable playing fantasy basketball. Bjelica is fifth in FGA on the Sad Sacs over the past two weeks, and he’s draining them at a 56 FG% clip with 2+ 3PM per game. The Kings are one of the best three point shooting teams in the NBA, led by Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic (another under-owned player), and Bjelica. His minutes may go down after Marvin Bagley returns, but on the other hand, which NBA team can afford to not play stretch bigs who can drain from deep at a 50% rate? Bjelica is 6’10” and already has more 3PM than Kristaps Porzingis, Brandon Ingram, Lauri Markkanen, and Ben Simmons (sorry?). Only 16 players are averaging 10 and 6 with 2 3PM. Bjelica is scoring 10+ PPG and 5.9 RPG with 2+ 3PM.

Delon Wright, PG, Mavericks — #89 PR, 12.0% owned

Useful streamer but averaging under 25 MPG. Good for boards and dimes, maybe more if/when given a chance for more playing time, or if Luka Doncic is given the night off.

Dillon Brooks, SF/SG, Grizzlies — #91 PR, 9.2% owned

Currently second in total minutes on Memphis, Brooks gives you a little bit of everything: 13+ PPG, 3+ RPG, 2+ APG, 1 SPG, 1+ 3PM. But, his ratios are mediocre, and he’s playing on a team that doesn’t have a set rotation. The Grizzlies have 8 players averaging 20+ MPG, and ONLY Jae Crowder is averaging 30+ MPG. That’s either New NBA, or this team isn’t very good. If Brooks picks up his efficiency, he could turn into a really good player. He’s second in FGA on Memphis to Ja Morant. Memphis is 6th in pace this season, by the way.

Danuel House, Jr, SG/SF, Rockets — #92 PR, 14.7% owned

Decent outside shooter on a team that loves outside shooting. House is injured right now, but players who can hit from three are super dangerous on Houston, as we’ve seen the past few years. He’ll get you double digit points and some boards and 3PM most nights. He has as many 3PM (25) as Kevin Love, which doesn’t impress you, but that’s because you haven’t been watching the Sex-Land Cavs.

Josh Hart, SG, Pelicans — #96 PR, 27.4% owned

Suddenly, everyone’s hurt on the New Orleans Pelicans. Josh Hart is fourth in MPG on this team, and he’s 12+ PPG, 6+ RPG, 1+ APG, 1+ SPG, and 2+ 3PM. He’s only 24! The problems are his ratios (mediocre), and the team itself: what does this team look like when Zion Williamson returns from injury? What’s the ideal starting five if everyone’s healthy: Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Zion, and Center X? Does Josh Hart have a place on this team? There’s also JJ Redick, E’Twaun Moore, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to consider at Hart’s position. This team needs to make a trade, they have too much youth and depth. Hart is a good young player, but which teams need 2-guards who don’t distribute the ball?

Taurean Prince, SF/PF, Nets — #98 PR, 23.1% owned

One of my favorite blue collar players, Taurean Prince is the type of guy you always want on your fantasy team. He isn’t flashy, but he does everything he does with a high floor of competence. He’s averaging the fourth most MPG on Brooklyn, and the fourth most shots. He’s getting you 13 and 6, with a dime, a steal, and some threes thrown in every game. Brooklyn is going to have a ton of top 100 guys this season (they’re fourth in pace), and Prince is getting 11 shots per game (fourth on the Nets), and with Caris LeVert out (sigh, again), Taurean Prince should inherit some of his minutes and shots. I think he’ll be a top 75 player while LeVert’s out.

Glenn Robinson III, SF/SG, Warriors — #99 PR, 10.0% owned

GRIII (GO! BLUE!) has played the most total minutes on the Golden State Warriors. While he hasn’t gotten as many shots as his MPG and his ratios suggest he should, he’s been a solid player on a bad team, at the very least. He’s currently averaging 10+ PPG, 5+ RPG, 1+ APG, 1 SPG, and 2+ 3PA on 35.9 3PT% shooting. That doesn’t sound elite, but it’s a high floor: only 20 players in the NBA are averaging 10/5/1 with a steal per game and 35+ 3PT%. That’s some nice production for a player you can just grab off the waiver for free. PLUS, D’Angelo Russell is injured again, so GRIII’s role could increase even more.

Three More Under-Owned Players:

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG, Kings — 25.6% owned, top 75 PR last 15 days

Averaging 17+ PPG and 6+ APG over the past two weeks. He’s the distributor while De’Aaron Fox is out.

Frank Ntilikina, PG, Knicks — 2.4% owned, top 75 PR15

Over the last two weeks: 30 MPG, 6+ PPG, 3+ RPG, 4+ APG, 2+ SPG. The Knicks are a catastrophe (again, predictably), but this is a player everyone’s been hoping will bust out and gain even just a tad of offensive respectability. You shouldn’t roster Ntilikina, but stream him while Elfrid Payton’s out, and keep your eye on his value. Just because a player doesn’t score 10+ PPG doesn’t mean he’s not a useful fantasy resource.

Norman Powell, SG/SF, Raptors — 4.2% owned

This is another volume play: over the past two weeks, Norm Powell is fourth in MPG on Toronto. He’s scored in double digits in four of his last five games, and he sank 6 threes against Dallas. Minutes are like water, they make everything else grow, and Powell’s counting stats have grown along with his MPG. When streaming, always look for the guys who are getting minutes and shots; Norm’s had both recently, and is worthy of your attention.