The schedule makes things a bit slow fantasy-wise for the OKC Thunder and fantasy managers, with only a two-game week on tap. Still, Fantasy Flash serves up the goods.
With the OKC Thunder playing just two games this week, Fantasy Flash dives into which players are likely to have an impact in limited action. One Oklahoma City player appears for the second straight week while another is making his debut.
The opponents this week are very different. On Thursday (10/25) the OKC Thunder host the Boston Celtics. Boston has many weapons on offense and will present a mighty challenge for OKC. Sunday (10/28) they get to stay home as the Phoenix Suns come to town. The Suns are still rebuilding, but look much more potent then they have been in recent seasons.
Let’s get into notable fantasy players for the week.
Steven Adams
The Big Kiwi, Steven Adams is typically a safe, if unexciting fantasy play. However, he has been pretty exciting to start the season. His rebounding bump has likely been aided by the early absence of Russell Westbrook, at least on the defensive end. Even if Russ returns, Adams will remain a steady source of boards.
His scoring has been a nice bonus in addition to his reliable field goal percentage. That is another trend that will likely continue this season.
Dennis Schröder
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For the second week, Dennis Schröder appears on our Fantasy Flash. Even if he is bumped to the bench by the return of Westbrook, the OKC Thunder will make sure he stays involved. Schröder’s scoring would likely remain solid as the go-to option on the second unit. It is also possible that the coaching staff eases Russ in a bit, meaning solid minutes for Dennis (The Menace?… We’ll put a pin in that).
Jayson Tatum
Kyrie Irving may have been supplanted as the superior fantasy player for the Boston Celtics. It is early in the season, but so far so good for second-year star, Jayson Tatum. His usage rate has been higher than Irving’s to start, which may be subject to change. Even so, Tatum has every look of the number one scoring option for the C’s in the early going.
Deandre Ayton
Sticking to young guns, Deandre Ayton is the fantasy play of the week for the Phoenix Suns. He had a nice debut with a double-double in his first NBA game, but followed it up with a 5 point effort. He was playing through a sore ankle against the Denver Nuggets, who will be one of the stronger teams in the league, defensively.
Not that we’re making excuses for the young man, but that was a tough spot that he should be able to put in his rearview. Ayton’s upside is massive and he may be a volatile play, but one worth the risk.
Even on a slow week for the OKC Thunder, you can count on Thunderous Intentions to keep cranking out quality, fan-powered content. Keep checking back and follow along on Twitter @thunderousint