Fantasy Basketball Preview: Northwest Division

Prepare on your fantasy basketball drafts with Dan Titus’ division previews for the 2024-25 NBA season. On as we speak’s slate: the Northwest.

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder

The Thunder’s huge three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams might be gone after the fourth spherical in most fantasy basketball drafts.

I outlined why Hartenstein is one among my breakout centers, however in abstract, his talent set fills a obligatory void as a rebounder, further rim protector and short-roll playmaker. Sadly, he’ll miss 5-6 weeks with a fractured hand, so fantasy managers should wait on his impression. Deal with him like Kristaps Porziņģis by way of a draft-and-stash close to the ninth or tenth rounds.

Conversely, Caruso is an elite 3-and-D shares specialist who will make defenses pay as a catch-and-shoot risk on the perimeter. Caruso and Holmgren each get bumps up my newest ranks within the wake of Hartenstein’s absence. Luguentz Dort additionally seemingly sees an uptick in minutes as properly.

Denver Nuggets

Slightly than gush over Nikola Jokić being among the finest fantasy property within the recreation, let’s speak about Jamal Murray. The market would not appear involved about Murray’s well being or lackluster performances within the 2024 playoffs and Paris Olympics. I want I shared their optimism, however I am fading Murray’s fifth-round ADP.

Aaron Gordon is a participant I have been focusing on in factors leagues. He is been thriving within the dunker’s spot for Denver, and it is unlocked his capacity to build up numerous fantasy stats via scoring, rebounding and producing assists.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Are we prepared for Anthony Edwards’ true breakout season? I’ve ranked him late-first in class leagues as a result of that is the yr he takes one other leap in scoring, improved effectivity and inventory accumulation. For all of the disrespect Rudy Gobert receives, he is a double-double machine who ought to swat a few photographs a recreation. Gobert’s mid-fourth ADP is truthful, however I might favor to get him towards the top of the fourth spherical.

Coach Chris Finch confirmed Julius Randle is beginning at PF, so count on Naz Reid to stay in an analogous position as final season. Reid’s coming off a profession yr the place he took residence Sixth Man of the Yr honors and his ADP is simple at 100. Conley is one other participant whose ADP is low. At 36, he is nonetheless an efficient passer who might help fantasy managers in steals and 3s past the tenth spherical.

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Portland Path Blazers

Portland is among the least intriguing groups in fantasy basketball. I’ve willingly drafted Anfernee Simons as a result of his ADP is inexpensive within the seventh spherical, though you may be capable of snag him within the eighth. In relation to drafting Deandre Ayton, I favor ready for a spherical or two to scoop a giant man who will not price a fifth-round choose.

Jerami Grant will most likely discover his approach to one other crew in some unspecified time in the future, however till then, he is solely helpful for factors and 3s — a simple fade even at his ADP.

Deni Avdija is a participant I am anticipating to outperform his ADP. He is a sleeper going within the eleventh spherical with a flexible skillset for fantasy. Scoot Henderson is healthier for factors leagues, however for those who can abdomen his inefficiency and turnovers, he may make for an honest supply of factors and assists within the backend of drafts.

Utah Jazz

Walker Kessler is among the greatest values on the fantasy draft board. Whether or not he is being showcased for a commerce or not, Kessler is trending to be a low-end double-double risk who might be among the many league leaders in blocks per recreation.

I like Collin Sexton as an early ninth-rounder. When he joined the beginning unit final yr, Sexton offered seventh-round worth. All indicators level to him resuming that position, so fantasy managers are getting him at a pleasant low cost.

Keyonte George prevented a extreme knee damage, and it seems to be like he’ll be prepared for the season. George is a strong choice for factors leagues and will outperform his ADP in class codecs if he can enhance his effectivity and scale back his turnover charge.

Taylor Hendricks is a late-round flier who affords some defensive upside and 3s, however the quantity is a query mark till the vets are traded.