Basketball pickups: Naji Marshall and Jaden Hardy shine in Atlanta

The Mavericks entered Monday’s game in Atlanta with three outside players. With Luka Doncic already sidelined, Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes joined him on the sidelines. Naji Marshall (17%) and Jaden Hardy (1%) were the substitutes, and both played well in Dallas’ win over the Hawks. Marshall played 28 minutes and finished the game with 22 points, six rebounds, one assist and two 3-pointers, his third straight game with 20 or more. Hardy scored a season-high 23 points with three rebounds, two assists, three steals (career-high) and two 3-pointers.

Marshall’s fantasy value has increased since Doncic’s demise and he will miss at least one more game (Wednesday vs. New York). As for Hardy, his value depends on the availability of Thompson and Grimes. Furthermore, we must not forget it Spencer Dinwiddie (2%), who posted a line of 22 points, three rebounds, four assists and four 3-pointers. His future fantasy status is similar to Hardy’s; To be worth the risk, several people must be seated.

Let’s take a look at a few more of Monday’s top pickups:

Moussa Diabate (20%)Charlotte Hornets

Diabate wasn’t in the starting lineup in Monday’s loss to the Magic (Taj Gibson was), but he effectively played starting minutes off the bench. Diabate didn’t score many points, but rebounds (eight) and defensive numbers (two steals and four blocks) were the key takeaways. As long as the Hornets remain without Mark Williams and Nick Richards and neither has a concrete timetable for their return, it will be worth bringing him into the squad.

Anthony Black (14%)Orlando Magic

The Magic were already playing without Jalen Suggs, losing his replacement in the starting lineup five minutes into Monday’s game against the Hornets. Gary Harris suffered a hamstring strain and his exit resulted in Black starting the second half. While the final stat line wasn’t particularly impressive (10 points, three rebounds, one assist, three steals and two 3-pointers in 22 minutes), there’s a good chance for Black to produce if Suggs and Harris continue to be sidelined. These injuries also affected Cole Anthony (1%), who returned to the rotation and played 27 minutes. He finished the game with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two 3-pointers. However, fantasy managers may want to make sure Anthony stays in the rotation before adding him.

Yves Missi (13%) And Elfrid Payton (2%)New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans received good news on the injury front on Monday as CJ McCollum returned from an adductor strain. However, with the team still losing several contributors, there was room for Missi (who came off the bench) and Payton to provide value. Despite the support of Daniel Theis, Missi played 31 minutes off the bench and finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. As for Payton, he only set a new career high with 21 assists and had 14 points, seven rebounds and two steals in 31 minutes. While Missi should have value for the rest of the season even after everyone returns, Payton’s fantasy relevance will likely end once Dejounte Murray returns from a broken hand.

Keon Ellis (8%)Sacramento Kings

Malik Monk’s return from an ankle sprain was the most notable change to the Kings’ rotation, but not the only one. Ellis made his second start of the season on Monday, replacing Kevin Huerter. The matchup certainly had an impact on the decision, as Sacramento had to defend Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But that’s something to keep an eye on, especially since Huerter only played 10 minutes in Monday’s loss. Ellis played 28 and finished the game with eight points, one rebound, three assists, one steal and two 3-pointers. The line itself isn’t enough to make Ellis a player worth adding. But that changes if he stays in the starting lineup, which is a realistic possibility given the Kings’ perimeter defense issues.

Jalen Wilson (2%) And Ziaire Williams (2%)Brooklyn Nets

Despite missing several rotation players in Monday’s game and losing Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas, the Nets erased an 18-point deficit and beat Golden State. Wilson and Williams, who came into the starting lineup without Dorian Finney-Smith and Nic Claxton, made important contributions. Wilson posted a career-best seven rebounds, two assists, a block and three 3-pointers. Williams recorded a double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two 3-pointers. Their stats for Wednesday’s game against the Suns will depend on the Nets’ injury report.

Neemias Queta (2%)Boston Celtics

While Kristaps Porzingis was available to make his season debut on Monday, the Celtics were without Al Horford and Luke Kornet. As a result, Queta remained in the rotation and played an outstanding performance off the bench in the 25th minute. He finished Monday’s loss to the Clippers with 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and four blocked shots. Queta was a case that benefited the few managers who included him in the squad and he will be an integral part going forward. Boston’s Sunday/Monday clash against the Cavaliers and Heat will be the next opportunity to consider streaming Queta.