The NBA season is full of surprises, but some storylines are more shocking than others. Here's a bold prediction that might leave you stunned:
Don't be shocked if Portland Trail Blazers' center Donovan Clingan leads the league in rebounds.
The 21-year-old Clingan is having a breakout season, averaging a near double-double with 11.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. What's more, he's doing this while playing just 27.5 minutes per game, leaving plenty of room for growth. Despite his impressive performance, he's still available in over 30% of ESPN standard leagues, which is truly baffling. In January alone, Clingan has averaged 12.4 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his dominance on the boards. And he's not just a one-dimensional player; he's attempting 9.5 field goals per game and even has a 3-point shot in his arsenal, hitting 52.2% of them in December.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Blazers drafted another big man, Yang Hansen, in 2025. Why double down on the center position? It's a move that has many fans scratching their heads. And with Clingan's potential, one can't help but wonder if he's being held back from reaching his full potential.
The race for the rebounding title is heating up, with former teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert leading the way, along with Clingan. But the real surprise is the Utah Jazz's Jusuf Nurkic, who is averaging double-digit rebounds. It's a tight contest, and Clingan's emergence as a rebounding force adds an intriguing twist.
And now, a twist that might leave Bucks fans in disbelief: Giannis Antetokounmpo might be a rare sight for the rest of the season.
The Bucks, like the Wizards with Trae Young, are in a peculiar situation. They are not in contention this season and may prefer to lose games to secure a better draft pick. Antetokounmpo, nursing a calf injury, could play but might be held out or limited to sporadic appearances. This strategy, while understandable, is a tough pill to swallow for fantasy managers eyeing Antetokounmpo, Young, or Ja Morant in redraft formats. The risk is high, and even a super-low cost might not be worth it.
The trade deadline on February 5th adds another layer of complexity. If Antetokounmpo is traded to a contender, he could see immediate action. But if he ends up on a non-contending team, he might find himself in a similar situation to Young. Fantasy managers, take note: trading Antetokounmpo before the deadline could be a wise move.
In other news, the Bucks' defense struggled against the Philadelphia 76ers, allowing 139 points. However, there's a silver lining for fantasy managers. With Antetokounmpo out, SG/PG Ryan Rollins is stepping up, averaging nearly 20 points per game. Rollins, who is rostered in 87.2% of leagues, could be a top 50 fantasy scorer from now on. Meanwhile, PF Bobby Portis, despite starting and averaging 16.5 points with increased usage, is a fine addition but remains available in 50% of leagues.
Here are some other storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat:
- Cleveland Cavaliers' Evan Mobley, who was expected to average 20 points and 10 rebounds this season, will miss at least a week due to a calf injury. It's a disappointing setback for a player who was on the cusp of greatness.
- 76ers' Tyrese Maxey is logging an astonishing 39.1 minutes per game, while young Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson is close behind at 37.4 MPG. But the real surprise is veteran Kevin Durant, who is third in MPG despite being one of the oldest players in the league. Durant's durability is a testament to his unique abilities.
- Suns' Jalen Green, who was expected to make a splash after returning from a hamstring injury, re-injured himself just four minutes into his second game. It's a frustrating turn of events that could make this a lost season for Green.
- Houston's Amen Thompson and his twin brother Ausar Thompson, drafted back-to-back in 2023, are having contrasting seasons. While Amen thrives on both ends of the court, Ausar struggles to make an impact. Fantasy managers rostering Ausar might want to reconsider, as his production pales in comparison to his brother's.
The NBA never fails to surprise, and these storylines are sure to spark debates. Do you agree with the Bucks' strategy regarding Antetokounmpo? Are the Blazers making the most of Clingan's talent? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
