NBA Fantasy – Salary Cap Edition: Week 5 Update

Jalen Williams is shaping up to be a fantastic player entering the 2024-25 season.

Even with three GameDays remaining, there’s something for everyone. NBA Fantasy Salary Game players to unpack as we head into the second half of week five of the season.

Here’s everything you need to know midway through week 5:

Story so far

It was a foregone conclusion that Tuesday’s fight between the top dogs would bring clarity to the Eastern Conference race. And that’s what happened – with a bit of drama to suit the occasion.

Despite giving up a 21-point lead in the third quarter, the Boston Celtics (12-3) outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers (16-1) with a final score of 120-117 at TD Garden, ending to the visitors’ unbeaten streak to nine wins fewer. tying an NBA record for best start to a season. The defending champions leaned into their “make it rain” identity — shooting 14 of 22 from beyond the arc in the first half alone — and that was enough to fend off the league’s hottest team.

Boston’s only previous victory against a team currently ranked in the top 10 in the NBA overall came when it beat the New York Knicks (9-6) on opening night. But Cleveland, despite failing to topple the defending champions, still holds a three-game lead at the top of the conference; they got back to work on Wednesday with a 28-point loss against the New Orleans Pelicans (4-12).

While Jayson TatumWith 29.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, he looks like a Kia MVP favorite. He is the only Celtic in the top 36 in total fantasy points (TFP), claiming a third place finish in the league. best 771.9. The Cavaliers – as a team – present a better fantasy bet thanks to the prolific combination of scoring, rebounding and assists between the two. Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan MobleyAnd Garland of Darius.

These four each tallied over 570 fantasy points as poster boys of a well-oiled offense. They should continue to attract plenty of attention as their undefeated burden is now lifted.

The surprise

The difficulties were predictable when the Philadelphia 76ers (2-12) faced injuries early in the season. Joel Embiid, Paul GeorgesAnd Tyrese Maxeyeach a vital part of what the front office had envisioned as its perfect lineup. But it may be surprising that the problems persist for so long.

All three former NBA All-Stars have played at least small stints individually. Embiid was the last to take the field, having now started four of the last five games, while George and Maxey have played eight each. And yes, they’ve barely shared the floor as a trio until now.

The offense just hasn’t been there. Philadelphia currently ranks last in the NBA in offensive efficiency (104.7) and boasts team-wide assist and rebounding percentages of 57.8% and 46.6%, respectively. , who qualify 26th and 29th in the league.

Maxey (303.3), George (262.6) and Embiid (141.0) rank 151st, 180th and 267th in TFP, respectively. Any of them, if healthy, would have been a preseason pick to land in the top 50. Instead, Caleb Martin (333.2) has been the 76ers’ top fantasy option, leading the way at 120th.

The Philadelphia faithful may be looking long and hard for the panic button. Fantasy owners shouldn’t be shy about pushing.

Trading Tips

“The Tale of the Two Jalens” was one of the most gripping stories of the season.

Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-4) and Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks (7-9) represented the next generation of the NBA well. Both under the age of 23, their versatile skills, consistent production and impeccable health made them fantastic players early on.

With 720.2 accumulated over 16 games played, Williams ranks seventh in TFP – higher than Luka Doncic And Nikola Jokic – while ranking 14th with an average of 45.0 fantasy points per game (FPPG). Johnson isn’t far behind with 652.3 TFP (15th) and 43.5 FPPG (19th).

The Thunder swingman has racked up 45 fantasy points or more in five of his last six games, while five straight 35-plus point outings have come in the Hawks forward’s last five appearances.

And with each of these Jalens costing no more than $14 million, it’s a fantastic story that players should read.

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