26/27 Nov. 8 Box Score Analysis (7 Games)
Josh Giddey (Buy Low in points leagues): This was a much-needed big night from Giddey. He picked up seven assists in the first quarter when the Bulls were hitting everything, but he was very solid from start to finish. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come. There won’t be a ton of nights like this, but if the Bulls can find a way to be more competitive, Giddey should start hitting the 30-minute mark more often, which should get him back inside the top 100 in nine-category leagues. That’s obviously not a range those who spent an early-round pick on the point guard were hoping he’d land in, but it’s still better than what he was giving us over the first week of the season. Due to his role being noticeably smaller than usual this year, I’d be very hesitant to buy low on the Bull in category leagues. You’re not going to get him at a reasonable price due to where he was drafted. In points leagues, he’s a lot more interesting. Giddey has only been a top-90 player in Yahoo points leagues up to this point, but it wouldn’t take much improvement to get him around the top 50. If you can swap a top-75 player for the struggling Bull, I would make that move.
Jalen Smith: Like Giddey, Smith benefited from the Bulls keeping it close. With Nic Claxton back, Smith will move to the bench soon, so don’t feel like you need to hold him after this big night. The Bulls’ early Week 4 schedule is also a problem. We will see Smith and the Bulls just once over the first four days of the week. Once Claxton is up to speed, Smith will likely start playing around 20 MPG. In a role of that size, he could be a 14-team league option but will top out as a high-end streamer in 12-team leagues.
Nic Claxton: If Claxton was dropped due to his hamstring injury, pick him up. He’s going to be a clear 12-team option in both category and points leagues. In category leagues, he’s a good bet to be a mid-round player in friendly builds like punt threes and punt FT%. In Yahoo points leagues, he should average close to 30 FP/G. We should keep an eye on Claxton’s block rate. Last night’s two swats were encouraging. The big man is a good bet to improve on last season’s 1.1 BPG because Jordi Fernandez’s defensive system seems to drag down his centers’ block rates. Before Fernandez took over in Brooklyn, Claxton came with an elite block rate. He’s not a lock to be a top-end contributor in the category in Chicago, but the change of scenery does make a bounceback performance in swats more likely.
For access to the full box score analysis, subscribers can click here: