• Preseason is in full swing and studs are making their appearances. Scrimmages are cute but players know that there is nothing like the flow of an actual game. If you think preseason is at half speed, you should probably tell that to Hassan Whiteside, who is having a warm-up for the real thing. It’s as if he plays a game of NBA 2K17 with his buddies and then emulates his video game stats out on the court. At least that’s what it seems like from his SnapChat account. Last night’s slate was a bit light, but there was a ton to sink our teeth in to. Let’s get to it.

    HEAT 121, NETS 100

    If we needed any confirmation of one thing we already know about the Heat coming in to an odd offseason, it’s that Hassan Whiteside is really good. He was a man amongst boy and Justin Hamilton last night, scoring and rebounding at will for 21 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, one steal and four blocks in 23 minutes. It’s nice to see a max deal actually worth it.

    His running mate Goran Dragic also double-doubled with 17 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, one steal and two 3-pointers in 29 minutes. With Dwyane Wade out of the picture, Dragic will be counted on to shoulder the load from a scoring standpoint and should outlive his ADP if he stays healthy. We’re buying.

    While the fantasy community awaits the potential of Justise Winslow to show up on the stat sheet, he keeps disappointing. Winslow scored five points with seven boards and four assists after fouling out in just 21 minutes. If you think “it’s just preseason,” keep telling yourself that. You can have him.

    The Nets were without the services of Brook Lopez (rest) on Tuesday night, keeping him fresh for the season. Lopez has the injury stink on him from season’s past, but you would be surprised to know that he appeared in 72 and 73 games over the last two seasons. He has just a chance as any to get injured, so don’t let that deter you.

    Jeremy Lin took charge on offense, scoring 16 points with three rebounds, five dimes, one steal and two 3-pointers in 24 minutes. After 21 points in his debut, Lin’s value is starting to see an incline along with his ADP. Prepare to spend a higher than comfortable pick on draft day.

    Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was rather quiet last night, shooting 2-of-6 from the field for five points with two rebounds and one assist in 23 minutes. If you invest in RHJ, prepare to roll with the punches as you will get nights like this. His potential alone makes him worth strong consideration. Meanwhile, Bojan Bogdanovic scored 13 points vs. the Heat on Tuesday with one rebound, one assist, one steal and three treys in 20 minutes. He will be waiver wire fodder all season for those in need of threes and points.

    GRIZZLIES 121, SIXERS 91

    All eyes were on the much awaited debut of Marc Gasol (foot) on Tuesday. Mid-foot fractures for seven footers always spell trouble, so it was refreshing to see him out on the court in limited preseason action. Gasol shot 5-for-11 from the field for 10 points with two boards and one assist in 13 minutes. That’s not half bad for someone out of basketball for months. Stay tuned, however; maintenance days are coming.

    Gasol even beat Chandler Parsons (knee) back on the court. Grizz coach David Fizdale said that Parsons still has no firm timetable to return to action. It’s been seven months since he was last on the court and he has yet to put in any work as he is still in rehab. When he does come back, he will have a huge role on this team, making him the poster child for a high-risk, high-reward selection on draft day.

    In the meantime, Zach Randolph is getting heavy work at the power forward spot and is playing 10 years younger in the preseason. Z-Bo scored 17 points with eight boards, one assist, one steal and four treys in 17 minutes. If you are in a deep-league, he could be of some service, otherwise you can’t pay me to use a roster spot on the 35 year-old big man.

    Mike Conley was in midseason form with a solid line, scoring 17 points with six dimes, two boards, two steals and two threes in 22 minutes. He looks to be over his hip issue bothering last week. Conley is in line to have himself a great season if he stays on the court.

    The Sixers rolled in to Memphis without Nerlens Noel (groin) and Jahlil Okafor (knee), who are in the thick of a crowded frontcourt situation. I’m selling on both this season, although you could talk me in to a later round pick of Noel. I have a feeling this will be in flux all season. I’d much rather have stock in Dario Saric (rest), also out Tuesday, due to his well-rounded game and opportunity this season.

    Despite several of their big men sitting, Joel Embiid still only saw the floor for 13 minutes. Embiid scored 13 points (3-for-7 FG, 7-for-8 FTs) with five boards and one block in limited action. It was nice to see him hit 7-of-8 free throws, although that seems unsustainable. Embiid could be in line for a good chunk of minutes to start the season and could be a nice late-round target if you need a big man.

     

    Robert Covington was his usual underrated self last night, scoring nine points with four rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block and two treys in 21 minutes. If the new staff can get on board with a guy they didn’t bring to Philly, RoCo should big a great pick once again in the middle rounds.

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