We only got one game on Tuesday night and it was a pretty good one, as the Lakers overcame a big deficit to make it a game late, but ended up losing to the Nuggets 114-106 in Game 3 as the Nuggets lowered the Lakers’ lead to 2-1.
Nuggets 114, Lakers 106 – The Nuggets got it done on Tuesday in Game 3, winning 114-106 behind the strong play of Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and Jerami Grant. If you played Grant in DFS or fantasy, he came through in a big way, racking up a playoff career-high 26 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals and two 3-pointers on 7-of-11 shooting in one of the best games of his life. Paul Millsap hit just 2-of-8 shots for six points and eight rebounds and Michael Porter Jr. was quiet with nine points and six boards in 22 minutes. Jamal Murray was the man for the Nuggets, nearing a triple-double with 28 points, eight boards and 12 dimes, while Nikola Jokic went off for 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, a steal, a block and a 3-pointer in the win. Gary Harris was a DFS disappointment with just seven points and three assists on 2-of-5 shooting, while Monte Morris came through with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting. He hit a couple 3-pointers, but the Nuggets were disappointing in fantasy outside of Grant, Jokic and Murray.
The Lakers made a valiant comeback, going on a late 19-2 run to cut the score to 103-99, but couldn’t turn the corner. LeBron James had a fantasy-friendly 30-10-11 triple-double with two steals, two blocks and a 3-pointers, and hit 14-of-23 shots. The guys on TNT said he didn’t play well, but I have a problem arguing with that line score from Bron. Anthony Davis scored 27 after a monster game in Game 2, but added just two rebounds, one assist and a steal on the night. The Lakers were a fantasy bust, outside of James and Davis, as only Rajon Rondo did much, finishing with nine points and eight dimes in the loss. This series just got a little bit interesting, but I still think the Lakers are going to roll to a title in the ‘Year of Kobe.’
Editor’s Note: Whether you want to win a 50/50 or take down a GPP, use our DFS Optimizer, customizable projections and more to create the smartest lineups. Subscribe to all four major sports for as low as $7.99/month!
Billy Donovan will coach the Bulls – Billy Donovan has reportedly agreed to a deal that will make him the next coach of the Bulls. Hallelujah. Absolutely no one, outside of his mother, was a fan of Jim Boylan, but Donovan is a different story. People love this guy and the Bulls will be thrilled to have him in the locker room. He did a great job with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Wendell Carter Jr. and Coby White should benefit from having him as their coach in a big way. The Bulls also have Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter Jr. and could make some noise in the East next season.
Season not likely to start until 2021 – Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA seem to be looking at a January start date for the new season. Christmas Day hasn’t been ruled out, but it also doesn’t seem likely, which is a shame. The NBA season traditionally starts on Christmas Day for casual fans and it would be a blast to see it start that day. As for now, it doesn’t appear that Christmas is an option and fantasy fans should plan on a January start day. Either way, Rotoworld will be providing the news and the fantasy tools (like the Rotoworld NBA Draft Guide) to help managers get ready for the new season. Let’s Go!