THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado returns to the court with the Pelicans … Josh Okogie fills in for injured players in Suns’ starting lineup … Thaddeus Young returns to Raptors after illness … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ALVARADO RETURNS TO THE PELICANS
Jose Alvarado totaled 13 points (5-11 FG, 3-6 3PT), four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in the Pelicans’ 105-100 loss to the Jazz, putting up his second double-digit scoring performance this season. Although we all know what Alvarado can do when he is provided ample time on the floor, the team is dealing with a backcourt filled with several players with bits and pieces of what they are looking for in their starting rotation.
Across his first several games, it seems as though Alvarado has the comprehensive and well-rounded game the team could be looking for in their rotations to remain competitive late in games, but only time will tell. From a fantasy perspective, it could be worth prioritizing Alvarado over Jordan Hawkins, as he offers more consistency and production utility than the first-year talent. Depending on whether the team opts to start him or have him come off the bench, the usage and meaningfulness of Alvarado’s role could outmatch Hawkins’ explosive upside. He is certainly an asset to keep on your radar and could warrant roster consideration in season-long leagues. Given his price point and upside, he could be worth playing in daily formats as a last-piece add. Alvarado has a usage rate of 22.4 percent, a plus-minus of 4.0, and is averaging 18.1 minutes, 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 38.7 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from beyond the arc.
From Fantasy Pros
Jose Alvarado steal leads to a Cody Zeller bucket pic.twitter.com/Rg5kj6APgh
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 26, 2023
The play Jose Alvarado hurt his ankle. Completely non-contact pic.twitter.com/LOAvHQHmrC
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 30, 2023
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OKOGIE FILLING IN FOR INJURED SUNS
Josh Okogie started Sunday’s game against the Knicks.
Okogie made his seventh start of the season due to Grayson Allen (illness) and Kevin Durant (foot) both being out. After starting Phoenix’s first five games of the year, Okogie has primary operated with a 15-20 minute workload off the bench, but he logged 28 minutes in Friday’s win over Memphis and will likely receive a similar workload Sunday.
Okogie recorded 12 points (4-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds, one block and one steal over 27 minutes during Wednesday’s 123-115 victory over the Warriors.
Okogie had totaled just six points over his last three appearances, but he saw an uptick in playing time Wednesday with Grayson Allen getting into some foul trouble. Okogie has come off the bench in nine of his last 10 appearances and has averaged 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game in that span.
JOSH OKOGIE THROWS IT DOWN 😤
🏆 NBA In-Season Tournament pic.twitter.com/EMkPRvoJvp
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 24, 2023
The usual Josh Okogie contributions, single-handedly creating second-chance opportunities and points.
He’ll always have a spot in the rotation as long as he’s able to do this, even without the 3PT shot.pic.twitter.com/rgejZjNJG1
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) November 30, 2023
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YOUNG CLEARED TO SUIT UP
Thaddeus Young (illness) is available for Friday’s game against the Bulls, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Young has missed four straight games due to an illness but will be available off the bench Friday. However, the veteran has made just three appearances this season, totaling four points, three rebounds and three assists in 10 minutes.
From CBSSports.com
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