:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67172987/1197490183.jpg.5.jpg)
UPDATE: Dort fell off a cliff in the second half and finished with 26.25 DKFP. Paul surged forward to finish with a team-high 38.75 DKFP on 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Jonas Valanciunas took advantage of the absence of Steven Adams and tallied a game-high 39.75 DKFP on 19 points and 11 rebounds. Morant trailed him with 36 DKFP.
The Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a 37-25 lead by the end of the first quarter against Memphis Grizzlies Friday, but the Western Conference’s eighth seed powered back to outscore OKC 38-23 in the second frame to claim a 63-60 lead. We saw got to see some unexpected fantasy performances in the first half, and Luguentz Dort led the way.
Dort has been priced below $4,000 on DraftKings despite playing more than 30 minutes per night in the absence of Dennis Schroder. While he’s struggled to make open shots in recent games, he was 4-for-5 from beyond the arc before the break against Memphis. He tallied 14 points, 3 rebound, and 22.75 DKFP by the halftime. Only two players were more productive than him from a fantasy perspective.
Chris Paul got off to a slow start but found his rhythm in the second quarter. His 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals helped him lead all players with 29.5 DKFP. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offense has been stagnant once again, as he’s only totaled 12.75 DKFP so far. He’s a player to watch in the second half.
Ja Morant contributed 11 points and 8 assists to tally 23.25 DKFP in 18 minutes. He’s trailed by Dillion Brooks (19.25) DKFP among Grizzlies. players. Both should play significant minutes down the home stretch.