While the NBA hasn't lost any games (yet) due to COVID-19 this season, we are seeing more and more positive cases of late which have led to more impact players entering the health protocol. DeMar DeRozan became the latest big name player in the protocol, joining a list that includes -- among others -- the entire back court of the Charlotte Hornets. In addition, non-COVID illnesses are up around the league as well.
The result of all these illness absences? Opportunities.
For example, guys like Chimezie Metu of the Kings are getting minutes and chances they wouldn't have gotten had everyone around them been healthy. Metu would've been on this list if the article ran in the middle of last week, when he was in the midst of averaging 11.7 PPG and 9.3 RPG over a three-game span while Marvin Bagley III was out sick. In fact, call Metu a bonus... even though he had a pedestrian game in Bagley's return, he's a young player that's shown potential, which means he's at least worth keeping on your radar.
And that's the point. This space is all about shouting out players that take advantage of extra opportunities to make an impact. It'll be the theme of the rest of this article, the way it is every week. But we're in the midst of a unique time in history, when injuries might not be the most likely reason for a starter to miss time. Instead, flu-like symptoms and positive COVID tests are changing lineups and fantasy basketball expectations suddenly and consistently all around the league.
Here's a look at some of the low-rostered players who deserve your attention:
Malik Monk, Los Angeles Lakers (6.2%): After some ups and downs to start the season, Monk is settling into that instant offense role off the bench for the Lakers. In his last five games, he had one dud against the Pistons, but in his other four he has scored at least 17 points in every game while averaging 19.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 3PG, 2.5 APG and 1.0 SPG in 32.5 MPG. He got some extra shots in some of those games with LeBron James out, but the Lakers seem poised to deal with age and injuries all season, so if the 23-year old Monk shows he can consistently play at this level I'd expect the Lakers to give him as much responsibility as he wants to keep the pressure, wear and tear off their older vets.
Cody Martin, Charlotte Hornets (5.7%): As mentioned above, the Bobcats are struggling to find a guard because LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Ish Smith are all in the health and safety protocol. This has led to extra minutes and opportunity for Martin, including getting the start at the point on Monday. Over his last two games, Martin has averaged 16.5 PPG (50.0 FG%, 80.0 FT%), 6.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.5 3PG and 1.0 SPG in 37.0 MPG. He's got streamer value until his teammates return to the court.
Danilo Gallinari, Atlanta Hawks (4.8%): Gallinari has been playing throw-back basketball for the last week, averaging 18.3 PPG (55.9 FG%, 100 FT%), 5.7 RPG, 2.7 APG and 2.3 3PG in 26.3 MPG over his last three. Gallinari scored in that range consistently before joining the Hawks, but their frontcourt depth and Gallinari's health have depressed his numbers in Atlanta. He's firing on all cylinders now, though, and is at least worth utilizing while he's hot. At best, this hot streak could last for a season, in which case this would be a great buy-low window.
Terence Davis, Sacramento Kings (2.1%): Davis has two straight 20-plus point efforts, and has averaged 25.5 PPG, 5.5 3PG, 4.0 RPG and 2.0 SPG in 29.5 MPG in those contests. Davis has taken advantage of extra opportunity with Harrison Barnes out, and Barnes is expected back soon, so don't expect him to average 25 PPG moving forward. With that said, the ability is there, and Davis is only 24 years old on a Kings team that is always in the midst of trade rumors, so he's worth keeping an eye on or potentially stashing in case his circumstances become more favorable at some point this season.
Dennis Smith Jr., Portland Trail Blazers (1.4%): The Trail Blazers' entire backcourt is dealing with injury right now, from Damian Lillard (abdominal) to CJ McCollum (ribs) to Anfernee Simons (ankle) to Ben McLemore (hip). This has cleared the way, at least briefly, for Smith to get on the court and show what he can do. Smith has averaged 17.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG and 1.0 3PG in 38.0 MPG during the last two outings. None of the injuries are expected to be long-term, so Smith is a temporary add, but he can give you streamer value while he's getting heavy minutes.