High-scoring games have returned to fantasy basketball. The moment Nikola Jokić rejoined the Nuggets, the dynamics shifted, overshadowing Luka Dončić’s dominance in previous weeks. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Jokić who led in scoring for Week 16; the spotlight turned to the reigning Rookie of the Year.
Let’s break down the perfect lineup from this past week, showcasing some fresh names we haven’t seen before.
Week 16 High Score Perfect Lineup. (Graphic via Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Highlights from Top Performers
Stephon Castle: Castle emerged as the standout scorer of the week, seemingly out of nowhere. Previously, the Spurs PG hadn’t surpassed 60 fantasy points in any game this season. On Saturday, however, Castle exploded for a 40-point triple-double, adding 12 rebounds and assists alongside 4 defensive stats. With several teams gutted after the recent trade deadline, fans should keep a lookout for opportunities to exploit against struggling teams.
Isaiah Collier: Collier has been fluctuating in and out of the Jazz lineup due to injuries. Following a series of trades, the team had a condensed rotation, which meant he played all 48 minutes in a rare win over the Pacers. His impressive stat line included 22 assists against only 2 turnovers, demonstrating his capacity for facilitating play.
Nikola Jokić: Since returning, Jokić has been a consistent force. Following a few challenging matchups, the return against the Bulls proved beneficial. He posted another high-scoring game in Week 16, achieving a near triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 17 assists in just 33 minutes.
Jalen Johnson: The Hawks’ new leading player had a remarkable week, recording three triple-doubles. He nearly clinched a fourth against the Hornets but fell just short. With new acquisitions like Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, management might see a shift in usage that could impact Johnson’s performance. Nonetheless, he just needs one explosive game each week to stay relevant in scoring.
Trey Murphy III: With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, the Bucks find themselves at a disadvantage. This allowed Murphy and the Pelicans to capitalize, even if they ultimately lost in overtime. Murphy showcased his skills brilliantly, shooting 15-of-28 from the floor and nailing 12-of-19 from beyond the arc for a staggering 44 points in 40 minutes. His offensive role should expand as the Pelicans are unlikely to make the playoffs.
Jalen Brunson: Brunson appears to be in need of the upcoming All-Star break. Recently, his performance has not matched his potential. After averaging just 23.3 points in January, he’s facing ongoing injuries. However, he did deliver a stellar performance in a double-overtime win over the Nuggets, racking up 42 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in 47 minutes. Expect him to take on a more significant scoring role as the Knicks fight for playoff positioning.
