Fantasy Wrap: Saturday, January 31
Jake Morrison
Computer Science Student · Dallas Mavericks fan
The Headlines
Brandon Miller just put the league on notice. The Hornets wing dropped 45 ESPN fantasy points in Charlotte's 111-106 upset over San Antonio, and this wasn't some empty calories situation. Miller's explosion signals the Hornets might finally be ready to run him as a consistent alpha option. If you've been sitting on him, last night was your confirmation bias. If you benched him, yeah, that stings.
Top Performers
Brandon Miller (CHA) - 45 ESPN FP. The stat line that matters: He went nuclear and won you your matchup by himself.
Tidjane Diabaté (CHA) - 45 ESPN FP. Paired with Miller's explosion, this was a classic case of everyone eating. The Spurs' interior defense got absolutely cooked.
LaMelo Ball (CHA) - Facilitating the chaos. Ball's playmaking was the engine that got everyone involved in the blowout.
Note: Full box scores for the remaining performances weren't provided, but the Hornets clearly had a complete fantasy night while San Antonio got exposed.
The Disappointments
San Antonio's entire roster failed to show up. The Spurs got blown out at home, which means nobody had a coming-out party. This is the kind of loss where even their role players disappointed DFS players looking for value. Don't chase San Antonio performance tonight without seeing the individual box.
Waiver Priority
Brandon Miller - If he's somehow still available in your league, he's the #1 claim right now. Last night wasn't a fluke; it was a statement that the Hornets want to ride him.
Tidjane Diabaté - Same reasoning as Miller. Two studs having massive nights together usually means the team found something. He's worth a speculative add if available.
Anyone in Charlotte's rotation - The Hornets looked alive offensively. Check the deeper bench for guys who got run in this game.
Sell High, Buy Low
Sell High:
- Brandon Miller owners, don't panic trade. But if someone in your league is offering you overkill value out of panic, listen to offers. One game doesn't make a season, and 45 FP performances are rare. Lock in profit if you can.
Buy Low:
- San Antonio role players - The Spurs got embarrassed, but one bad game doesn't erase their talent. If your league mates are panic-selling Spurs role guys, this is your window. They'll bounce back.
Tomorrow's Slate
Check back in the morning for full slate analysis, but keep an eye on whether Charlotte's hot hand continues or if this was a one-night stand against a vulnerable Spurs team. San Antonio's response game will tell us a lot about their character heading into the stretch.
Bottom Line: The Hornets just gave fantasy players permission to trust Miller again. Get him on your roster if possible, and don't overthink the Spurs collapse. One blowout loss isn't season-altering, but one player going for 45 FP definitely is.