LeBron James has averaged 82.2 touches over the past five games, 15th in the NBA over this span. Rivers, meanwhile, is 14th in the league with 83.8 touches per game. We also find Rivers seventh in the league in drives per game over the past five, evidence he's become ball dominant in the wake of Blake Griffin's significant injury. With such a rewarding scoring and passing pattern over the past week, Rivers should b picked up in more ESPN leagues.
Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets (11.3): Eligible at both shooting guard and small forward in ESPN leagues, LeVert has become an integral part of Brooklyn's rotation. This role proves rewarding given he's averaging 27.6 MPG, 1.2 3PG and 1.6 SPG over the past five games in Brooklyn's up-tempo scheme.
Small forward
Taurean Prince, Atlanta Hawks (26.5): Prince joins James Harden, Stephen Curry, Otto Porter Jr., Paul George, Victor Oladipo, DeMarcus Cousins, Robert Covington, Russell Westbrook, Khris Middleton and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as the only players averaging at least 12 PPG, five RPG, 1.7 3PG and 1.3 SPG this season. Prince is clearly several tiers below most of these talents, but he's playing nearly 31 minutes a night and respectably converting his opportunities in helpful production.
Josh Richardson, Miami Heat (8.5): As he warms up from the field lately after a cold start to the season, it's nice to see Richardson playing 31.1 MPG with solid defensive contributions over his past eight starts. Best for deeper leagues and those streaming at small forward, you need to look past his modest scoring results to recognize his value.
Power forwardWhenever the Suns allow Monroe to play at least 20 minutes, he's been quite productive for fantasy purposes. It's tough to bear the variant minutes Monroe could see on a patchwork Phoenix frontcourt, but I'm interested in using him as a streamer if Alex Len is ailing.
Kelly Olynyk, Miami Heat (18.1): Hassan Whiteside is averaging 20.3 rebounding chances per game. This stat is measured as being within 3.5 feet of an available rebound and reveals just how rich the opportunity rates are for Olynyk as the team' s stretch big.
