Here are the top performers on February 7 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Kawhi Leonard LAC SF 31 PTS | 9 REB | 7 AST | 56.3 FPS (vs. SAC)
Kawhi continues to carry the load, posting his 13th 30-point performance of the season while coming close to a triple-double. He has now scored at least 20 points in 30 consecutive games.
BREAKOUT:
Bones Hyland MIN PG 20 PTS | 3 REB | 1 STL | 28.6 FPS (vs. NOP)
The Wolves have been lacking backcourt depth lately, providing room for Hyland to step up. He made the most of it, posting 20 points and 4 threes in back-to-back games. However, the addition of Dosunmu is likely to push him back into a much smaller role.
SLEEPER:
Brook Lopez LAC C 15 PTS | 9 REB | 3 BLK | 39.8 FPS (vs. SAC)
This has been a difficult season for the veteran center, but he remains a high-upside asset with his ability to knock down threes and rack up blocks. Following the departure of Zubac, he should be poised for a more consistent role moving forward.
ELITE ASSET:
Kevin Porter Jr. 23 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 50.4 FPS (vs. IND)
Since returning from an injury that sidelined him for the previous six games, KPJ hasn’t made a three-pointer, missing all nine of his attempts over his last two games. Still, his production has remained elite, averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 4.0 steals per game. With Giannis unavailable, he should continue to see a significant role with the team.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Ausar Thompson DET SF 3 REB | 2 STL | 3 BLK | 21.1 FPS (vs. NYK)
Offense continues to be the problem for the third-year forward, who just finished with his worst scoring game of the season while tying his lowest rebounding output of the past few weeks. Despite the struggle, he remains an elite contributor with his defense, averaging close to five stocks per game this month.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Saddiq Bey NOP SF 30 PTS | 9 REB | 5 AST | 50.3 FPS (vs. MIN)
This has already been one of the most productive seasons for the forward, averaging a career-best 16.4 points and close to six rebounds per game. But he’s raised the bar even higher in recent weeks, posting five 20-point games and three with 30-plus performances.
STREAMER:
Paul Reed DET C 12 PTS | 6 REB | 1 BLK | 31.2 FPS (vs. NYK)
Both Harris and Duren have been dealing with injuries lately, which should give Reed another opportunity to deliver. He should be able to sustain this level of production as long as one of them remains sidelined.
FLOPPER:
Jalen Brunson NYK PG 12 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 28.8 FPS (vs. DET)
It was a miserable day for Brunson, who finished 4-for-20 from the field and an even worse 0-for-8 from deep. He has not been at his best lately, posting his third such scoring performance over his last six games.
