With the 2020-2021 NBA season a quarter of the way completed, the Raptors are sitting in twelfth place in the Eastern Conference with a disappointing 7-12 record. A plethora of injuries has left coach Nick Nurse scrambling to put together a new starting lineup before every game. This uncertainty has taken many Raptors out of their rhythm and allowed others to see more touches then we first thought they would. With that said, here is an updated list of the top five Toronto Raptors Players to look at for your fantasy team:
Honorable Mention. Norman Powell – SF, SG
Norm’s minutes have been inconsistent so far this season. He has started a few games in the absence of OG Anunoby and has performed well in that starting role. While his offensive production isn’t consistently high enough for him to merit a full-time roster spot, it’s worth keeping an eye on him as he can provide a strong boost in games where he gets the nod to start and he is able to play multiple positions. Keep him in mind if one of your starters has to miss a game or two due to injury or Covid-19 protocols.
5. OG Anunoby – SF
Anunoby has met expectations based on his projected numbers from before the season. While he has missed a few games due to injury, it shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Anunoby can be a good final addition to your team in leagues with 10 or more teams. In a league with less than 10 teams, he is likely an available free agent. Similar to Norman Powell, he is a great addition if you need to fill the spot of an injured or Covid-19 affected player.
4. Chris Boucher – PF, C
Chris Boucher saw a run of great games through early-mid January. It looks like the hot streak is over and he’s coming back down to earth. It’s likely he was picked up in your league due to the hot streak, but he may be available soon as he cools off. Expect Boucher’s numbers to fluctuate a lot based on his minutes played and streaky 3-point shooting. If the rest of your team is consistent and can compensate for the ups and downs of Boucher, he may be worth a full-time roster spot. He’s also worth the add of you only need him for a game or two as a few made threes and a couple blocks can give him a lot of fantasy points for one or two nights.
3. Kyle Lowry – PG
Lowry has been below his projected average so far this season. The all-star guard has seen his offensive efficiency fluctuate a lot this year and this has played into his lower fantasy point totals. His turnover count is also over three turnovers per game, although he is averaging more than six assists. Even with his lower-than-projected numbers, Kyle is still worth a full-time roster spot in every league. If he can increase his offensive efficiency and decrease his turnovers, his numbers could see an increase.
2. Pascal Siakam – PF
Siakam has seen struggles that started in the NBA Bubble this summer. Unfortunately, his offensive struggles carried into the 2020-2021 regular season. His offensive difficulties have greatly reduced his fantasy value, though he still deserves a roster spot in every league. As he continues to be one of the main scoring options for the Raps, he is always a viable candidate to see an increase in fantasy value. Keep an eye on his efficiency and maybe look to acquire him VIA trade if a hot streak starts to develop.
- Fred VanVleet – SG, PG
Steady Freddy has earned his nickname once again this season. The Wichita State guard has been arguably the only consistent offensive player for the squad so far this season and definitely deserves a full-time roster spot for your fantasy team. He is averaging nearly two steals and over six assists per game which are also huge contributors to his fantasy numbers. Expect VanVleet to continue to be one of the lead scoring options for the Raps and maintain his solid fantasy numbers going forward. If your team is short on guards, a trade for Fred is a safe bet. It is especially helpful that he can be played at multiple positions.
