After a down 2014-15 campaign, Kevin Love is back to his old ways with the Cavaliers.
The sharp-shooting power forward has regained his stroke in 2015-16 with averages of 19.2 points on 45.2 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from 3-point (up from 43.4 and 36.7 percent last season). He’s shooting a career-high 87.1 percent from the free throw line to go along with 11.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. DeMarcus Cousins is the only other player in the NBA averaging 19-plus points and 11-plus rebounds this season.
An improvement in shooting isn’t the only thing that has helped Love this season.
“Kevin looks like he’s in much better shape,” Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollis said after the Cavaliers win on Saturday. “I had to ask who he was on tape because I didn’t recognize him. Not to say he wasn’t in shape in Minnesota, but I think being around LeBron has helped him get to that level.”
With LeBron James’ help and guidance, Love’s usage rate is up from 21.6 percent last season to 24.8 percent now as the Cavaliers are clearly more committed to getting Love involved in the offense. This usage rate will drop some when Kyrie Irving (knee) returns from injury. But until then, fantasy owners should enjoy the ride.
Love is ranked 11th in Yahoo! fantasy rankings after being drafted on average with the 22nd pick.
Stat Line Of The Week
James Harden
Nov. 27 vs. Philadelphia – 50 points (14-28 FG, 6-12 3P, 16-20 FT), nine rebounds, eight assists, nine turnovers
Weekend Pickups
Mirza Teletovic, Suns (12 percent owned)
The six-foot-nine forward is capitalizing on opportunity in Phoenix. Teletovic played a season-high 39 minutes against the Pistons on Wednesday and tallied 18 points on 4-for-7 from 3-point land to go with four rebounds, an assist and a steal. Over his last four games, he’s averaging 15.0 points, 4.0 3-pointers and 3.3 rebounds in 24.4 minutes. If you need 3-pointers this weekend, there’s likely no better option than Teletovic. The Suns matchup with the Wizards on Friday and the Grizzlies on Sunday.
Ian Mahinmi, Pacers (19 percent owned)
Mahinmi has developed a consistent role in the Pacers’ frontcourt this season with averages of 7.8 points on 53.6 percent shooting, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.0 steals in 24.6 minutes. He will continue to get minutes as long as Myles Turner (thumb) remains sidelined. With a matchup against the Jazz on Saturday, Mahinmi is a good target if you need rebounds and defensive stats this weekend.
Matt Barnes, Grizzlies (16 percent owned)
Quietly, Barnes has carved out a steady role within the Grizzlies’ second unit. Over his last seven games, he’s averaging 12.9 points on 48.0 percent shooting, 1.6 3-pointers, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 30.7 minutes. He scored double-digits in all seven of those games and could be a solid source of points and 3-pointers if you need a boost in those categories this weekend. The Grizzlies host the Suns on Sunday.
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