Fantasy Basketball: Victor Wembanyama delivers historic night and more NBA Christmas Day takeaways

On By Littum

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone! This year’s Christmas slate gave us plenty of action with clutch moments and dominating performances. As LeBron James said, “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.” That was my feeling too – especially after all the noise about the NBA and its dying and unappealing product.

Here are three takeaways from the five Christmas games with a fantasy spin.

  • In his first Christmas Day outing, Wemby was a beast, putting up 42 points (16-31 FG, 6-16 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal and 4 turnovers. His production equated to 78.5 fantasy points, the highest of any player on the 2024 Christmas roster.

  • Wemby was also the third player in NBA history to score at least 40 points with 15 rebounds on Christmas.

  • Over the past month, Wemby has been the best player in fantasy nine-cat leagues. His unicorn-like skill set is a cheat code for fantasy managers.

  • I don’t think many expected this display at Christmas, so Bridges’ performance easily won over Secret Santa. Bridges scored 41 points with exceptional efficiency (17-of-25 FG) and added 6 3s.

  • While I doubted Bridges earlier this year, he has looked more comfortable with his shot recently. He is up to 49% from the field and has flourished in the midrange.

  • In the past month, he has been a fourth-round value while leading the league in minutes played at 38.6 per game. match.

  • Luka left in the first quarter after aggravating a calf strain. Per Shams Charania, Dončić will have an MRI on Thursday, but the team is preparing for one longer absence.

  • Kyrie Irving shined in his absence, scoring 39 points, but the injury opened up opportunities for other Mavs players like Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie.

  • I would prioritize Dinwiddie, but Grimes started in the second half instead of Dončić.

  • Ant-man led the way for Minnesota in his first Christmas Day appearance, posting 26 points (11–24 FG, 4–7 3PT), 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 shares.

  • Edwards missed a free throw for the third time this season. Still, he was aggressive, attacking the basket and getting clean looks to his middy.

  • Edwards remains a top-50 player in 9-cat and top-20 in point leagues.

  • After putting together two strong performances coming into Christmas Day, Reid didn’t do much on Wednesday.

  • He scored six points with two boards, two dimes and a steal in 22 minutes.

  • The reigning 6MOY is shooting an uncharacteristic 39% from the field in December and has not lived up to his 96.8 ADP.

  • Maxey embodied the Christmas spirit, scoring 33 points, 12 assists and three steals in one of his best games of the season.

  • Although his efficiency has been disappointing in 9-cat leagues, Maxey has shown signs of improvement, shooting 46% from the field over his last six contests.

  • He orchestrated a massive win for the Sixers, and if I had a vote, Maxey had the best performance of Christmas this year.

  • Porziņģis left after just 13 minutes and did not return after the break, having picked up an ankle injury.

  • Porziņģis finished with nine points (3-8 FG, 3-6 3PT), two rebounds and three assists.

  • Luke Kornet started the second half, but Al Horford would be the most valuable fantasy asset if Porziņģis misses any time.

  • Martin stepped up big, scoring 23 points with a career-high seven 3s.

  • Martin has seen over 27 minutes in his last three games with Philly shorthanded by injuries in the rotation.

  • Fantasy managers may consider him in 12-team leagues while he’s hot if they’re looking for 3s and steals.

  • Reaves had a game to remember, posting a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and a game-winning layup.

  • Since returning from his five-game absence, the Lakers are 4-2 and Reaves is averaging 18-5-5 in 35 minutes per game. night.

  • He should continue to cook as a secondary ball handler with D’Angelo Russell out of the lineup.

  • Curry has been ice cold from the field, shooting 35% in December. But what better way for his shot to show up for Christmas versus LeBron James?

  • Who knows how many of these games they have left, but the last three minutes were it a classic curry clinic of elite marksmanship. The patented Mike Breen “bang” seals it.

  • He torched the Lakers for 38 points (14-24 FG, 2-2 FT), six dimes and eight treys (the most ever on Christmas). Expect more vintage games like this as Curry and the Warriors aim to keep this window of contention alive.

  • With Anthony Davis leaving early due to an ankle injury, LeBron scored 31 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 shares. The Lakers won, and James became the first player to surpass 500 points on Christmas.

  • James’ workload will increase if AD misses time, making him even more important to fantasy managers despite his age.

  • Max Christie played over 33 minutes for the second straight game and is streamable if the Lakers continue to run an eight-man rotation.

  • The Phoenix duo combined for 54 points, the first time two Suns players scored at least 25 on Christmas. Beal was more efficient, shooting 11-for-21 compared to Durant’s 9-for-26.

  • Still, Durant thrived on the charity stripe, hitting all nine attempts.

  • Durant had a team-high six assists, a trend I expect to continue the longer Devin Booker (groin) is out.

  • Braun was a non-factor on Christmas, scoring five points, grabbing five boards and dishing out three assists in 28 minutes of action.

  • The Nuggets are rumored to be interested in Zach LaVine and I can see why. Braun is 3-for-22 on 3s in his last nine games, averaging 10 points, 5 boards and 2 assists.

  • He’s barely enough to play, providing 15th round value in 9-cat and point leagues in December.

  • Peyton Watson played 24 minutes in relief of Aaron Gordon, who did not return from the locker room after the break because of a tight right calf.

  • There has been no specific update other than Gordon is dealing with the same calf injury that caused him to miss 10 games in November.

  • Keep an eye on the damage report; Watson should be the receiver if Gordon misses time.