Dyson

Daniels

It was a quieter night offensively for Daniels, but he was able to continue to swipe some steals. This was his 10th-straight game with at least two steals. That is the longest streak in the NBA this season, surpassing two separate nine-game streaks, both of which were set by Daniels. This was also his 44th-straight game with at least one steal, which is tied for the 19th-longest streak in league history. Daniels’ has been swiping the ball at a historic rate, and he now sits at 208 steals, which is tied for 51st in NBA history for a single season. He has nine more games to ascend up the leaderboard.

Daniels continues to get it done across the board for fantasy managers. As if the points, boards, dimes and triples weren’t sweet enough, he racked up four more steals to bring his season total to 206. Averaging 3.1 swipes per game, he’s on pace to reach 237 steals, a mark that hasn’t been equaled since the 1991-92 season when John Stockton recorded 244.

In the steals category, Daniels’ 2024-25 season will go down in league history once it’s completed. He’s had at least three pilfers in 38 of the 65 games he has appeared in this season. While Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley certainly deserve the praise they have received, Daniels’ name may not come up enough regarding the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. And the fantasy value has been there, with Dyson providing top-25 value in eight-cat formats over the past month.

Daniels filled the stat sheet in Atlanta’s 134-102 victory and recorded his first 20-point game since March 10. The Hawks wing has been one of the best assets in fantasy basketball for managers needing defensive production, but he’s also a capable scorer. Since the All-Star break, Daniels has been a top-40 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. The Hawks conclude Week 20 with a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back against the Warriors and 76ers.

Daniels’ scoring output dropped after he scored 25 against the 76ers on Monday, but his steals production remained high. He’s recorded at least four steals in 23 games this season, continuing to make his case for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. With Victor Wembanyama done for the season and Jaren Jackson Jr. nursing a sprained ankle, Daniels’ ability to hit the 65-game minimum likely increases his chances of winning the award.

With Trae Young (quad) sidelined for this game, Daniels was able to step up on the offensive end as both a scorer and a playmaker. Daniels has enjoyed a breakout year with Young on the floor for most of it, but in four games without Trae, Daniels has averaged 21.5 points, five rebounds, 6.3 assists, 4.3 steals and 1.5 three-pointers per game while shooting 58.3 percent from the floor. While this hopefully isn’t a long-term issue for Young, Daniels will have no issue stepping up if Trae misses more time in the future.

The Hawks’ lone change to the starting lineup is significant. Trae Young is out with a quad injury, as is valued reserve Caris LeVert. He’ll be replaced by Wallace, who can provide deep-league streaming value in this role. Daniels’ offensive ceiling will be raised with Young inactive, as he should spend a little more time on the ball.

Young will miss a game for the first time since January. Caris LeVert (finger) is also sidelined, which leaves Atlanta thin at point guard. Keaton Wallace will likely slide into the starting lineup, though Dyson Daniels, Terance Mann and Vit Krejci will also take on more playmaking responsibilities.

Add another three steals to Daniels’ tally, which is up to a league-best 170. He’s had at least two steals in eight consecutive games, continuing to provide elite value in that category. Since the All-Star break, Daniels has provided fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. That’s slightly lower than his season-long value, and the foul shooting (50 percent since the break) is the reason for the dip.

After Daniels racked up seven steals in Monday’s win over the Heat, Miami did a better job of caring for the basketball around him on Wednesday. He only had two steals, but the 80 percent night from the field will have value in fantasy leagues. Daniels has been one of the most valuable players in fantasy basketball this season, providing top-30 value despite having a Yahoo! ADP well outside the top 100. Friday’s matchup with the Thunder should be fun, as Daniels will take on the unenviable task of defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.