Dyson

Daniels

Daniels has recorded five steals or more in seven games this season, with Saturday’s being the most recent. The assist production was also notable, as the Hawks were without Trae Young (heel). Daniels has accounted for five assists or more in seven games, including Saturday. The playmaking opportunities will be limited when Young plays, but assists are another area in which Daniels can provide value when the Hawks are without their star point guard.

While his steals production has decreased since he ran off four straight games of six or more, Daniels continues to provide reliable fantasy value. Ranked just outside the top 50 in 9-cat formats over the last two weeks, he’s ranked within the top 25 in season-long value. Daniels has likely passed the point where he should be considered a “sell high” candidate; hold onto him if he’s on your roster.

The historic run continues. Daniels now has at least six steals in four straight games, which is the second-longest streak in NBA history. Only Alvin Robertson has a longer streak. He had at least six steals in six straight games in 1986. If Daniels were to keep up this pace, he would tie the record in Sacramento on Monday and break it in Golden State on Wednesday. Their next game is against Portland, and they allow the fourth most steals in the league. The Kings are middle of the pack in that area, while the Warriors allow the third-fewest. Steals fluctuate often, so this will be a difficult streak to maintain. However, Daniels is dominating that category this season. It’s a skewed number, but he has been a top-20 player in 9-cat leagues because of improvements across the board and historic steal numbers.

If opposing teams have not reached the point where they avoid handling/passing the ball around Daniels, they may get there soon. He’s tallied at least six steals in three consecutive games, halfway to the record set by former NBA defensive great Alvin Robertson. Add in the scoring, and Daniels is emerging at a level similar to that of Jalen Johnson last season. Atlanta doesn’t play again until Friday, but games against the Wizards and Trail Blazers (Sunday) could be massive for Daniels managers.

Daniels currently leads the NBA in steals, and that may not change anytime soon. One night after tallying a career-high seven in a loss to the Pistons, Daniels accumulated six more against the Bulls. Few, if any, expected the Hawks wing to be a top-50 fantasy player, but the defensive production has changed things. Managers who have Daniels rostered, especially those in category leagues, should avoid the temptation of selling high.

After missing two games with a strained right hip flexor, Daniels returned to the starting lineup on Sunday. He only played 25 minutes, which is unsurprising given the injury. The question is whether he’ll play in Monday’s matchup with Boston, the first of four games Atlanta plays during Week 3. If Daniels sits, Garrison Mathews (11/3/1 with three 3-pointers in 20 minutes) and David Roddy (8/3/3 with two 3-pointers in 26 minutes) are two options to fill the resulting void in the starting lineup.

Daniels is back after a two-game absence, giving the Hawks needed depth on the wing. He should occupy his usual place in the starting lineup, with Larry Nance being the player most likely to return to the bench.

Daniels has missed Atlanta’s last two games, and a return may be on the horizon. The Hawks have a Sunday/Monday back-to-back to navigate, so fantasy managers should anticipate Daniels sitting on Monday if he’s cleared to play against the Pelicans. Garrison Mathews, who hit a career-high seven 3-pointers on Friday, has added value if Daniels cannot play.

Daniels and Hunter will remain sidelined, making Zaccharie Risacher a must-roster player. David Roddy also started Wednesday’s loss to the Wizards and is worth a look in deep leagues, but Risacher is the priority add in fantasy basketball.

Daniels has been been a revelation on defense with efficient scoring numbers while Krejci has been a fill-in due to injuries. It’s unclear who will need to step in with both players out, but Zaccharie Risacher will be among the players who’ll get a boost.