Jalen

Green

Green has been on a roll recently, scoring 22 points or more in five straight games. Closing in on top-100 value in 9-cat formats for the season, he has been a top-60 player over the past two weeks. Improved shooting has much to do with that, as Green has made 43.8% of his attempts and averaged 24.4 points per game. He’s unlikely to be a player who shoots consistently in the mid-40s, but Green can still provide reliable fantasy value.

While inefficient scoring has been an issue for Green for most of his NBA career, he’s capable of having explosive nights, as he was on Tuesday. The Rockets guard shot 7-of-15 from beyond the arc, matching his season-high in 3-pointers made. Green has made at least five 3-pointers in his last three games, shooting 17-of-40, and has provided 4th-round value in 9-cat formats over the past two weeks.

Initially questionable for Tuesday’s game, Green has been officially given the all-clear to play. He’ll take on his usual responsibilities, starting in the backcourt alongside Fred VanVleet.

Green has yet to miss a game this season, but if he’s sidelined, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson could see increased run. Eason is expected to miss a 10th straight game, and there is no timeline for a potential return.

Green got off to a hot start in this game and scored 18 points in just the first quarter. He only scored 15 more over the final three quarter, but he was able to score at least 20 points for the third straight game, which is his longest streak since October. Consistency has always been an issue for Green, so it is encouraging to see him string a few strong performances together. He’ll look to keep it going in Washington on Tuesday, which will kick off a three-game week for them.

Green has scored 22 points or more in three of his last five games, but the efficiency has remained problematic on most nights. That wasn’t the case on Friday, as he shot nearly 50% from the field and only committed one turnover. Even with the Rockets being on the wrong end of a blowout, the individual performance was a step in the right direction. Green remains a better option for points leagues than category leagues.

Green wasn’t efficient, but got there on volume as he’s done more than a few times this season. The 22-year-old shooting guard had 22 points on 21 shots and was 0-of-3 from behind the 3-point line. He also had zero assists and two turnovers, but was still +18 in 38 minutes in the 11-point Rockets victory. Green is a better asset in fantasy formats that either don’t include or lessen the importance of turnovers and field goal percentage.

Green was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Heat for his role in the fight between Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro. The league decided a fine was a sufficient penalty for the 22-year-old shooting guard so fantasy managers don’t have to worry about him missing any games.

Green has never been the most efficient scorer, and he’s shot 50% or better from the field in just three of 12 games in December. He’s shooting 40.7% for the season, which is one reason why the Rockets guard is ranked well outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats. He’s considerably better in leagues that punt turnovers, providing 9th-round value, and Green is a top 100 player in FG%-punt builds. Green was ejected from Sunday’s game for his role in a fight between Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro, so fantasy managers will have to wait to see what the fallout is regarding league discipline. Houston hosts Dallas on Wednesday and plays three games in Week 10.

Green and the Rockets met little resistance in New Orleans, leading by as much as 30 before coasting to the win. Green has been a top 100 player in 8-cat formats this season, which aligns with his Yahoo ADP (91). Thursday’s performance was much-needed after Green scored eight points in Monday’s win over the Hornets. Houston has two more games on its schedule for the week, beginning with the Timberwolves on Friday.