If LaMelo Ball sits Saturday against the Heat, should you start Tre ...

LaMelo Ball has been one of the largest stories to start the NBA season. The Charlotte Hornets superstar has once again announced his presence to the NBA world by providing a reminder of what a supreme talent he is.

Ball has produced back-to-back 34-point performances and also an average of 7.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds. The former Rookie of the Year has tallied 102.1 total fantasy points based on DraftKings scoring, ranking fifth among all NBA players this year.

Unfortunately, a familiar concern with Ball has already shown face. The 6-foot-7 standout is listed as questionable for the Saturday matchup with the Rockets due to a tailbone contusion. Ball played in just 56 of a possible 164 games across the past two seasons and his status will be one to monitor as the game gets closer.

However, there is one player who could benefit from Ball’s absence and is amid a breakout season himself – Tre Mann.

Tre Mann’s Outlook Amid LaMelo Ball’s Injury Concerns

Through the opening two games of the season, Mann has played 28:57 and 24:57 of game time. In the debut, he produced 24 points, six rebounds, and an assist. He followed this up in game two producing 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds. He has produced 53.7 fantasy points already this season which is a strong start for the Florida product.

After failing to carve out a full role for himself on a loaded Oklahoma City Thunder roster during the first three years of his career, he has found a niche down in Charlotte. Even when splitting time with Ball, Mann has been given plenty of on-ball opportunity which speaks to the team’s belief in his talents.

While there is a strong case to be made that Tre Mann should be utilized in your fantasy basketball lineups even if LaMelo Ball does play, he is an absolute must-star if the franchise centerpiece is unable to play.

Mann’s level of opportunity has also been impacted by the absence of Brandon Miller. Last year’s second-overall pick is set to miss at least a week due to a hip/glute issue that occurred in the opening game. It should also be noted that Seth Curry, who started last night’s game, is also questionable for the matchup due to knee soreness. While Mann may have received additional opportunities due to this, he looks to have carved out a permanent role in the team.

Through the opening two games, Mann has attempted 16 or more shots and seven or more three-point attempts in both matchups. Expect the 6-foot-3 guard to come out firing and produce another successful fantasy output. He should see even more expanded opportunities if Ball is to miss the game and should be in the driver’s seat for the starting opportunity. Expect this to be his best performance of the season and for this just to be the start of Tre Mann’s successful career revival.

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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is seanbarnard) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.