5 Nicolas Batum SF

Batum compiled nine points (3-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 25 minutes Thursday in the Hornets' 127-89 loss to the Magic.

Batum failed to crack 30 minutes for the first time in seven games, a byproduct of Charlotte trailing by 35 points at halftime. Even while receiving a more normal allotment of playing time in the previous six contests -- which were decided by single digits -- Batum only averaged 9.0 points (on 42.9 percent shooting from the field), 5.7 boards, 3.7 assists, 1.7 triples and 1.3 steals. Outside the top 100 in eight-category formats for the season and even further down the list on a per-game basis, Batum is no longer a must-own player in 10-team formats.

Batum collected 16 points (6-10 FG, 4-7 3Pt), five rebounds, an assist and a steal across 31 minutes Saturday against Chicago.

Batum caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down four shots from deep for the second time in his last five games. The 6-8 forward has been playing at a slightly higher level than usual of late, averaging 12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks over that five-game stretch. Batum's contributions proved useful in a 125-118 victory over a young Bulls team, and the Hornets will hope to get similar performances out of him moving forward.

Batum turned in 19 points (7-15 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 38 minutes in Friday's 108-99 loss to the Bucks.

Despite losing their grip on the game in the fourth, Batum was a bright spot for the Hornets. Although he's had a see-saw year of production, he receives premium minutes in Charlotte's first unit and has value based on usage alone. He'll also occasionally show up with decent outings from beyond the arc, and his season 3-point conversion rate of 40.6 percent is almost a career-high.

Batum ended with 18 points (6-9 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, two assists, and one block in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 118-107 victory over the Grizzlies.

Batum had his highest scoring game in over a month Wednesday, scoring 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Batum has been a disappointment this season and is currently ranked outside the top-100 in standard formats. He is still fine to roster but the expectations should be amended based on what he has done this season as opposed to what had been hoped for.

Batum tallied 15 points (4-6 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT), three rebounds, six assists and a steal across 32 minutes Saturday against Phoenix.

Batum had been held to just seven points in each of his previous two contests, but he shot an impressive 66.7 percent from both the field and from beyond the arc in a 135-115 victory. Despite Saturday's strong final line, the 30-year-old forward is averaging 9.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 45 contests this season, making him a risky fantasy play if used on a nightly basis. While Batum is certainly capable of a productive showing, he's yet to show much consistency in doing so.