Trade Deadline Day: A Critical Moment in Fantasy Leagues
Week 18 is a pivotal period for Yahoo! public fantasy basketball leagues as Thursday, March 6, marks the trade deadline day. This week’s game schedule is promising, with 18 teams scheduled to play four games. The calendar is busiest on Tuesday with nine games, while Thursday is the lightest day with just six. During the latest episode of the Rotoworld Basketball Show, we delved into the trade values of several players as managers gear up to secure their positions for the fantasy league playoffs. The discussions focused on strategic moves and player availability, making this week a crucial time to assess and fortify your roster.
Knicks’ Unique Schedule: A Double-Edged Sword
Of the 30 NBA teams, only the New York Knicks will be inactive on the final two days of Week 18. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad plays three games during this week, concluding with a back-to-back road stretch against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday and Friday. Notably, Mitchell Robinson, who made his season debut on Friday with a 12-minute stint in a win over the Grizzlies, is rostered in just 15 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Given his history of managing minutes, especially after a long absence, it’s likely that Robinson will only appear in two games this week. This presents a challenging situation for managers counting on his contributions, particularly in defensive categories like blocks and rebounds.
The Challenging Week for Chet Holmgren
The Oklahoma City Thunder will navigate two back-to-backs, starting from the final day of Week 17 and continuing into the beginning of Week 19. Chet Holmgren, who recently returned from a hip injury, sprained his ankle during the first half of their February 28 win against the Atlanta Hawks and did not play after halftime. Normally, managers would hope for Holmgren to play in at least three of the six games due to his recent return, but the combination of the back-to-backs and his ankle injury makes his availability unpredictable. If Holmgren sits out, Aaron Wiggins (26 percent rostered) and Alex Caruso (48 percent) could see increased playing time, providing valuable points and assists. Both players have been top-100 performers over the past two weeks, making them strong options to consider as replacements.
Bismack Biyombo’s Rise with the Spurs
Following Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending injury due to a blood clot, Bismack Biyombo stepped into the starting lineup for the San Antonio Spurs. Initially signed on a 10-day contract, Biyombo’s performance and contributions have led to a full-season deal. While his fellow teammates, particularly centers Charles Bassey and Sandro Mamukelashvili, have not made significant fantasy impacts, Biyombo, currently rostered in just 12 percent of Yahoo! leagues, offers a promising option for managers in need of rebounds and blocked shots. Jeremy Sochan, who can play the center position in smaller lineups, remains a viable alternative but hasn’t made much noise in the fantasy world since Wembanyama’s injury. The Spurs play three games in Week 18, with two scheduled on the last three days (Friday and Sunday), which could be a strategic time to add Biyombo for the best impact.
Domantas Sabonis’ Injury and Potential Fill-Ins
Domantas Sabonis, the Kings’ starting center, pulled up lame just over a minute into their March 1 game against the Houston Rockets, exiting with a left hamstring injury. The exact duration of his absence is yet to be determined, but hamstring injuries can be notoriously tricky and unpredictable. Jonas Valanciunas, currently rostered in 67 percent of Yahoo! leagues, played 30 minutes in Saturday’s game and is expected to see a similar workload if Sabonis is out. For managers looking for lower-rostered players to consider, Keon Ellis, who has provided sixth-round value in nine-category formats since the All-Star break, stands out at 18 percent rostered. The Kings’ four-game schedule for Week 18, starting with a Monday game against the Mavericks in Dallas, gives managers plenty of opportunities to adjust their lineups and maintain competitiveness.
Jazz Youngsters Stepping Up: A Golden Opportunity
Week 18 offers a unique opportunity to go "all-in" on the Utah Jazz’s emerging talent. Despite a four-game week with no back-to-backs, the Jazz have not hesitated to rest their proven veterans, giving their younger players more minutes. Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, and John Collins have all missed recent games, while third-year center Walker Kessler is also dealing with injuries. Keyonte George, already rostered in 79 percent of Yahoo! leagues, remains a solid choice, but players like Isaiah Collier (37 percent), Kyle Filipowski (10 percent), Brice Sensabaugh (two percent), and KJ Martin (one percent) are worth considering. Collier and Filipowski, in particular, could provide significant value in the waning days before the fantasy playoffs. Their recent performances and increased playing time make them attractive options for managers looking to boost their rosters.
Back-to-Backs and Key Players to Watch
Nine teams will play the first game of a back-to-back on the final day of Week 18, which could lead to player rest or limited availability. Notably, the Portland Trail Blazers are worth watching due to recent injuries to Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija, and the ongoing absences of Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III. Toumani Camara, who has been a top-20 player since the All-Star break, is currently rostered in 48 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Shaedon Sharpe, at 42 percent rostered, can provide scoring whether starting or coming off the bench. Scoot Henderson, with 34 percent rostered, will also have added value as the season progresses. While Donovan Clingan has gained popularity (33 percent rostered), Jabari Walker, rostered in just two percent of leagues, should not be overlooked, especially if he can secure 20 minutes per game.
Light and Heavy Game Days: A Strategic Overview
As we navigate through Week 18, it’s essential to keep an eye on the game schedule and manage your roster accordingly. Thursday is the lightest day with only six games, while Tuesday is the busiest with nine. The final day of Week 18, Sunday, March 9, marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, which could affect game times and potentially player availability. Several back-to-backs span weeks 18 and 19, making player management crucial. Teams like the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Portland Trail Blazers will conclude their back-to-backs on the final day of Week 18, while others like the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets will start theirs. Managers should monitor these schedules closely to optimize their lineups and make the most of the available player minutes.
