Fantasy Basketball Week 19: A Breakdown
For many fantasy basketball managers, Week 19 heralds the start of the playoffs, a time of intense competition and strategic decision-making. With numerous teams already setting their paths for the rest of the season—whether pushing for a playoff spot or resting proven veterans to develop younger players—the dynamics of this week are uniquely intriguing. Here’s a closer look at the Week 19 schedule and key storylines to consider.
Game Schedule Overview
Week 19 features a varied schedule, with some teams playing more games than others, adding layers of complexity to your lineup decisions. The Brooklyn Nets stand out as the only team with five games, while 19 teams will play four games. The remaining eight teams will have three games each. Here’s the breakdown:
- Five Games: Brooklyn Nets
- Four Games: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards
- Three Games: Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings
Key Storylines
1. All-In on the Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are the busiest team in Week 19, with five games, including two back-to-backs. However, key players like D’Angelo Russell, Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and Nic Claxton might not be available for all games due to injury management or rest. This opens up opportunities for players like Day’Ron Sharpe (11% rostered), Keon Johnson (14%), and Ziaire Williams (8%), who have seen increased playing time recently. Noah Clowney (5%) returns from an ankle sprain but might also be limited.
2. Target Streamers on Tuesday and Thursday
Tuesday and Thursday are the lightest game days in Week 19, with four and five games, respectively. Teams like the Nets, Pistons, Bucks, Pelicans, and Wizards are active on both days, making them prime targets for finding low-rostered value players. The Clippers, with road games against the Pelicans and Heat, will likely limit Kawhi Leonard to three games, while Norman Powell and Derrick Jones Jr. are dealing with injuries, adding to the depth of available streamers.
3. Navigating Back-to-Backs
Between the final day of Week 18 and the first day of Week 20, 11 teams will face two back-to-backs. The Nuggets, Lakers, and Pacers, all vying for playoff positioning, will likely keep their key players active. However, the 76ers and Jazz, dealing with injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, may rest their veterans. Kelly Oubre Jr. (71%), Quentin Grimes (46%), Andre Drummond (49%), and Guerschon Yabusele (28%) are viable options. For the Jazz, players like Isaiah Collier (36%), Kyle Filipowski (33%), and Brice Sensabaugh (6%) could see increased playing time.
4. Optimal Playoffs Schedules
While the Nets will play five games in Week 19 but only three in Week 20, five teams have a 4-4-4 schedule spanning Weeks 19-21: the Pacers, Lakers, 76ers, Spurs, and Wizards. The Spurs, with their focus shifting from the play-in chase, have players like Stephon Castle (44%) and Bismack Biyombo (11%) offering value. In Washington, Alexandre Sarr (45%), Bub Carrington (16%), and Kyshawn George (14%) are worth consideration. These players might not be highly efficient but will get significant playing time, making them valuable in the playoff weeks.
5. The Worst Playoff Schedule: Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have the most challenging playoff schedule, with nine games across Weeks 19-21, three games each week. This makes it risky to roster low-rostered players like Mike Conley (38%) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (12%). Additionally, Rudy Gobert’s continued absence due to a lower back injury has thrust Naz Reid into the starting center role, a position he has handled well. The Timberwolves’ difficult schedule and Gobert’s absence make it challenging to rely on their bench players.
6. Miles McBride Takes Center Stage for the Knicks
With Jalen Brunson out due to a right ankle sprain, Miles McBride (18%) steps into the starting lineup for the Knicks. While McBride struggled in his first start against the Clippers, shooting 2-of-13 from the field, he managed six assists. The Knicks play three games during Week 19, starting with the Kings and ending with the Warriors. Mitchell Robinson’s playing time, as he returns from offseason ankle surgery, is also worth monitoring. Robinson has yet to exceed 15 minutes, and his role might not significantly expand during the road trip.
Light Game Days
- Tuesday: 4 Games
- BKN vs. CLE
- WAS vs. DET
- MIL vs. IND
- LAC vs. NOR
- Thursday: 5 Games
- WAS vs. DET
- LAL vs. MIL
- BKN vs. CHI
- ORL vs. NOR
- SAC vs. GSW
Back-to-Backs
- Sunday (Week 18)-Monday: DAL, DEN, MEM, OKC, PHI, PHO, POR, SAC, SAS, UTA
- Monday-Tuesday: BKN, IND, WAS
- Tuesday-Wednesday: LAC
- Wednesday-Thursday: None
- Thursday-Friday: LAL, ORL, SAC
- Friday-Saturday: BOS, DEN, HOU, IND, MEM, MIA, SAS
- Saturday-Sunday: CHA, MIL, OKC
- Sunday-Monday (Week 20): LAL, MIN, ORL, PHI, PHO, TOR, UTA
Week 19 offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for fantasy managers. By carefully analyzing the schedules and storylines, you can make informed decisions to strengthen your lineup and maximize your chances of playoff success.
