Fantasy Basketball Roundup: Week 17
The All-Star Break and Injuries
Welcome back to the fantasy basketball playlist! We’re now in week 17, emerging from the All-Star break feeling refreshed. With only three weeks left until the start of the fantasy playoffs, it’s crucial to lock in and prepare for the final stretch. Unfortunately, the week started with some heavy news: Victor Wembanyama, one of the best players in fantasy basketball, has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder and will miss the rest of the season. This is a significant blow to fantasy managers, but there’s a silver lining. The San Antonio Spurs are optimistic about his recovery, suggesting he could be back to full form next year. Let’s keep Victor in our thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.
Another major development is the suspension of Bobby Portis for 25 games. This means he’s droppable in all leagues. The extended absence will not help your playoff push, so it’s a safe bet to drop him now. Lastly, Joel Embiid is seeking alternative opinions on his troublesome left knee, which continues to swell despite rest and load management. This is devastating news for fantasy managers. Ensure you have Gershon Yabusele on your roster, as he stands to benefit significantly if Embiid misses a substantial amount of time, which is highly likely.
Top Picks for Week 17
Let’s dive into the top three players you should consider adding to your roster for week 17.
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Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors: The Warriors have a favorable schedule, playing on three of the lighter slate days. Jonathan Kuminga is a few games away from returning, and Moody has been performing exceptionally well over the past two weeks. He’s a top 65 player, contributing significantly in threes and stocks. Adding him can get you multiple starts with just one transaction, making him an excellent pick-up.
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Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks: Similar to the Warriors, the Mavericks also play on three of the lighter slate days. Naji Marshall has been a solid rebounder, averaging over 11 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field over the last two weeks. The Mavericks are in desperate need of frontcourt support, making Marshall a valuable addition to your roster.
- Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs: With Wembanyama sidelined, Keldon Johnson is expected to see more playing time and take on a larger role. He’s been averaging over 18 points per game when Wembanyama is off the floor. Johnson looks to be the biggest beneficiary outside of the other starters, making him a must-add this week.
Additionally, consider picking up Donovan Clingan, especially in shallow leagues. He’s a solid rebounder and shot-blocker, filling the void left by Robert Williams and DeAndre Ayton. Ensure you roster Clingan, as he can provide valuable contributions in these areas.
Streaming Opportunities
Week 17 offers several opportunities for streaming players to boost your team’s performance. Focus on the lighter slate days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. These are the best days for streaming, with 7 games on Tuesday, 5 games on Thursday, and 6 games on Saturday.
Teams to Target for Streaming
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Bucks, Hornets, Mavericks, and Warriors: These teams play on all the best streaming days. Players like Max Christie, Buddy Hield, Kessler Edwards, Gary Trent Jr., Nick Smith Jr., Dante DiVincenzo, and Spencer Dinwiddie will have multiple starts, making them valuable adds.
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Blazers: They have a favorable schedule against the Jazz, Wizards, and Nets. Consider targeting players like Royce O’Neal and Grayson Allen.
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Pelicans and Suns: Both teams play three games in four nights from Tuesday to Friday, with favorable matchups. Players like Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges could offer streaming value.
- Nets: With the team tanking and Cam Thomas not ready, players like Trendon Watford and Keon Johnson have standalone streaming value.
Teams to Avoid
No teams are particularly avoidable this week, but the Magic, who play on Tuesday and Thursday, are worth considering. Goga Bitadze, who is only 31% rostered, and Cole Anthony are solid options, especially with Jalen Suggs still out due to injury.
Back-to-Back Games
There are several back-to-back games this week:
- Monday to Tuesday: Hornets (Moussa Diabate is a viable option).
- Tuesday to Wednesday: Celtics, Raptors, Rockets, and Spurs.
- Friday to Saturday: Nets and Pistons.
- Saturday to Sunday: Spurs.
Preparing for the Trade Deadline
The fantasy basketball trade deadline is just one week away, in week 18. This is a critical time to start preparing for the stretch run. Whether you’re vying for a playoff spot or securing your position, boosting your team over the next two weeks is essential. We’ll have more insights and strategies for the trade deadline in our next update.
Stay tuned for more tips and updates, and have a successful week 17 in fantasy basketball. Peace.
