Welcome to Week 18 of Fantasy Basketball
Hey everyone, welcome back to the playlist! We’re now in Week 18 of the fantasy basketball season, and there’s a lot to cover as we approach the final stretch. This week, we’ll talk about key injuries, essential pickups, and the best streaming strategies to help you prepare for the crucial days ahead.
Key Injuries to Watch
First things first, we need to address some significant injuries that will impact your fantasy lineups. Unfortunately, former MVP Joel Embiid will be missing the rest of the season due to a knee injury. The Orlando Magic are also without Jalen Suggs for the rest of the season, as he’s dealing with a knee injury as well. On a more positive note, Nikola Vucevic is expected to return to the lineup later this week, but Domantas Sabonis will be out for at least one more week. If Jonas Valanciunas is available on your waivers, he is a must-add. He’s the most valuable waiver addition this week, but there are several other players who can make a significant impact.
Must-Add Players for Week 18
1. Ty Jerome (GP): Ty Jerome is a must-add in all leagues. He finished 30th in per-game value in 9-cat leagues last week and has been a top-100 player throughout the season. As the top reserve for the best team in basketball, Jerome has been highly effective whether he starts or comes off the bench. His 3-point shooting, efficiency, and steals have elevated his game, making him a valuable asset in any lineup.
2. Quentin Grimes (PHI): Quentin Grimes is another player you should prioritize. He recently set a career-high with 44 points against the Warriors and has been averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal per game since joining the 76ers. Whether the 76ers decide to tank or push for the play-in tournament, Grimes will play a crucial role down the stretch, so make sure he’s not available on your waiver wire.
3. Kyle Piepelowski (UTA): For the Utah Jazz, Kyle Piepelowski has been crucial down the stretch. The Jazz are already in rest mode, and with Piepelowski’s recent performances, including three double-doubles in his last four games, he’s poised to be a valuable asset in the "silly season." His sneaky assists and rebounding make him a must-add in all leagues.
4. Quentin Post (GSW): The Warriors have four games this week, and Quentin Post has emerged as their much-needed stretch big. He’s been hitting 3s, scoring, and getting rebounds, making him a valuable addition in deeper leagues.
Schedule Recommendations
Week 18 is a critical time, so make sure you check your league settings. If you’re in a private league, know your trade deadline and when your playoffs start. For Yahoo Standard Leagues, the trade deadline is this Thursday, March 6th. Use this time to sell off unwanted assets and acquire those you need to make your playoff push.
Streaming Strategies for Week 18
This week is a good one for streaming. There are no double-digit slates, and the games are pretty evenly distributed. If you need a lighter slate, target Monday and Saturday. However, my strategy is to focus on teams playing three games in four nights at the start of the week. These teams include the Warriors, Sixers, Rockets, and Hawks. Players like Zachary Rishache, Terrence Mann, Caris LeVert, Moses Moody, Quentin Post, Jabari Smith, and Andre Drummond are all good targets. As the week progresses, look for back-to-backs or favorable matchups against fantasy-friendly teams like the Jazz, Washington Wizards, and San Antonio Spurs.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for tuning into the playlist every week to get your fantasy advice. I’m humbled to be able to provide you with guidance, and I hope this advice helps you secure a championship. There are a few steps left before we reach that point, but with the right strategies, you can make it happen. Good luck to everyone, and may you win that championship. Peace.
