Welcome to The Playlist: My Weekly Fantasy Basketball Column
Welcome to The Playlist, your go-to weekly guide for the latest updates and recommendations in the world of fantasy basketball. Whether you need to know who to pick up, who to drop, or just a quick look at this week’s schedule and lineup notes, you’ve come to the right place. This week, we’ll dive into the top waiver wire additions, streaming options, and important schedule highlights to help you stay ahead of the game. Press play and shuffle through the latest fantasy basketball info to keep your team competitive.
Week 16 Recap: Losing Wemby Got Me in My Feelings
Last week was an emotional one for many fantasy managers, especially those who lost Victor Wembanyama. His absence has left a void that many are scrambling to fill, and the impact was felt across various teams. Wembanyama’s astronomical statistics and potential were hard to match, but with the right strategy, you can still find valuable replacements and keep your team afloat. This week, we’ll focus on identifying key players who can make a significant difference in your lineup, despite the loss of a star like Wemby.
Top Players – Week 16: Faces to Watch for the Upcoming Week
This week, we continue to highlight players who are under 40% rostered, as they are more likely to appear in your waiver pools. Here are some must-add players and top streams to consider:
REST-OF-SEASON MUST-ADDS:
- Donovan Clingan – C, Portland Trail Blazers (36%): With Deandre Ayton out, Clingan has the potential to shine as a rebound and block specialist. His performance is reminiscent of Walker Kessler’s, making him a valuable asset in all leagues.
- Jose Alvarado – PG, New Orleans Pelicans (28%): Alvarado brings consistent production across the board, including points, assists, and steals. His minutes are secure due to the Pelicans’ thin backcourt, and he’s a must-roster player in all leagues.
- Guershon Yabusele – PF/C, Philadelphia 76ers (22%): The news of Joel Embiid seeking alternative opinions on his knee has elevated Yabusele’s fantasy stock. In games without Embiid, Yabusele has averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Now is the time to pick him up if he’s available in your league.
TOP STREAMS:
- Keldon Johnson – SG/SF/PF, San Antonio Spurs (26%): Johnson has seen a significant boost in his production with Wembanyama out. Averaging 18.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 3s, he’s a prime streaming option with the Spurs playing two back-to-back sets this week.
- Yves Missi – C, New Orleans Pelicans (24%): Despite some inconsistency, Missi’s recent performance—15 boards and 4 blocks in his last two games—makes him worth considering. The Pelicans have two games this week, making him a valuable streaming option.
- Naji Marshall – SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (14%): The Mavericks’ small lineup strategy has given Marshall an expanded role, and he’s been averaging over 8 rebounds per game since Daniel Gafford went out. With the Mavs playing on all lighter slate days, Marshall is a strong waiver addition.
- Moses Moody – SF/PF, Golden State Warriors (10%): Moody is a valuable streaming option until Jonathan Kuminga returns. His recent top-65 performance over the last two weeks and his ability to contribute in multiple categories make him a must-add. The Warriors have a favorable schedule, playing on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
OTHER STREAMING OPTIONS:
- Jaxson Hayes – C, Los Angeles Lakers (21%): Hayes is a viable streaming option with four games this week, though his production may fluctuate. He’s a solid lob threat and rebounder, capable of providing blocks when playing significant minutes.
- Georges Niang – SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks
- Zaccharie Risacher – SF, Atlanta Hawks
- Jabari Walker – SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers
- Aaron Nesmith – SF/PF, Indiana Pacers
- Ty Jerome – PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Kelly Olynyk – C, New Orleans Pelicans
Weekly Game Schedule: Prime Streaming Days and Roster Flexibility
Here’s how the week breaks down in terms of NBA games played per day, which can help you identify the best streaming options:
- Monday: 8 games
- Tuesday: 7 games
- Wednesday: 9 games
- Thursday: 5 games
- Friday: 10 games
- Saturday: 6 games
- Sunday: 9 games
Prime Streaming Days:
- Tuesday: Teams like the Bucks, Hornets, Mavericks, and Warriors have games today.
- Thursday: The Pelicans and Warriors are back in action.
- Saturday: The Mavs, Bucks, and Warriors play again.
Teams with Back-to-Back Sets:
- Monday/Tuesday: Hornets
- Tuesday/Wednesday: Celtics, Raptors, Rockets, and Spurs
- Thursday/Friday: Nuggets, Pelicans, Suns, and Timberwolves
- Friday/Saturday: Nets and Pistons
- Saturday/Sunday: Spurs
- Sunday/Monday (rollover): Heat, Thunder, Jazz
Other Teams to Target: Identifying Key Matchups
Several teams have favorable matchups this week that can be exploited for fantasy success:
- Blazers: They face the Jazz, Wizards, and Nets, all of whom are fantasy-friendly opponents.
- Pelicans: Playing three games in four nights from Tuesday through Friday, with matchups against the Bucks, Wizards, and Warriors.
- Suns: Also playing three games in four nights, with games against the ".";
- Magic: Goga Bitadze (31%) is a strong waiver pickup, particularly on the lighter slate days of Tuesday and Thursday.
- Rockets and Grizzlies: Both teams play on Tuesday and Saturday, offering opportunities to stream players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Injury Roundup: Managing the Impact of Key Absences
Injuries can significantly alter the fantasy landscape, so it’s crucial to stay informed. Here’s the latest:
- Spurs: Victor Wembanyama is done for the season, and Charles Bassey suffered a knee injury on Sunday.
- Mavericks: Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II won’t be re-evaluated until early March.
- Magic: Jalen Suggs remains out indefinitely, giving Cole Anthony more opportunities.
- Raptors: Jakob Poeltl was downgraded from questionable to out on Sunday, and Brandon Ingram’s return is still not close.
- Rockets: Fred VanVleet has no timetable for his return.
- Timberwolves: Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are expected to return during Minnesota’s upcoming road trip. DiVincenzo, in particular, is a valuable pickup if available.
- Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga will miss at least the next two games as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Final Thoughts: Stay Flexible and Watch the Waiver Wire
Fantasy basketball is all about adaptability, especially in a season where star players can go down at any moment. This week, focus on the players mentioned above, who can provide consistent production and help you navigate the lighter slate days. Keep an eye on the injury report, as it can quickly change the dynamics of your team. Streaming players like Keldon Johnson and Moses Moody can offer a boost, while long-term additions such as Donovan Clingan and Jose Alvarado can anchor your lineup. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to make moves that can maximize your team’s potential. Good luck with your fantasy lineup this week! 🏀 Warehouse and let the music guide you through the week’s action.
