Welcome to The Playlist: Your Weekly Fantasy Basketball Guide
Welcome to The Playlist, my weekly column dedicated to helping you navigate the fantasy basketball landscape. Each week, I highlight the must-add players and key lineup adjustments to keep your team on track. With the playoffs approaching, it’s crucial to stay informed about injuries, trades, and player rotations. Press play and shuffle through the latest fantasy basketball updates to ensure you’re set for the week ahead.
🏆 Week 17 Recap
Fantasy basketball managers have a lot to digest this week. Joel Embiid and Jalen Suggs are both out for the remainder of the season, which significantly impacts their respective teams. On a brighter note, the Cavaliers have reached the 50-win mark and boast three 10-game winning streaks this year. Steph Curry’s recent 56-point performance, including 12 three-pointers and a dunk in his first game since 2019, was nothing short of spectacular.
🎧 Who’s in My Rotation
This week, I’ve compiled a list of players between 35-50% rostered in Yahoo fantasy leagues that you should consider adding to your lineup. Here are the must-add players as of Monday:
- Payton Pritchard (SG, Boston Celtics)
- Toumani Camara (PF, Charlotte Hornets)
- Bilal Coulibaly (SG, Washington Wizards)
- Alex Sarr (PF, Washington Wizards)
- Shaedon Sharpe (SG, Sacramento Kings)
- Malik Beasley (SG, Utah Jazz)
- De’Andre Hunter (SF, Atlanta Hawks)
- Jeremy Sochan (PF, San Antonio Spurs)
- Tari Eason (PF, Houston Rockets)
- Isaiah Collier (PF, Milwaukee Bucks)
- Stephon Castle (PG, Portland Trail Blazers)
- Scoot Henderson (PG, New Orleans Pelicans)
🎶 Top Streams in Shallow Leagues
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Quentin Grimes (SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers) – Grimes has been on fire, scoring a career-high 44 points against the Warriors. Since joining the Sixers, he’s averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. With the team’s season trending downward, Grimes is a must-roster player.
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Zach Collins (PF/C, Chicago Bulls) – Collins has surpassed Jalen Smith on the Bulls’ depth chart and has been a fantasy force, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. With Nikola Vučević’s calf injury, Collins is a valuable asset until his return.
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Bol Bol (PF/C, Phoenix Suns) – Despite the Suns’ struggles, Bol has been a bright spot, starting the last four games and providing second-round value in 9-cat leagues. He’s averaging around 29 fantasy points per game and is a reliable option in the frontcourt.
- Ty Jerome (PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers) – Jerome has been one of the most impactful reserves in the league, ranking 30th in 9-cat leagues last week. He’s delivered three performances with over 20 points in his last four games and is a must-add in both 9-cat and points formats.
🎸 Top Streams in Deeper Leagues
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Guerschon Yabusele (PF/C, Philadelphia 76ers) – With Joel Embiid out, Yabusele is expected to split time between power forward and center. He’s a versatile fantasy asset, contributing with scoring, three-pointers, rebounds, and steals.
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Kyle Filipowski (C, Utah Jazz) – Filipowski is a double-double threat with playmaking potential. The Jazz frequently rest veterans, giving Filipowski ample opportunities to shine. He’s averaging 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
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Davion Mitchell (PG/SG, Miami Heat) – Mitchell’s fantasy stock is rising with the Heat, where he’s quickly surpassed Terry Rozier on the depth chart. He’s playing over 33 minutes per game and averaging 10 points, 4 assists, and 1.2 steals.
- Kris Dunn (PG/SG, Los Angeles Clippers) – Dunn is a steal specialist, averaging 3 steals per game over the last month. He’s coming off a strong week, providing third-round value in 9-cat leagues. He’s a solid streaming option, especially in back-to-back games.
🗓️ Weekly Game Schedule
Here’s how the week breaks down in terms of total NBA games played per day. Use this to identify when streaming options will be most favorable:
- Monday: 7 games
- Tuesday: 9 games
- Wednesday: 8 games
- Thursday: 6 games
- Friday: 8 games
- Saturday: 8 games
- Sunday: 8 games
Prime streaming days are Monday and Thursday, despite having the fewest games. Fantasy managers should have no issue finding viable streaming options on these days.
🚑 Injury Roundup
Here are the latest injury updates:
- Bulls: Nikola Vučević (calf) expects to rejoin the team on their upcoming road trip.
- Lakers: Rui Hachimura (knee) will be re-evaluated in one week.
- Kings: Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in one week. Jonas Valančiūnas is a must-add in all leagues and formats.
- Mavericks: Moses Brown was released after his 10-day contract expired.
- Rockets: Fred VanVleet (ankle) will miss Monday’s contest after re-injuring his ankle.
- Timberwolves: Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are back. Rudy Gobert remains out.
- Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga remains out on Monday.
Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to get your trades in before the Yahoo Fantasy Basketball trade deadline on Thursday, March 6. Happy streaming and good luck with your fantasy teams!
