NBA Regular Season Conclusion and Fantasy Basketball Strategies
As the conclusion of the NBA regular season nears, fantasy basketball players are shifting their focus toward strategies for the upcoming playoffs. This period, which begins after the All-Star Weekend, will see numerous fantasy leagues wrap up, prompting managers to assess potential additions to their rosters as well as players to steer clear of.
Among the leagues, the clash between the Celtics and Lakers this Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, available on NBC and Peacock, is one to watch.
In league developments, the Indiana Pacers traded for center Ivica Zubac, resulting in them jeopardizing their valuable first-round pick in 2026. This move aims to bolster their roster but raises questions about their future draft positioning.
Players on the Rise
Cam Thomas — SG/SF, Bucks
Thomas, having recently delivered a standout 34-point performance, has sparked hope regarding his role within the Bucks, especially following support from the head coach. Transitioning into a new environment can be advantageous, yet the challenge lies in competing for minutes against established players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. If Thomas seizes his opportunities off the bench, particularly during crucial matchups, he could become a valuable asset; otherwise, his statistical output may leave much to be desired.
Kris Dunn — PG/SG, Clippers
With the departure of James Harden and the acquisition of stars Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, Dunn’s role could be impacted. Nevertheless, with Garland still sidelined, Dunn has stepped up as a key playmaker for the Clippers, averaging over five assists in his last six outings while maintaining his defensive prowess. Following a strong performance that included four three-pointers and impressive steals, Dunn appears to be a reliable streaming choice while the team adapts to its new roster.
Jarrett Allen — C, Cavaliers
Allen appears to be experiencing a career phase that coincides with the addition of James Harden to the Cavaliers. Since Harden’s arrival, Allen has consistently put up over 20 points in games, benefiting from Harden’s playmaking abilities. Following a remarkable 40-point game recently, Allen’s production has significantly increased, making him a player to watch closely as he builds chemistry with Harden.
Players to Monitor
Lauri Markkanen — SF/PF, Jazz
Markkanen’s current situation is a differential scenario despite his impressive numbers. He is having one of his most productive seasons statistically, but questions surrounding his playing time linger. Recently, he was among several players resting during critical game moments, leading to concerns about his minutes played, which have dipped below 30 in recent games. Fantasy owners must carefully evaluate his future usage following the All-Star break.
Ivica Zubac — C, Pacers
After being traded from the Clippers to the Pacers, Zubac has yet to take the court due to a previous ankle injury. He finds himself in a challenging position, as the Pacers lack the offensive leadership that Harden provided in Los Angeles. Zubac’s ability to contribute to defensive stats and rebounding is unquestionable, but fantasy managers may find his ability to rack up points hindered until he is paired with a more competent playmaker, like Tyrese Haliburton, next season.
Paolo Banchero — PF/C, Magic
The Magic, currently vying for playoff contention as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, have seen franchise player Banchero struggle recently. As the first overall selection in the previous draft, Banchero’s scoring inconsistencies and decreased production on rebounds, along with limited defensive contributions, have resulted in a lackluster fantasy season. Over the past month, he has faced challenges, failing to exceed 20 points in all but two games while often shooting below 40% from the field.
As fantasy enthusiasts navigate the final stretches of the season, closely monitoring these players will be crucial for maximizing their playoff potential.
