NBA Fantasy Postseason Overview
As the NBA season heads into its fantasy postseason, teams are starting to make their playoff ambitions clear. The competition is heating up, with some players rising in prominence as others face challenges. The Knicks will match up against the Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the Timberwolves taking on the Trail Blazers at 11 p.m. ET, both games available through Peacock. With various teams eyeing playoff spots while others prepare for the draft lottery, some players are worth monitoring closely.
Rising Players to Watch
- Kyle Filipowski — PF/C, Utah Jazz
With leading players Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler both unavailable, and the absence of Jusuf Nurkic as well, Kyle Filipowski has stepped into a critical role for the Jazz. With Lauri Markkanen’s availability fluctuating, Filipowski has proven to be a reliable contributor. Throughout February, he has scored 15 points or more in five out of his nine games and has recorded double-digit rebounds three times. His defensive stats have been impressive too, boasting an average of 4.3 steals per game along with 16.0 points and 6.7 rebounds over his last three outings. His upward trajectory seems promising, provided he stays healthy. - De’Anthony Melton — PG/SG, Golden State Warriors
Returning from an ACL injury, Melton made a strong entrance into the Warriors roster after a late start to the season. Currently stepping up during Stephen Curry’s knee-related absence and Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury, Melton has found his rhythm, consistently scoring at least 17 points in his last three games. His newfound starting position may keep him in the lineup if he maintains this momentum, and even if he shifts back to the bench, he has the potential to be a valuable contributor. - GG Jackson — SF/PF, Memphis Grizzlies
GG Jackson has seen a significant boost in both scoring and rebounding lately, with remarkable averages of 16.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game since February began. Over the last four games, he’s raised this average to 21.3 points while shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. Given Memphis’s recent trades and standings, Jackson appears to have solidified his place on the team and remains a solid pick for fantasy players.
Players Whose Stock is Falling
- Nikola Vucevic — C, Boston Celtics
Though swapping teams from the Chicago Bulls to the Boston Celtics could increase chances for playoff success, Vucevic’s individual performance has diminished. He has played mainly as a bench player behind Neemias Queta, failing to exceed 30 minutes on the court and averaging a mere handful of shot attempts. His scoring has notably decreased, frustrating many fantasy managers who have included him on their rosters. - De’Aaron Fox — PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are experiencing a remarkable run with nine consecutive wins, yet this success has come at a cost for Fox, who’s seeing diminished playing time. With an average of just 14.3 points over 27.3 minutes per game since the All-Star break, the depth of the Spurs’ roster means that Fox’s contributions are not always necessary, leading to a drop in his fantasy viability. - Jaden Ivey — PG/SG, Chicago Bulls
Currently contending with knee soreness that has sidelined him, Ivey has struggled for much of the season. Before this setback, he had been a healthy scratch and produced mediocre stats since joining the Bulls, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Given his injury issues, his future contributions in the fantasy landscape remain uncertain. There’s hope for recovery and improvement, but for now, Ivey’s situation renders him risky for fantasy managers.
As the season winds down, players’ performances will be crucial for teams aiming for postseason success. Monitoring these shifts could greatly impact fantasy lineups as the playoffs approach.
