Weekend Fantasy Basketball Overview
As the weekend approaches, head-to-head fantasy basketball leagues find themselves at a pivotal moment. While a player might seem secure with a solid lead in various categories, a poor weekend performance can still lead to an unexpected defeat. This weekend, just 13 teams will take to the court multiple times, including prominent franchises like the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. For fantasy managers, focusing on these teams can be crucial to boost game participation. Conversely, the Phoenix Suns will not be participating at all, as they have no games scheduled this weekend.
Strategies for Fantasy Leagues
In typical points or category leagues, capitalizing on every game is fundamental, although leagues with caps or best ball formats, such as Yahoo!’s High Score, prioritize efficiency over sheer volume. Nonetheless, having players who can deliver standout performances multiple times can enhance a fantasy roster significantly.
Top Fantasy Pick
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
One standout player to consider this weekend is Ryan Rollins of the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite the absence of their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rollins has stepped up impressively. Over the course of 25 games without Giannis, he has averaged 20.2 points, along with 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.8 three-pointers. His performance has improved even further since the All-Star break, making him a key player as the Bucks face the Knicks on Friday and the Bulls on Sunday. The Knicks provide a tough matchup, but the game against Chicago may offer Rollins more scoring opportunities.
Key Guards to Watch
- Javon Small, Memphis Grizzlies: With Ty Jerome sidelined due to a thigh injury, Small is expected to earn another start. He has been on a hot streak, averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.8 three-pointers since the All-Star break. Facing the Mavericks and Pacers, both of whom are struggling defensively, should position him for another strong outing.
- Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder: Although the return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might affect Wallace’s playing time, his recent performance has been impressive—averaging 23.3 points, 7.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.7 three-pointers over his last three games. With upcoming matchups against Denver and Dallas, the latter being notoriously weak defensively lately, Wallace remains a strong start.
- Dennis Schroder, Cleveland Cavaliers: Coming off a 26-point game in the absence of Donovan Mitchell and possibly James Harden, Schroder is positioned for further success, particularly as Mitchell has been ruled out for Friday’s game. The Cavaliers play the Pistons and Nets this weekend; Schroder could be particularly valuable against Brooklyn. However, his own health is a question mark, and if he cannot go, alternatives like Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr. should be considered.
