Week 13 Fantasy Basketball Overview
The upcoming Week 13 fantasy basketball calendar is packed with daily matchups, offering between six to nine games on most days, which presents both challenges and opportunities for fantasy managers. This week marks a significant first for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they prepare for their initial five-game stretch of the season. Conversely, four franchises, including the Milwaukee Bucks, will only compete in two games throughout this week.
Additional factors such as back-to-back games, potential injuries, and teams focused on improving their draft positions signal that the chaotic trade season may be beginning earlier this year than usual. For instance, the Washington Wizards have acquired point guard Trae Young, but his debut date remains uncertain, while Ja Morant‘s ongoing absence due to trade discussions adds another layer of unpredictability.
Game Schedule for Week 13
- 5 Games: Los Angeles Lakers
- 4 Games: Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz
- 3 Games: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards
- 2 Games: Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic
Back-to-Back Matchups
- Sunday (Week 12)-Monday: Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors
- Monday-Tuesday: Los Angeles Lakers
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans
- Wednesday-Thursday: Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Utah Jazz
- Thursday-Friday: Houston Rockets
- Friday-Saturday: Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards
- Saturday-Sunday: Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers
- Sunday-Monday (Week 14): Brooklyn Nets
Key Developments for Week 13
The Los Angeles Lakers have favorable fantasy prospects this week, especially following a lackluster Week 12 where they were idle both Saturday and Sunday. The Lakers’ five games include two back-to-backs, which enhances the appeal of players on their roster, potentially extending to lower-rostered assets like Jake LaRavia. If Rui Hachimura can return from his injury, he could also become a valuable fantasy asset.
Major stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James are critical to monitor; their participation in all five games is uncertain, which could have significant implications in fantasy leagues.
Fantasy managers should consider parting ways with Milwaukee Bucks players following their Thursday game. The Bucks are among those with only two fixtures this week and face a pivotal decision regarding Myles Turner, who has seen diminishing value. Despite Bobby Portis‘s current productivity, his limited playing time may lead to an advantageous trade or a waiver wire drop, while Giannis Antetokounmpo remains untouchable regardless of the schedule.
Additionally, the Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, and Orlando Magic will not start their game schedules until Thursday. Detroit is grappling with injuries to key players, adding uncertainty to whether they can return in time for the first game, which hampers the fantasy value of emerging players like Daniss Jenkins. Likewise, Memphis is dealing with the complexities of Morant’s trade rumors, while Orlando awaits the return of Franz Wagner.
The Denver Nuggets face dual back-to-backs, intensifying the strain on their roster, especially as they await Nikola Jokić’s return. Players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon may see their availability fluctuate, impacting their fantasy contributions accordingly.
Lastly, Dallas is set for a critical four-game week but is missing key players including Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington due to injuries. The Mavericks’ plans moving forward remain uncertain, particularly with Davis being a focal point in trade discussions. The week ahead looks to provide valuable insights into their long-term strategy, even when contending for a playoff position is at stake.
