Week 20 Overview
As March unfolds, the upcoming Week 20 in fantasy basketball presents various strategic choices depending on your standing in the league. Whether you’re chasing victories in the playoffs, preparing for the next round, or simply trying to maintain momentum, this week calls for tailored approaches. Let’s dive into the essential details for this week’s lineup and strategies.
Here’s a breakdown of the slate for Week 20:
- Monday (3/9): 5 games
- Tuesday (3/10): 11 games
- Wednesday (3/11): 6 games
- Thursday (3/12): 8 games
- Friday (3/13): 7 games
- Saturday (3/14): 8 games
- Sunday (3/15): 9 games
The New Orleans Pelicans will play the fewest games this week, only managing two appearances, while the Philadelphia 76ers lead with five games. Overall, 15 teams will feature in four contests, while 13 will only play three. Here’s the distribution:
- 5 games: Philadelphia 76ers
- 4 games: Brooklyn, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, Indiana, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York Knicks, Sacramento, Toronto, Utah
- 3 games: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio, Washington
- 2 games: New Orleans Pelicans
To see matchups for each of these days, check Hashtag Basketball’s advanced schedule grid.
Playoff Strategies
If you’re actively in competition for playoff spots, your moves should focus on racking up points or winning category matchups. The decision-making process will highly impact your contest results. With Philadelphia playing five times this week, accumulating talent from their roster can grant you significant advantages in both points and 9-category leagues.
Due to an oblique injury, superstar Joel Embiid will miss at least three games, providing opportunities for players like Andre Drummond, who is a must-add for most leagues. Others such as Quentin Grimes and Dominic Barlow may also be viable picks for deeper formats.
Strategic Streaming Options
Targeting players from the 76ers for streaming is a priority due to their ample games. However, I also advise considering the following teams:
- Utah Jazz: With games on every other night—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—they provide a consistent lineup without the back-to-back fatigue.
- New York Knicks: Similar scheduling to Utah, making them reliable for projection.
Additionally, the Memphis Grizzlies have an intriguing roster due to their schedule featuring two sets of back-to-backs this week, which could mean extra opportunities for players like Cam Spencer to shine, especially with several vets likely resting during heavy matchups.
Also worth mentioning are other teams playing three games in the early part of the week, including Brooklyn and Denver. Keep an eye out for young talents who could step up during the crunch time of the season.
Teams to Avoid
With just two games on the docket, the Pelicans should be avoided where possible. They only play on Wednesday and Friday, presenting an opportunity to drop fringe players on their roster to snag more productive options from teams with heavier schedules. This week, players on the bubble include Derik Queen and Herb Jones.
Bypassing Bye Weeks
For those holding bye weeks in their playoffs, it’s crucial to stay proactive. Begin scouting for future matchups and scheduling trends. Look ahead to Week 21 when both Washington and Phoenix will see five games on their slate, making them potential must-haves. Monitor player injuries closely as updates about Devin Booker are forthcoming, which could influence roster decisions significantly.
Stay active when scrutinizing opponents’ performance in your league; identify weaknesses to exploit and areas in your own lineup that require bolstering, targeting specific categories for improvement.
As we head into everything that the upcoming week holds, make sure to strategize effectively and capitalize on favorable matchups, ensuring you’re prepared for the contests ahead. Keep an eye on those streaming options to maximize your lineup’s potential. Prepare for the ahead—next Monday will inevitably arrive!
