Welcome to The Playlist: your weekly guide on who and what you need to add to your fantasy basketball lineup. Each week, you’ll find a roundup of pickups, schedule insights, and lineup notes to help you stay ahead in the game. Hit play and tune into the latest fantasy basketball updates.
As we wrap up Week 12, the fantasy basketball scene is heating up. Keep an eye on Walker Kessler, who missed two games for “rest,” and note that Brandon Miller is out indefinitely due to a wrist injury. Also, don’t miss out on Trey Murphy III’s impressive performance, landing him in the top 10 in 9-cat leagues.
Here are the standout players from Week 12: Kevin Durant in points leagues with 211.3 fantasy points, and Victor Wembanyama in 9-category leagues.
In this week’s rotation, consider these waiver pickups who are rostered under 50%:
– Nick Richards (C, Phoenix Suns, 40% rostered): Richards is a must-add following his strong debut game with the Suns, delivering a double-double and showing promise for future fantasy contributions.
– Tari Eason (SF/PF, Houston Rockets, 41% rostered): Eason is back in action and making an impact with his well-rounded stats, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
– Scoot Henderson (PG, Portland Trail Blazers, 43% rostered): Henderson’s recent performances make him a worthy pickup, especially with a favorable schedule in Week 13.
– Cason Wallace (PG/SG, Oklahoma City Thunder, 25% rostered): Wallace has been a consistent contributor across categories and deserves more attention in fantasy leagues.
Looking for streaming options? Consider these players:
– Cole Anthony (PG, Orlando Magic, 31% rostered): Anthony is a solid streaming choice, especially with key players out in the Magic lineup.
– Toumani Camara (SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers, 28% rostered): Camara has been a valuable player in recent weeks and could be a beneficial streamer.
– Spencer Dinwiddie (PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks, 23% rostered): Dinwiddie offers solid production and is worth considering for streaming purposes.
Stay tuned for more fantasy basketball insights and updates to keep your lineup competitive.
Dončić is back in action, so make sure to take advantage of his return if possible. Dinwiddie has been performing well, offering eighth-round value in points and 9-cat leagues over the past two weeks despite Kyrie Irving’s comeback. The Mavericks kick off the week with three games in four nights, making Dinwiddie a solid streaming option. If he’s not available, consider picking up Naji Marshall or Quentin Grimes.
Nikola Jović – PF/C, Miami Heat (34%)
Jović saw significant playing time on Friday night, logging 31 minutes as Miami’s first player off the bench even with Jimmy Butler back. He has been delivering solid fantasy production, ranking in the ninth round in 9-cat leagues over the past two weeks. Given the ongoing Butler situation, it’s wise for fantasy managers to stick with Jović and potentially benefit from any moves involving Butler or Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Guerschon Yabusele – PF/C, Philadelphia 76ers (18%)
With the Sixers facing challenges and Joel Embiid being re-evaluated for knee swelling, Yabusele emerges as a valuable free agent pickup. He has been posting impressive stats, averaging 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in 35 minutes per game over his last six outings. Given the uncertainty around Embiid’s return, adding Yabusele to your roster is a smart move.
Luke Kennard – SG, Memphis Grizzlies (6%)
Kennard got a starting opportunity due to Ja Morant’s absence and made the most of it by scoring 17 points along with solid all-around contributions. He has been consistent with double-digit scoring and multiple three-pointers in recent games, making him a viable streaming option for the Grizzlies’ four-game week.
Weekly Game Schedule
Plan your streaming strategies based on the NBA games scheduled each day. With key streaming days falling on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, set your lineups early to maximize games played. Target teams with four-game weeks, such as the Cavaliers, Celtics, Clippers, Grizzlies, Hawks, Hornets, Mavericks, Pelicans, Trail Blazers, and Warriors. If you miss out on the mentioned players, consider streaming options like Robert Williams, Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and others with favorable schedules.
Injury News
Stay updated on injury news, such as the ongoing situation with the Dallas Mavericks. Stay informed to make informed roster decisions and maximize your team’s potential.
In the latest NBA injury updates, Mavericks’ star Luka Dončić is on track to potentially make a comeback before the All-Star break, bringing hope to fans and teammates alike. Meanwhile, the Sixers’ center Joel Embiid is set to undergo a re-evaluation for his knee injury in the next 7-10 days, keeping fans on edge as they await further news on his condition.
The Warriors faced a setback as forward/center Draymond Green exited Saturday’s game due to a calf injury, prompting concern among the team and fans. An MRI scheduled for Sunday will shed light on the severity of Green’s injury and the potential impact on the team’s upcoming games.
Over in Orlando, forward Franz Wagner has received a positive update on his oblique injury, with the team upgrading him to “return to competition reconditioning.” Barring any setbacks, Wagner is expected to be back in action within the next 14 days, providing a boost to the Magic lineup.
In Oklahoma City, forward/center Chet Holmgren is gearing up for a re-evaluation in 3-5 weeks for his pelvis injury, with the team closely monitoring his progress and recovery timeline.
Shifting focus to the NBA teams’ injury report, teams are actively managing their rosters and rotations amidst the ongoing challenges of player injuries. The latest updates highlight the impact of key players being sidelined and the adjustments teams are making to adapt to these changes.
In the rotation watchlist segment, the Atlanta Hawks are experiencing a surge in performance from Onyeka Okongwu, who is putting up impressive numbers in his recent games. The dynamic between Okongwu and Clint Capela presents an intriguing scenario for the team, sparking speculation about potential lineup changes in the future.
The Washington Wizards are seeing promising contributions from rookies Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington, hinting at a bright future for the young players as the team navigates through the season. With the possibility of veteran assets being moved, there could be significant opportunities for the rookies to step up and make an impact on the court.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons are eyeing strategic moves to enhance their roster with complementary players ahead of the trade deadline. The potential addition of another ball-handler could address key needs for the team, while also creating a ripple effect on the current lineup and rotation, impacting players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley.
As the NBA landscape continues to evolve with injuries and roster adjustments, teams are exploring various strategies to maintain competitiveness and maximize player contributions. Fans can expect a dynamic and ever-changing environment as teams navigate through the challenges of the season, with key players making their mark both on and off the court.
