Backcourt Boost: Week 24's Top Guard Plays
Start: Daniss Jenkins, Pistons
14% start rate
The Detroit Pistons' unexpected gem, Daniss Jenkins, has been unleashed in the absence of the sidelined Cade Cunningham, who is battling a collapsed lung. Jenkins has seized his starting opportunity, delivering elite fantasy production precisely when it matters most. Over his last six games as a starter, he's averaging an impressive 18.7 points, complemented by 7.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds. With Detroit on a four-game schedule and still pushing for seeding, Jenkins is a high-upside play.
Start: Naji Marshall, Mavericks
15% start rate
Naji Marshall has transformed into the Dallas Mavericks' mid-season marvel, putting together a career-best campaign across the board. The veteran wing is hitting career highs in points (15.5), assists (3.3), and steals (1.1), all while shooting an outstanding 51.6% from the field. More critically for championship week, Marshall is absolutely red-hot, averaging 20.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals over his last eight contests. With Dallas also enjoying a four-game week, Marshall is a must-start.
Bench 'Em: Guard to Avoid
Sit: Cade Cunningham, Pistons
61% start rate
Despite the Pistons' favorable four-game schedule, Cade Cunningham remains sidelined indefinitely due to his lung injury. His reevaluation isn't until late in the week, meaning he'll likely miss at least three of the four games, if not the entire remainder of the season. In a do-or-die championship week, you simply cannot afford to roster a player with such an uncertain and bleak outlook. Keep him on your bench and look for active, high-volume alternatives.
Frontcourt Firepower: Essential Forwards for Playoff Pushes
Start: Kon Knueppel, Hornets
50% start rate
Kon Knueppel has been a revelation for the Charlotte Hornets, enjoying a record-setting rookie season that has seen him consistently reward fantasy managers. His March has been particularly strong, with averages of 17.6 points (40.7% from three-point range), 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 30.4 minutes per game. Knueppel is a virtual lock for multiple threes every time he steps onto the court. With Charlotte aiming to improve its play-in positioning across a four-game week, expect Knueppel to remain heavily involved and aggressive.
Start: Matas Buzelis, Bulls
31% start rate
Matas Buzelis is experiencing a true breakout in his second season with the Chicago Bulls, delivering career highs across every statistical category. He's entering championship week playing arguably the best basketball of his young career, averaging a sensational 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals over his last 10 games. Buzelis's ability to contribute across the stat sheet, combined with Chicago's tendency for high-scoring matchups and a four-game week, makes him an invaluable asset.
Forward Freeze: Who to Bench
Sit: Mikal Bridges, Knicks
52% start rate
While healthy, Mikal Bridges's fantasy value has taken a hit recently, particularly with his star New York Knicks teammates also healthy and soaking up usage. His production has dipped to 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over his last 12 games, including multiple single-digit scoring outputs. Add to this the Knicks' reduced three-game schedule this week, and Bridges becomes a risky play. There are likely better, higher-volume, four-game options available to slot into your lineup.
Dominating the Paint: Must-Start Centers
Start: Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets
41% start rate
Often overshadowed by his Houston Rockets teammates, Jabari Smith Jr. has quietly emerged as a rock-solid third option and a consistent multi-category contributor for fantasy managers. Heading into a critical four-game week for Houston, Smith is on a tear, averaging 17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over his last 11 games, playing a robust 36.9 minutes per outing. With recent 20-plus-point efforts, double-doubles, and multi-block games, Smith's consistency makes him a confident start.
Start: Kyle Filipowski, Jazz
19% start rate
Kyle Filipowski has been a major beneficiary of the Utah Jazz's injury woes this season, and the second-year big man is absolutely thriving down the stretch. He's exploded for 25 and 26-point performances in his last two games, shooting an incredible 67.7% from the field. Over his last 11 contests, Filipowski has been a well-rounded force, averaging 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in just 26.6 minutes. With the Jazz on a four-game week and his role secured, Filipowski is a fantastic high-upside play.
Center Sideline: The Risky Big Man
Sit: Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers
54% start rate
It's tough to bench a player with the immense double-double potential of Donovan Clingan, but the Portland Trail Blazers' brutal two-game schedule this week makes him a massive liability. While he can put up monster lines, his scoring can also fluctuate wildly, as seen in three of his last four games where he scored only six or seven points. In championship week, sacrificing two games of production from a center is too great a risk. Seek out a three or four-game alternative who can offer more consistent opportunities and output.
