It's Week 19, and the NBA fantasy landscape is ripe for strategic moves! With the All-Star break behind us, a conventional schedule and a flurry of injury-related opportunities mean sharp decisions are key to climbing the standings.
Key Points for Week 19
- More Games, More Chances: Many teams boast a crucial four-game schedule, providing maximum scoring potential.
- Injury Impact: High-profile injuries open up significant roles for under-rostered players.
- Strategic Benches: Don't hesitate to sit stars with limited games or injury concerns this week.
- Deep Value Plays: Look for guards, forwards, and centers stepping into larger roles.
This week offers a wealth of four-game schedules, giving a distinct advantage to players from the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs. Conversely, the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are limited to just two games, making their stars tougher plays.
Guards: Who to Trust in the Backcourt Battle?
Max Christie, Los Angeles Lakers
19% roster rate
Max Christie is quietly carving out a significant role for the Los Angeles Lakers, and his stock is soaring. Coming off the All-Star break, he's shown he can deliver consistent across-the-board production. With a four-game week ahead for the Lakers, Christie's proven ability to score, dish, and rebound, combined with a sharp three-point stroke (42.6% from downtown), makes him an enticing start. Look for him to continue capitalizing on his increased minutes.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
50% start rate
Ryan Rollins is absolutely scorching from beyond the arc and leading the charge for the Milwaukee Bucks offense when given the chance. He recently co-led the team with 21 points against the Raptors, adding nine rebounds. Rollins is averaging a dazzling 22.0 points with 50.8% three-point shooting over his last nine games. With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially sidelined for more time due to his calf injury, Rollins becomes an even more appealing option in the Bucks' four-game week.
ALSO CONSIDER: Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies (34% roster rate)
Sit: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
72% start rate
This is a tough call, but benching Devin Booker is prudent this week. He's battling a hip injury that will likely sideline him for the Phoenix Suns' entire two-game week. Even if he miraculously plays, the limited opportunities simply don't justify a starting spot over other high-upside options with fuller schedules. Keep him rested on your bench.
Forwards: Unlocking Value and Avoiding Pitfalls
GG Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies
22% roster rate
GG Jackson has been a revelation for the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies, stepping up big time. He’s been stuffing the stat sheet with averages of 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks since a shift in team dynamics. Jackson’s versatility, whether starting or coming off the bench, is exactly what you need. With the Grizzlies facing a four-game week and still shorthanded, Jackson is poised for another strong fantasy output.
Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
34% start rate
Kelly Oubre Jr. continues to deliver for the Philadelphia 76ers, even when the shot isn't always falling. He recently posted 18 points, five rebounds, and an impressive four steals against the Timberwolves. Oubre’s overall production, including 15.3 points and 1.7 steals over his last nine, makes him a solid play. With Joel Embiid's continued absence due to shin and knee issues, Oubre's role remains elevated, despite the Sixers' three-game week.
ALSO CONSIDER: Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers (36% start rate); Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks (32% start rate)
Sit: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
74% roster rate
Draymond Green is dealing with lower-back soreness, causing concern for his availability, and the Golden State Warriors only have three games on the schedule. His production can be inconsistent even when healthy, and with a shorter week and injury risk, it's wise to pivot to a forward who offers more certainty and opportunities. Don't risk a goose egg from Green.
Centers: Big Man Decisions for the Week
Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
20% start rate
Jabari Smith Jr. remains an underrated gem, consistently outperforming his low start rate. The Houston Rockets big man is having a career-best season, boasting new highs in points (15.3), assists (1.8), and blocks (1.0). Heading into a four-game week, Smith is averaging 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over his last 10 games, with fantastic shooting splits. His floor-spacing and favorable matchups against the Jazz and Kings make him a must-start.
Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks
12% start rate
Daniel Gafford has quickly become a key piece for the Dallas Mavericks, solidifying the center position. Since joining the Mavs, he's stepped into a more prominent role, showcasing his defensive prowess and efficient scoring around the rim. With the Mavericks facing a four-game week, Gafford's increased minutes and contribution in blocks and rebounds make him a fantastic, under-the-radar starting option. He's primed to deliver strong fantasy value.
ALSO CONSIDER: Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics (28% start rate)
Sit: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
64% start rate
It’s painful to consider benching Joel Embiid, but Week 19 presents a compelling case. The 76ers MVP enters the week still sidelined with lower-leg issues, having missed five consecutive games with no clear return timeline. Philadelphia only plays three games, and the risk of him missing one or more is simply too high. With so many four-game candidates available, prioritize players who are healthy and guaranteed to play a full schedule over Embiid's uncertainty.
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