The NBA trade deadline did not disappoint. It gave fantasy managers plenty of action and shifts in value. The buyout market appears strong and could further complicate rotations in the coming week, so stay tuned for that.

Week 18 only consists of four days because the All-Star Break begins after Thursday’s games. That means far fewer opportunities, but still, a few chances to maximize your games played in head-to-head leagues. Do not forget to check out the Advanced Schedule Grid at Hashtag Basketball to answer specific inquiries.

Weekly lock leagues

Tips for the week: Weekly streaming in this period is difficult. The New York Knicks play three times but have a maddening rotation that changes on a nightly basis. Five teams have just one game, so avoiding Lakers, Suns, Kings, Spurs, and Jazz players seems wise. The rest of your roster is likely filled from the 24 teams playing twice before the break.

Top adds to targets rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.

1. Kevin Knox- New York Knicks (43%)- Points, rebounds, and 3-pointers made add.
2. Noah Vonleh- New York Knicks (27%)- Rebounds with small contributions in nearly every other category.
3. Marcus Smart- Boston Celtics (49%)- Elite steals are the primary reason to add Smart.
4. P.J. Tucker- Houston Rockets (45%)- Tucker continues to contribute in rebounds, steals, and 3-pointers made.
5. Kevin Huerter- Atlanta Hawks (34%)- Likely a top-100 contributor after the All-Star Break.
6. Al-Farouq Aminu- Portland Trail Blazers (47%)- A consistently underrated fantasy option.
7. Collin Sexton- Cleveland Cavaliers (44%)- Sexton is a fantastic stream for points.
8. Maxi Kleber- Dallas Mavericks (13%)- Since the Porzingis trade, Kleber is averaging 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 3-pointers made, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in 26.7 minutes a night.

Daily roster changes

First, a word on the schedule itself: Wednesday features 11 games meaning streaming on that day will be almost impossible. Monday has nine contests making it a borderline day as well. Let us dive a bit deeper in the hopes of finding a few potential waiver wire options.

Note: The New York Knicks have the best schedule in Week 18 by playing three times.

Back-to-backs

Monday-Tuesday

No teams scheduled.

Tuesday-Thursday pseudo

Atlanta Hawks

Kent Bazemore (48%)- Bazemore is playing limited minutes, but still contributes well in steals and blocks.

Kevin Huerter (34%)- Since Dec. 8, Huerter is averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.4 3-pointers made, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in 33.1 minutes a night. Add him now.

New Orleans Pelicans

No recommended streamers.

Orlando Magic

D.J. Augustin (41%)- Points, assists, and 3-pointers made target.

Looking ahead to Week 19

The All-Star Break lasts an entire week meaning games do not pick up until Thursday, Feb. 21. Fantasy managers are going to want to use a pickup from Week 18 to gain an advantage on that day as well.

Every team plays twice in Week 19, so gaining an extra game or two could be massive. Below are few targets from the squads that play on Feb. 21

• Marcus Smart- Boston Celtics (49%)- Elite steals with assists, threes, rebounds, and blocks help from a guard.
• Collin Sexton- Cleveland Cavaliers (44%)- Sexton may be the top points streaming option on the waiver wire, but provides little help elsewhere.
• P.J. Tucker- Houston Rockets (45%)- Tucker is a rebounds, steals, and 3-pointers made contributor.
• Mikal Bridges- Phoenix Suns (41%)- Steals and blocks streamer.
• T.J. McConnell- Philadelphia 76ers (6%)- Steals streamer.

Final thoughts

Looking for more fantasy information? Check out the Watching the Boxes Podcast for plenty more on the schedule and all the fantasy basketball knowledge managers need to know. The path to a fantasy championship requires buckling down and making a few shrewd moves right now. Here is to wishing you the best of luck in your quest for the crown.