Fantasy Basketball Week 2 Schedule Preview
Fantasy Basketball Week 2 Schedule Preview
Fantasy basketball managers should be maximizing their games each week. Today, I walk you through doing just that for Week 2.
Fantasy basketball managers should be maximizing their games each week. Today, I walk you through doing just that for Week 2.
The 2020-2021 season is here and fans have already seen plenty of surprises, but it is important not to overreact. Everything is still a small sample size. Players have hot shooting nights and cold ones. Some are still working their way into shape after a short offseason. Do not panic trade.
Today, our goal is to help fantasy managers maximize their games played in head-to-head leagues by using the schedule to our advantage. For an expanded look, check out our Advanced NBA Schedule Grid.
Teams that play four times (14)
Hawks, Celtics, Nets, Bulls, Nuggets, Pistons, Clippers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, Suns, Blazers, Jazz, and Wizards.
Teams that play three times (16)
Hornets, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Heat, Bucks, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Knicks, Magic, 76ers, Kings, Spurs, and Raptors.
Fantasy basketball talking points
- The Rockets saga continues, which leaves fantasy managers in the dark. James Harden looked outstanding against the Blazers in his first action. DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall will be cleared this week to help Houston’s overall play.
- Tuesday and Friday both feature ten games in Week 2, which should eliminate streaming on those days.
- The Nets are in for a monster week because they play the Grizzlies, Hawks (twice), and Washington Wizards.
- Can the Warriors get their groove back? They play in Detroit before hosting the Trail Blazers twice in Week 2.
- Phoenix may have the worst slate among the team with four games. They are in Utah and Denver on back-to-back nights plus face the Clippers and Pelicans.
Top 11 streamers for Week 2 (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Dillion Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies (48%), SG/SF
Brooks averaged 16.0 points, 2.0 3-pointers made, and 0.9 steals in 28.9 minutes per game. Expect that to continue this season.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
89 |
2 |
31.9 |
0.405 |
1.000 |
2.00 |
17.50 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
Mason Plumlee, Detroit Pistons (34%), PF/C
He is starting in Detroit and fans know his game. Plumlee could be a plus in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, while scoring 10-plus points per game.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
66 |
2 |
32.5 |
0.714 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
10.00 |
8.50 |
5.50 |
1.50 |
0.00 |
1.50 |
Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz (46%), SG/SF
Ingles is an assists, steals, and threes streamer. Those out of position dimes come in handy, especially this season.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
95 |
2 |
26.3 |
0.444 |
1.000 |
2.50 |
12.00 |
3.50 |
3.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
George Hill, Oklahoma City Thunder (6%), PG/SF
He started in the team’s season opener. Even in 28 minutes per game, Hill could average 12 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and one steal.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
26 |
1 |
24.1 |
0.889 |
0.500 |
4.00 |
21.00 |
4.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls (30%), SF
Often, I avoid touting rookies, but Williams had an impressive debut. He started over Otto Porter Jr., played 33 minutes, and had 16 points on 11 field goal attempts. Williams could average over one block and one steal per game given those minutes. Worth taking a flier on early in the season in standard leagues.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
120 |
2 |
27.5 |
0.412 |
0.900 |
1.00 |
12.50 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
Nic Batum, LA Clippers (14%), SF/PF
For as long as Marcus Morris is out, Batum figures to start and produce standard league relevant numbers. He will be a plus in assists, rebounds, and steals when playing over 30 per night.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
60 |
2 |
32.2 |
0.500 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
8.00 |
8.00 |
5.00 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
1.50 |
Kyle Anderson, Memphis Grizzlies (14%), SF/PF
He averaged 8.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game during the 2018-2019 season. No reason he can’t replicate those numbers with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow out.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
70 |
2 |
32.6 |
0.478 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
13.50 |
12.00 |
1.50 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
Kevin Huerter, Atlanta Hawks (45%), SG/SF
The Hawks getting healthy could bump down his value, but fans have seen Huerter be standard league fantasy relevant in around 30 minutes per game. He produces across the board and should be close to a 100-option this week playing 27 minutes a night.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
79 |
2 |
26.8 |
0.545 |
0.667 |
3.00 |
16.00 |
2.00 |
4.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.50 |
Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers (33%), C
Zubac is the backup center for the Clippers, but do not be surprised to see him average a double-double with one block per game if he gets 25 minutes a night.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
165 |
2 |
22.8 |
0.857 |
0.733 |
0.00 |
11.50 |
3.00 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
1.00 |
1.50 |
Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves (14%), C
Minnesota is light on bigs, and with KAT looking at missing time with a dislocated wrist, it's worth looking at Reid as a viable option.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
166 |
2 |
17.6 |
0.385 |
0.667 |
1.00 |
8.00 |
3.50 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
Tristan Thompson, Boston Celtics (35%), PF/C
He averaged 12.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.2 percent for the Cavs. Minutes could be down slightly this season, but solid points, rebounds, and blocks should be had.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
167 |
2 |
21.9 |
0.500 |
1.000 |
0.00 |
10.00 |
8.00 |
0.50 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
Daily streaming options
First, a word on the schedule itself: Tuesday and Friday both feature ten games making streaming difficult on those days. Fantasy managers should be able to fit a streamer in their lineup the other five days. Here is a look at how you could get two games out of one pickup.
Back-to-backs
Monday-Wednesday pseudo
Atlanta Hawks
Kevin Huerter (45%): Huerter produces well across the board when playing 30-plus minutes per game. Playing time could be an issue if Kris Dunn, Rajon Rondo, and others return to the lineup, though.
Brooklyn Nets
No recommended streamers.
Los Angeles Lakers
Kyle Kuzma (48%): Points and threes streamer.
Memphis Grizzlies
Dillion Brooks (48%): Points streamer that adds incremental gains in every category, except field goal percentage.
Kyle Anderson (14%): Anderson can help in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks when getting the minutes, and should continue to do so with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow out.
Portland Trail Blazers
Carmelo Anthony (46%): Points and rebounds streamer.
Wednesday-Thursday
No back-to-backs scheduled.
Thursday-Saturday pseudo
Oklahoma City Thunder
George Hill (6%): Could average 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal playing starter’s minutes.
Luguentz Dort (8%): Steals streamer in for a larger role this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
JaVale McGee (9%): Blocks add.
Houston Rockets
P.J Tucker (23%): Rebounds and steals streamer.
Indiana Pacers
No recommended additions.
New Orleans Pelicans
J.J. Reddick (33%): Points and threes steamer.
Josh Hart (14%): Rebounds and steals add.
New York Knicks
Elfrid Payton (41%): Assists and steals streamer.
Orlando Magic
Terrence Ross (43%): Points, threes, and steals add.
Cole Anthony (13%): Watch list players or deep league. Target the rookie for his assists, steals, and rebounds.
Philadelphia 76ers
Dwight Howard (15%): Deeper league rebounds and blocks add.
Sacramento Kings
No recommended streamers.
Toronto Raptors
Aron Baynes (34%): Points and rebounds target.
Saturday-Sunday
No back-to-backs scheduled.
Looking ahead to Week 3
Fans may make a pickup on Sunday that can help them in Week 3. Here are the teams playing Sunday (in week 2), and Monday of Week 3.
Boston Celtics
Tristan Thompson (35%): Thompson could average a double-double per game with close to one block and a strong field goal percentage.
Detroit Pistons
Mason Plumlee (34%): Plumlee was averaging 11.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 28.1 minutes per game the last time he was a starter. He was traded to Denver and played behind Nikola Jokic for three and a half-season, but the starting center job is wide open on a rebuilding Detroit team. Expect Plumlee to work his way into fantasy relevance again this season.
Dallas Mavericks
Maxi Kleber (25%): Blocks streamer.
Golden State Warriors
No recommended streamers.
The 2020-2021 season is here and fans have already seen plenty of surprises, but it is important not to overreact. Everything is still a small sample size. Players have hot shooting nights and cold ones. Some are still working their way into shape after a short offseason. Do not panic trade.
Today, our goal is to help fantasy managers maximize their games played in head-to-head leagues by using the schedule to our advantage. For an expanded look, check out our Advanced NBA Schedule Grid.
Teams that play four times (14)
Hawks, Celtics, Nets, Bulls, Nuggets, Pistons, Clippers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, Suns, Blazers, Jazz, and Wizards.
Teams that play three times (16)
Hornets, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Heat, Bucks, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Knicks, Magic, 76ers, Kings, Spurs, and Raptors.
Fantasy basketball talking points
- The Rockets saga continues, which leaves fantasy managers in the dark. James Harden looked outstanding against the Blazers in his first action. DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall will be cleared this week to help Houston’s overall play.
- Tuesday and Friday both feature ten games in Week 2, which should eliminate streaming on those days.
- The Nets are in for a monster week because they play the Grizzlies, Hawks (twice), and Washington Wizards.
- Can the Warriors get their groove back? They play in Detroit before hosting the Trail Blazers twice in Week 2.
- Phoenix may have the worst slate among the team with four games. They are in Utah and Denver on back-to-back nights plus face the Clippers and Pelicans.
Top 11 streamers for Week 2 (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Dillion Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies (48%), SG/SF
Brooks averaged 16.0 points, 2.0 3-pointers made, and 0.9 steals in 28.9 minutes per game. Expect that to continue this season.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
89 |
2 |
31.9 |
0.405 |
1.000 |
2.00 |
17.50 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
Mason Plumlee, Detroit Pistons (34%), PF/C
He is starting in Detroit and fans know his game. Plumlee could be a plus in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, while scoring 10-plus points per game.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
66 |
2 |
32.5 |
0.714 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
10.00 |
8.50 |
5.50 |
1.50 |
0.00 |
1.50 |
Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz (46%), SG/SF
Ingles is an assists, steals, and threes streamer. Those out of position dimes come in handy, especially this season.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
95 |
2 |
26.3 |
0.444 |
1.000 |
2.50 |
12.00 |
3.50 |
3.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
George Hill, Oklahoma City Thunder (6%), PG/SF
He started in the team’s season opener. Even in 28 minutes per game, Hill could average 12 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and one steal.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
26 |
1 |
24.1 |
0.889 |
0.500 |
4.00 |
21.00 |
4.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls (30%), SF
Often, I avoid touting rookies, but Williams had an impressive debut. He started over Otto Porter Jr., played 33 minutes, and had 16 points on 11 field goal attempts. Williams could average over one block and one steal per game given those minutes. Worth taking a flier on early in the season in standard leagues.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
120 |
2 |
27.5 |
0.412 |
0.900 |
1.00 |
12.50 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
Nic Batum, LA Clippers (14%), SF/PF
For as long as Marcus Morris is out, Batum figures to start and produce standard league relevant numbers. He will be a plus in assists, rebounds, and steals when playing over 30 per night.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
60 |
2 |
32.2 |
0.500 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
8.00 |
8.00 |
5.00 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
1.50 |
Kyle Anderson, Memphis Grizzlies (14%), SF/PF
He averaged 8.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game during the 2018-2019 season. No reason he can’t replicate those numbers with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow out.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
70 |
2 |
32.6 |
0.478 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
13.50 |
12.00 |
1.50 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
Kevin Huerter, Atlanta Hawks (45%), SG/SF
The Hawks getting healthy could bump down his value, but fans have seen Huerter be standard league fantasy relevant in around 30 minutes per game. He produces across the board and should be close to a 100-option this week playing 27 minutes a night.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
79 |
2 |
26.8 |
0.545 |
0.667 |
3.00 |
16.00 |
2.00 |
4.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.50 |
Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers (33%), C
Zubac is the backup center for the Clippers, but do not be surprised to see him average a double-double with one block per game if he gets 25 minutes a night.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
165 |
2 |
22.8 |
0.857 |
0.733 |
0.00 |
11.50 |
3.00 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
1.00 |
1.50 |
Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves (14%), C
Minnesota is light on bigs, and with KAT looking at missing time with a dislocated wrist, it's worth looking at Reid as a viable option.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
166 |
2 |
17.6 |
0.385 |
0.667 |
1.00 |
8.00 |
3.50 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
Tristan Thompson, Boston Celtics (35%), PF/C
He averaged 12.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.2 percent for the Cavs. Minutes could be down slightly this season, but solid points, rebounds, and blocks should be had.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| 2020/21 Season |
167 |
2 |
21.9 |
0.500 |
1.000 |
0.00 |
10.00 |
8.00 |
0.50 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
Daily streaming options
First, a word on the schedule itself: Tuesday and Friday both feature ten games making streaming difficult on those days. Fantasy managers should be able to fit a streamer in their lineup the other five days. Here is a look at how you could get two games out of one pickup.
Back-to-backs
Monday-Wednesday pseudo
Atlanta Hawks
Kevin Huerter (45%): Huerter produces well across the board when playing 30-plus minutes per game. Playing time could be an issue if Kris Dunn, Rajon Rondo, and others return to the lineup, though.
Brooklyn Nets
No recommended streamers.
Los Angeles Lakers
Kyle Kuzma (48%): Points and threes streamer.
Memphis Grizzlies
Dillion Brooks (48%): Points streamer that adds incremental gains in every category, except field goal percentage.
Kyle Anderson (14%): Anderson can help in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks when getting the minutes, and should continue to do so with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow out.
Portland Trail Blazers
Carmelo Anthony (46%): Points and rebounds streamer.
Wednesday-Thursday
No back-to-backs scheduled.
Thursday-Saturday pseudo
Oklahoma City Thunder
George Hill (6%): Could average 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal playing starter’s minutes.
Luguentz Dort (8%): Steals streamer in for a larger role this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
JaVale McGee (9%): Blocks add.
Houston Rockets
P.J Tucker (23%): Rebounds and steals streamer.
Indiana Pacers
No recommended additions.
New Orleans Pelicans
J.J. Reddick (33%): Points and threes steamer.
Josh Hart (14%): Rebounds and steals add.
New York Knicks
Elfrid Payton (41%): Assists and steals streamer.
Orlando Magic
Terrence Ross (43%): Points, threes, and steals add.
Cole Anthony (13%): Watch list players or deep league. Target the rookie for his assists, steals, and rebounds.
Philadelphia 76ers
Dwight Howard (15%): Deeper league rebounds and blocks add.
Sacramento Kings
No recommended streamers.
Toronto Raptors
Aron Baynes (34%): Points and rebounds target.
Saturday-Sunday
No back-to-backs scheduled.
Looking ahead to Week 3
Fans may make a pickup on Sunday that can help them in Week 3. Here are the teams playing Sunday (in week 2), and Monday of Week 3.
Boston Celtics
Tristan Thompson (35%): Thompson could average a double-double per game with close to one block and a strong field goal percentage.
Detroit Pistons
Mason Plumlee (34%): Plumlee was averaging 11.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 28.1 minutes per game the last time he was a starter. He was traded to Denver and played behind Nikola Jokic for three and a half-season, but the starting center job is wide open on a rebuilding Detroit team. Expect Plumlee to work his way into fantasy relevance again this season.
Dallas Mavericks
Maxi Kleber (25%): Blocks streamer.
Golden State Warriors
No recommended streamers.