Fantasy Basketball Week 5 Schedule Preview (Monday-Thursday)
Fantasy Basketball Week 5 Schedule Preview (Monday-Thursday)
Fantasy basketball managers looking to maximize their game played in head-to-head leagues can get all the information they need right here.
Fantasy basketball managers looking to maximize their game played in head-to-head leagues can get all the information they need right here.
Fantasy basketball managers are facing an unprecedented season. The pandemic is causing teams to play with eight players or cancel games because they cannot field a roster. Health and safety should be the priority, so wishing everyone well dealing with something. The changes are leaving everyone scrambling, though.
Fans have seen it already impact Week 5. The Cavaliers and Wizards game on Monday was already postponed shifting both teams down to three games this week. The craziness has forced a change in this article. The focus will shift to the short-term to help fantasy managers maximize their game played in head-to-head leagues. Let us jump right into it.
Teams that play four times (16)
Hawks, Nets, Mavericks, Pistons, Warriors, Rockets, Grizzlies, Heat, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks, Magic, Suns, Blazers, Spurs, Raptors.
Teams that play three times (14)
Celtics, Cavaliers, Hornets, Bulls, Nuggets, Pacers, Clippers, Lakers, Pelicans, Thunder, Sixers, Kings, Jazz, Wizards.
Fantasy basketball talking points
- Postponements. Any team could be next. Managers need to check their lineups every day just before tipoff to make sure they are maximizing their stats.
- Be sure to manage your IR. Ja Morant and Kristaps Porzingis returned in recent days get them active. Kyrie Irving appears nearing a return so keep an eye on his status this week.
- This week is the time to start evaluating your team. Are you weak in a category? Do you need to punt one to boost others? Making a trade that improves your roster construction can be the difference in winning a fantasy title.
- The Knicks have arguably the best schedule this week. They play on two light days as they face the Magic, Warriors, Kings, and Blazers. All four teams are known to give up some fantasy points.
- The Celtics have the worst slate with three games including two on days with double-digit games. They are in Philadelphia twice plus face Cleveland at home.
Top 10 streamers for Week 5 (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets (42%), SG/SF
Gordon is averaging 14.3 points and 2.3 3-pointers made in 25.7 minutes per game so far this season. The Rockets need someone to score with James Harden heading to Brooklyn. Expect more shots to come Gordon’s way going forward.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
268 |
2 |
21.1 |
0.429 |
0.500 |
1.50 |
8.50 |
1.00 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
93 |
7 |
25.6 |
0.434 |
0.899 |
2.30 |
14.30 |
2.10 |
1.60 |
1.00 |
0.90 |
1.60 |
Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic (30%), PG
Markelle Fultz’s ACL injury opens the door for Cole Anthony to start and play 30-plus minutes per game. The rookie should provide strong points, rebounds, assists, and steals given his new playing time. Fantasy managers will take a hit in their field goal percentage, though.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
153 |
3 |
26.7 |
0.370 |
0.835 |
1.30 |
14.30 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
1.30 |
0.30 |
2.70 |
| 2020/21 Season |
242 |
13 |
24.2 |
0.333 |
0.882 |
0.70 |
10.40 |
4.20 |
3.50 |
0.70 |
0.20 |
1.80 |
P.J. Tucker, Houston Rockets (21%), PF/C
Tucker is always an underrated contributor in 3-pointers made, steals, and rebounds. Houston plays four times against three below-average rebounding teams this week. Expect strong numbers from Tucker.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
167 |
4 |
31.1 |
0.278 |
1.000 |
0.80 |
4.50 |
4.30 |
1.30 |
1.50 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
127 |
11 |
32.4 |
0.447 |
0.780 |
1.40 |
5.80 |
5.00 |
1.50 |
1.20 |
0.90 |
1.40 |
Norman Powell, Toronto Raptors (48%), SG/SF
Powell should give fantasy managers strong points, threes, and steals this week as the Raptors play four times.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
151 |
4 |
22.7 |
0.429 |
1.000 |
2.50 |
13.50 |
3.50 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
0.30 |
2.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
179 |
12 |
23.2 |
0.385 |
0.884 |
2.10 |
11.70 |
2.10 |
0.80 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
1.30 |
Kelly Olynyk, Miami Heat (47%), PF/C
The veteran is a strong-across-the-board contributor that is often underrated in fantasy. Olynyk has plenty of minutes coming his way as the Heat deal with COVID-19 protocols, so expect a monster week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
131 |
3 |
36.0 |
0.414 |
0.493 |
1.70 |
10.00 |
5.70 |
3.30 |
1.00 |
0.70 |
2.70 |
| 2020/21 Season |
88 |
10 |
29.2 |
0.451 |
0.625 |
2.40 |
11.10 |
5.50 |
2.50 |
1.00 |
0.80 |
1.70 |
Willie Cauley-Stein, Dallas Mavericks (15%), PF/C
Since moving into the starting lineup, Cauley-Stein is averaging 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game on outstanding shooting percentages with low-volume. Add him if you need big man stats.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
50 |
2 |
30.1 |
0.778 |
0.500 |
0.00 |
7.50 |
12.50 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
217 |
11 |
18.6 |
0.639 |
0.651 |
0.00 |
5.90 |
6.10 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
0.70 |
0.60 |
Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trail Blazers (39), SF/PF
Expect strong points and 3-pointers made this week. The Blazers need scoring with both Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum sidelined.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
126 |
4 |
26.6 |
0.400 |
0.750 |
2.30 |
11.80 |
2.50 |
1.50 |
1.30 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
163 |
12 |
24.8 |
0.398 |
0.846 |
1.80 |
12.00 |
3.10 |
1.20 |
0.80 |
0.50 |
0.80 |
Delon Wright, Detroit Pistons (35%), SG,SF
Wright produces strong rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks for a guard. He always leaves fantasy managers wanting a little more, but the veteran should have a productive week playing four times.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
114 |
3 |
31.4 |
0.231 |
1.000 |
1.00 |
5.70 |
5.70 |
6.70 |
1.00 |
1.30 |
0.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
153 |
12 |
26.2 |
0.382 |
0.870 |
0.80 |
7.60 |
3.70 |
4.30 |
0.70 |
0.70 |
1.00 |
Nerlens Noel, New York Knicks (30%), PF/C
Noel is a strong steals and blocks producer even in 15 minutes per game. Pick him up if you need a boost in those two categories as the Knicks play four times this week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
165 |
4 |
14.8 |
0.625 |
0.500 |
0.00 |
2.80 |
4.00 |
0.50 |
0.80 |
2.30 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
196 |
11 |
14.7 |
0.555 |
0.600 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
4.30 |
0.40 |
0.80 |
1.60 |
1.40 |
Lonnie Walker IV, San Antonio Spurs (40%), SG/SF
Walker is averaging 29.0 minutes per game on the season and producing well in points and threes. Add him if you need a scoring boost this week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
117 |
4 |
30.1 |
0.429 |
0.833 |
2.50 |
18.30 |
3.00 |
2.00 |
0.30 |
0.80 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
169 |
13 |
29.1 |
0.425 |
0.777 |
1.90 |
13.80 |
3.10 |
1.70 |
0.50 |
0.60 |
0.90 |
Daily streaming options
Today’s article will only focus on Monday to Thursday for daily pickups. There will be a mid-week update with the remaining days and a look ahead to next week.
Monday and Wednesday both feature over ten games meaning streaming is likely out in daily leagues. Here is a look at the lone slate of getting two games from one pickup.
Back-to-backs
Tuesday-Thursday pseudo
New Orleans Pelicans
Josh Hart (26%): Rebounds, threes, and steals add.
J.J. Redick (12%): 3-pointers made streamer.
Utah Jazz
Royce O’Neale (22%): Rebounds and threes target.
Derrick Favors (10%): Blocks and rebounds add.
Fantasy basketball managers are facing an unprecedented season. The pandemic is causing teams to play with eight players or cancel games because they cannot field a roster. Health and safety should be the priority, so wishing everyone well dealing with something. The changes are leaving everyone scrambling, though.
Fans have seen it already impact Week 5. The Cavaliers and Wizards game on Monday was already postponed shifting both teams down to three games this week. The craziness has forced a change in this article. The focus will shift to the short-term to help fantasy managers maximize their game played in head-to-head leagues. Let us jump right into it.
Teams that play four times (16)
Hawks, Nets, Mavericks, Pistons, Warriors, Rockets, Grizzlies, Heat, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks, Magic, Suns, Blazers, Spurs, Raptors.
Teams that play three times (14)
Celtics, Cavaliers, Hornets, Bulls, Nuggets, Pacers, Clippers, Lakers, Pelicans, Thunder, Sixers, Kings, Jazz, Wizards.
Fantasy basketball talking points
- Postponements. Any team could be next. Managers need to check their lineups every day just before tipoff to make sure they are maximizing their stats.
- Be sure to manage your IR. Ja Morant and Kristaps Porzingis returned in recent days get them active. Kyrie Irving appears nearing a return so keep an eye on his status this week.
- This week is the time to start evaluating your team. Are you weak in a category? Do you need to punt one to boost others? Making a trade that improves your roster construction can be the difference in winning a fantasy title.
- The Knicks have arguably the best schedule this week. They play on two light days as they face the Magic, Warriors, Kings, and Blazers. All four teams are known to give up some fantasy points.
- The Celtics have the worst slate with three games including two on days with double-digit games. They are in Philadelphia twice plus face Cleveland at home.
Top 10 streamers for Week 5 (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets (42%), SG/SF
Gordon is averaging 14.3 points and 2.3 3-pointers made in 25.7 minutes per game so far this season. The Rockets need someone to score with James Harden heading to Brooklyn. Expect more shots to come Gordon’s way going forward.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
268 |
2 |
21.1 |
0.429 |
0.500 |
1.50 |
8.50 |
1.00 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
93 |
7 |
25.6 |
0.434 |
0.899 |
2.30 |
14.30 |
2.10 |
1.60 |
1.00 |
0.90 |
1.60 |
Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic (30%), PG
Markelle Fultz’s ACL injury opens the door for Cole Anthony to start and play 30-plus minutes per game. The rookie should provide strong points, rebounds, assists, and steals given his new playing time. Fantasy managers will take a hit in their field goal percentage, though.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
153 |
3 |
26.7 |
0.370 |
0.835 |
1.30 |
14.30 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
1.30 |
0.30 |
2.70 |
| 2020/21 Season |
242 |
13 |
24.2 |
0.333 |
0.882 |
0.70 |
10.40 |
4.20 |
3.50 |
0.70 |
0.20 |
1.80 |
P.J. Tucker, Houston Rockets (21%), PF/C
Tucker is always an underrated contributor in 3-pointers made, steals, and rebounds. Houston plays four times against three below-average rebounding teams this week. Expect strong numbers from Tucker.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
167 |
4 |
31.1 |
0.278 |
1.000 |
0.80 |
4.50 |
4.30 |
1.30 |
1.50 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
127 |
11 |
32.4 |
0.447 |
0.780 |
1.40 |
5.80 |
5.00 |
1.50 |
1.20 |
0.90 |
1.40 |
Norman Powell, Toronto Raptors (48%), SG/SF
Powell should give fantasy managers strong points, threes, and steals this week as the Raptors play four times.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
151 |
4 |
22.7 |
0.429 |
1.000 |
2.50 |
13.50 |
3.50 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
0.30 |
2.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
179 |
12 |
23.2 |
0.385 |
0.884 |
2.10 |
11.70 |
2.10 |
0.80 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
1.30 |
Kelly Olynyk, Miami Heat (47%), PF/C
The veteran is a strong-across-the-board contributor that is often underrated in fantasy. Olynyk has plenty of minutes coming his way as the Heat deal with COVID-19 protocols, so expect a monster week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
131 |
3 |
36.0 |
0.414 |
0.493 |
1.70 |
10.00 |
5.70 |
3.30 |
1.00 |
0.70 |
2.70 |
| 2020/21 Season |
88 |
10 |
29.2 |
0.451 |
0.625 |
2.40 |
11.10 |
5.50 |
2.50 |
1.00 |
0.80 |
1.70 |
Willie Cauley-Stein, Dallas Mavericks (15%), PF/C
Since moving into the starting lineup, Cauley-Stein is averaging 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game on outstanding shooting percentages with low-volume. Add him if you need big man stats.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
50 |
2 |
30.1 |
0.778 |
0.500 |
0.00 |
7.50 |
12.50 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
217 |
11 |
18.6 |
0.639 |
0.651 |
0.00 |
5.90 |
6.10 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
0.70 |
0.60 |
Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trail Blazers (39), SF/PF
Expect strong points and 3-pointers made this week. The Blazers need scoring with both Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum sidelined.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
126 |
4 |
26.6 |
0.400 |
0.750 |
2.30 |
11.80 |
2.50 |
1.50 |
1.30 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
163 |
12 |
24.8 |
0.398 |
0.846 |
1.80 |
12.00 |
3.10 |
1.20 |
0.80 |
0.50 |
0.80 |
Delon Wright, Detroit Pistons (35%), SG,SF
Wright produces strong rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks for a guard. He always leaves fantasy managers wanting a little more, but the veteran should have a productive week playing four times.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
114 |
3 |
31.4 |
0.231 |
1.000 |
1.00 |
5.70 |
5.70 |
6.70 |
1.00 |
1.30 |
0.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
153 |
12 |
26.2 |
0.382 |
0.870 |
0.80 |
7.60 |
3.70 |
4.30 |
0.70 |
0.70 |
1.00 |
Nerlens Noel, New York Knicks (30%), PF/C
Noel is a strong steals and blocks producer even in 15 minutes per game. Pick him up if you need a boost in those two categories as the Knicks play four times this week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
165 |
4 |
14.8 |
0.625 |
0.500 |
0.00 |
2.80 |
4.00 |
0.50 |
0.80 |
2.30 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
196 |
11 |
14.7 |
0.555 |
0.600 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
4.30 |
0.40 |
0.80 |
1.60 |
1.40 |
Lonnie Walker IV, San Antonio Spurs (40%), SG/SF
Walker is averaging 29.0 minutes per game on the season and producing well in points and threes. Add him if you need a scoring boost this week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
117 |
4 |
30.1 |
0.429 |
0.833 |
2.50 |
18.30 |
3.00 |
2.00 |
0.30 |
0.80 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
169 |
13 |
29.1 |
0.425 |
0.777 |
1.90 |
13.80 |
3.10 |
1.70 |
0.50 |
0.60 |
0.90 |
Daily streaming options
Today’s article will only focus on Monday to Thursday for daily pickups. There will be a mid-week update with the remaining days and a look ahead to next week.
Monday and Wednesday both feature over ten games meaning streaming is likely out in daily leagues. Here is a look at the lone slate of getting two games from one pickup.
Back-to-backs
Tuesday-Thursday pseudo
New Orleans Pelicans
Josh Hart (26%): Rebounds, threes, and steals add.
J.J. Redick (12%): 3-pointers made streamer.
Utah Jazz
Royce O’Neale (22%): Rebounds and threes target.
Derrick Favors (10%): Blocks and rebounds add.