Fantasy Basketball Schedule Preview: 12-18 April
Fantasy Basketball Schedule Preview: 12-18 April
Fantasy basketball managers are gearing up for an important week. Here is how to maximize your games played in head-to-head leagues.
Fantasy basketball managers are gearing up for an important week. Here is how to maximize your games played in head-to-head leagues.
The buyout season ended and rosters are virtually locked for the rest of the season. There will be injuries and shutdowns, but fantasy managers should know what they are rolling with for the stretch run. Just five weeks remain in the season, and each will be important in the race for the fantasy championship.
Here is a look at how to use the schedule to maximize your games played in head-to-head league. Fans can check out the slate for themselves using our Advanced Schedule Grid (https://hashtagbasketball.com/advanced-nba-schedule-grid).
Teams that play four times (20)
Nets, Hornets, Bulls, Mavericks, Rockets, Pacers, Clippers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Knicks, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Wizards
Teams that play three times (8)
Hawks, Celtics, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Pistons, Bucks, Sixers, Blazers
Fantasy basketball talking points
- It is not a great week for daily streaming options because many of the teams are tightening their rotations or switching things up to rest on a nightly basis. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to who is resting and how they can take advantage.
- Look for players getting hot down the stretch as rotations shift. When teams are eliminated from postseason contention, they could shift to playing younger players. Take advantage of the added fantasy value.
- Many star fantasy options are nearing a return from injury. Do not hesitate to throw them into your rosters quickly once they are activated.
- The Suns have the top schedule this week as they play four times including none of the days with double-digit games. Phoenix is at home with three favorable matchups too.
- The Sixers and Pistons tie for the worst schedule of the week. Each team plays only three times with two on the heaviest schedule days.
Top streaming options from April 12th to the 18th (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Josh Richardson, Dallas Mavericks (47%), SG/SF
Over his last 30 games, Richardson averages 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 3-pointers made, and 1.0 steal in 32.2 minutes per game. The Mavs wing is settling in his role and provides help across the board.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
152 |
4 |
32.1 |
0.396 |
0.750 |
1.80 |
12.00 |
4.50 |
3.30 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
126 |
42 |
32.2 |
0.430 |
0.921 |
1.60 |
12.50 |
3.60 |
2.80 |
0.90 |
0.40 |
1.50 |
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks (31%), PG/SG
Over his last 26 games, Brunson averages 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 3-pointers made on 54.5 percent shooting from the field as he has worked his way into the Sixth Man of the Year conversation. JB can win fantasy managers four categories in this matchup.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
278 |
4 |
28.0 |
0.400 |
0.429 |
2.00 |
11.80 |
3.30 |
3.50 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
161 |
48 |
25.5 |
0.524 |
0.794 |
1.30 |
12.80 |
3.50 |
3.40 |
0.50 |
0.00 |
1.30 |
Theo Maledon, Oklahoma City Thunder (26%), PG
Over his last 26 games, the rookie has averaged 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists 0.8 steals, and 1.9 3-pointers made. The percentages could hurt, but Maledon should offer plenty of counting stats down the stretch.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
245 |
4 |
30.6 |
0.397 |
0.643 |
1.50 |
15.30 |
3.80 |
3.80 |
0.30 |
0.50 |
3.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
248 |
47 |
27.5 |
0.376 |
0.759 |
1.70 |
9.80 |
3.40 |
3.40 |
0.90 |
0.10 |
2.10 |
Justin Holiday, Indiana Pacers (45%), SG/SF
Holiday is a points, 3-pointers made, and steals streamer. He averages 11.1 points, 2.5 threes, and 1.2 steals per game on the season.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
161 |
4 |
25.7 |
0.462 |
0.000 |
1.80 |
7.80 |
3.30 |
2.30 |
0.50 |
0.80 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
115 |
52 |
31.3 |
0.421 |
0.800 |
2.50 |
11.00 |
3.70 |
1.70 |
1.30 |
0.40 |
0.80 |
Alec Burks, New York Knicks (30%), SG/SF
Over his last 21 games, Burks averages 14.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 3-pointers made in 27.0 minutes per game. Fans in need of points, rebounds, and threes should add Burks this week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
238 |
4 |
25.6 |
0.289 |
0.917 |
2.00 |
10.30 |
5.30 |
2.30 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
148 |
42 |
26.1 |
0.413 |
0.860 |
2.00 |
12.60 |
4.40 |
2.20 |
0.70 |
0.30 |
1.00 |
Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves (26%), PF
The rookie has started the Timberwolves last ten games. Over that stretch, he is producing 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 1.8 3-pointers made in 32.8 minutes per game. The 20-year-old is an upside add for fantasy managers looking for some unexpected production down the stretch.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
174 |
4 |
32.5 |
0.379 |
0.750 |
0.50 |
6.80 |
5.30 |
1.00 |
1.30 |
1.00 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
231 |
47 |
22.8 |
0.434 |
0.595 |
1.10 |
6.60 |
3.70 |
1.10 |
0.60 |
1.00 |
0.70 |
Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic (27%), PG
The rebuilding Magic have no reasons not to play Anthony massive minutes down the stretch. The 20-year-old should pile on the points, rebounds, assists, steals, and 3-pointers made down the stretch, but be aware of the negative percentages.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
191 |
3 |
25.9 |
0.309 |
0.835 |
0.70 |
11.00 |
5.70 |
5.70 |
0.30 |
0.70 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
221 |
28 |
26.7 |
0.366 |
0.835 |
1.00 |
11.00 |
4.60 |
4.00 |
0.60 |
0.50 |
1.90 |
Daily streaming options
Wednesday and Friday both feature double-digit games that will make streaming nearly impossible. Always be sure to check your lineup, though. Here is a look at how to get two games from one pickup this week.
Back-to-backs
Monday-Tuesday
Los Angeles Lakers
No recommended streamers.
Phoenix Suns
Jae Crowder (39%): Points and threes target.
Cam Johnson (10%): 3-pointers made add.
Utah Jazz
Royce O’Neale (22%): Rebounds streamer.
Tuesday-Thursday pseudo
Los Angeles Lakers
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Phoenix Suns
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Atlanta Hawks
No recommended streamers.
Boston Celtics
Tristan Thompson (18%): Rebounds add.
Thursday-Saturday pseudo
Golden State Warriors
No recommended streamers.
Los Angeles Lakers
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Phoenix Suns
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Boston Celtics
Listed under Tuesday-Thursday pseudo.
Cleveland Cavaliers
No recommended streamers.
Milwaukee Bucks
No recommended streamers.
Saturday-Sunday
No teams scheduled.
The buyout season ended and rosters are virtually locked for the rest of the season. There will be injuries and shutdowns, but fantasy managers should know what they are rolling with for the stretch run. Just five weeks remain in the season, and each will be important in the race for the fantasy championship.
Here is a look at how to use the schedule to maximize your games played in head-to-head league. Fans can check out the slate for themselves using our Advanced Schedule Grid (https://hashtagbasketball.com/advanced-nba-schedule-grid).
Teams that play four times (20)
Nets, Hornets, Bulls, Mavericks, Rockets, Pacers, Clippers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Knicks, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Kings, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Wizards
Teams that play three times (8)
Hawks, Celtics, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Pistons, Bucks, Sixers, Blazers
Fantasy basketball talking points
- It is not a great week for daily streaming options because many of the teams are tightening their rotations or switching things up to rest on a nightly basis. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to who is resting and how they can take advantage.
- Look for players getting hot down the stretch as rotations shift. When teams are eliminated from postseason contention, they could shift to playing younger players. Take advantage of the added fantasy value.
- Many star fantasy options are nearing a return from injury. Do not hesitate to throw them into your rosters quickly once they are activated.
- The Suns have the top schedule this week as they play four times including none of the days with double-digit games. Phoenix is at home with three favorable matchups too.
- The Sixers and Pistons tie for the worst schedule of the week. Each team plays only three times with two on the heaviest schedule days.
Top streaming options from April 12th to the 18th (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Josh Richardson, Dallas Mavericks (47%), SG/SF
Over his last 30 games, Richardson averages 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 3-pointers made, and 1.0 steal in 32.2 minutes per game. The Mavs wing is settling in his role and provides help across the board.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
152 |
4 |
32.1 |
0.396 |
0.750 |
1.80 |
12.00 |
4.50 |
3.30 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
126 |
42 |
32.2 |
0.430 |
0.921 |
1.60 |
12.50 |
3.60 |
2.80 |
0.90 |
0.40 |
1.50 |
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks (31%), PG/SG
Over his last 26 games, Brunson averages 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 3-pointers made on 54.5 percent shooting from the field as he has worked his way into the Sixth Man of the Year conversation. JB can win fantasy managers four categories in this matchup.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
278 |
4 |
28.0 |
0.400 |
0.429 |
2.00 |
11.80 |
3.30 |
3.50 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
161 |
48 |
25.5 |
0.524 |
0.794 |
1.30 |
12.80 |
3.50 |
3.40 |
0.50 |
0.00 |
1.30 |
Theo Maledon, Oklahoma City Thunder (26%), PG
Over his last 26 games, the rookie has averaged 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists 0.8 steals, and 1.9 3-pointers made. The percentages could hurt, but Maledon should offer plenty of counting stats down the stretch.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
245 |
4 |
30.6 |
0.397 |
0.643 |
1.50 |
15.30 |
3.80 |
3.80 |
0.30 |
0.50 |
3.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
248 |
47 |
27.5 |
0.376 |
0.759 |
1.70 |
9.80 |
3.40 |
3.40 |
0.90 |
0.10 |
2.10 |
Justin Holiday, Indiana Pacers (45%), SG/SF
Holiday is a points, 3-pointers made, and steals streamer. He averages 11.1 points, 2.5 threes, and 1.2 steals per game on the season.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
161 |
4 |
25.7 |
0.462 |
0.000 |
1.80 |
7.80 |
3.30 |
2.30 |
0.50 |
0.80 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
115 |
52 |
31.3 |
0.421 |
0.800 |
2.50 |
11.00 |
3.70 |
1.70 |
1.30 |
0.40 |
0.80 |
Alec Burks, New York Knicks (30%), SG/SF
Over his last 21 games, Burks averages 14.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 3-pointers made in 27.0 minutes per game. Fans in need of points, rebounds, and threes should add Burks this week.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
238 |
4 |
25.6 |
0.289 |
0.917 |
2.00 |
10.30 |
5.30 |
2.30 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
148 |
42 |
26.1 |
0.413 |
0.860 |
2.00 |
12.60 |
4.40 |
2.20 |
0.70 |
0.30 |
1.00 |
Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves (26%), PF
The rookie has started the Timberwolves last ten games. Over that stretch, he is producing 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 1.8 3-pointers made in 32.8 minutes per game. The 20-year-old is an upside add for fantasy managers looking for some unexpected production down the stretch.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
174 |
4 |
32.5 |
0.379 |
0.750 |
0.50 |
6.80 |
5.30 |
1.00 |
1.30 |
1.00 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
231 |
47 |
22.8 |
0.434 |
0.595 |
1.10 |
6.60 |
3.70 |
1.10 |
0.60 |
1.00 |
0.70 |
Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic (27%), PG
The rebuilding Magic have no reasons not to play Anthony massive minutes down the stretch. The 20-year-old should pile on the points, rebounds, assists, steals, and 3-pointers made down the stretch, but be aware of the negative percentages.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
191 |
3 |
25.9 |
0.309 |
0.835 |
0.70 |
11.00 |
5.70 |
5.70 |
0.30 |
0.70 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
221 |
28 |
26.7 |
0.366 |
0.835 |
1.00 |
11.00 |
4.60 |
4.00 |
0.60 |
0.50 |
1.90 |
Daily streaming options
Wednesday and Friday both feature double-digit games that will make streaming nearly impossible. Always be sure to check your lineup, though. Here is a look at how to get two games from one pickup this week.
Back-to-backs
Monday-Tuesday
Los Angeles Lakers
No recommended streamers.
Phoenix Suns
Jae Crowder (39%): Points and threes target.
Cam Johnson (10%): 3-pointers made add.
Utah Jazz
Royce O’Neale (22%): Rebounds streamer.
Tuesday-Thursday pseudo
Los Angeles Lakers
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Phoenix Suns
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Atlanta Hawks
No recommended streamers.
Boston Celtics
Tristan Thompson (18%): Rebounds add.
Thursday-Saturday pseudo
Golden State Warriors
No recommended streamers.
Los Angeles Lakers
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Phoenix Suns
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Boston Celtics
Listed under Tuesday-Thursday pseudo.
Cleveland Cavaliers
No recommended streamers.
Milwaukee Bucks
No recommended streamers.
Saturday-Sunday
No teams scheduled.