Fantasy Basketball Week 8 Schedule Preview (Monday-Thursday)
Fantasy Basketball Week 8 Schedule Preview (Monday-Thursday)
Fantasy basketball leagues are heating up. Here is a look at using the schedule to your advantage in head-to-head leagues in Week 8.
Fantasy basketball leagues are heating up. Here is a look at using the schedule to your advantage in head-to-head leagues in Week 8.
Fantasy managers are ecstatic that Kevin Durant recovered from a torn Achilles to return to his All-NBA form. He has been one of the most impressive players so far this season. KD is quickly turning into one of the unluckiest too. He has to quarantine again after coming in close contact with someone that has COVID-19. Durant missed three straight games earlier this season in a similar situation.
It could happen to any player, so be on your toes and set your lineup daily.
Fantasy managers in head-to-head league want to grab an advantage in games played, so let us use our Advanced Schedule Grid to map out how.
Teams that play four times (20)
Hornets, Cavaliers, Celtics, Mavericks, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Blazers, Spurs, Raptors, Wizards.
Teams that play three times (10)
Hawks, Bulls, Pistons, Pacers, Clippers, Heat, Knicks, 76ers, Kings, Jazz.
Fantasy basketball talking points
- The Pistons appear set to trade Derrick Rose to the Knicks. It does not have the fantasy implications of the James Harden deal, but do not be surprised to see Rose return to a top 100 talent in New York playing for coach Thibs.
- All-Star game voting is open. Fantasy managers can often use the results to their advantage in trade discussions. Play up the All-Star or potential All-Star card when trying to make a deal.
- Mike Conley is injured which could open up more minutes for Joe Ingles. Expect him to be a top 100 player playing 30-plus per game.
- The best schedules of the week go to the Warriors and Rockets as both teams play four times and avoid the three heaviest schedule days.
- The LA Clippers have the worst schedule as they only play three and each comes on a day with at least nine games taking place.
Top ten streamers for Week 8 (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Josh Richardson, Dallas Mavericks (49%), SG/SF
Richardson is a points, threes, and steals streamer that could quickly transform into a top 100 player. Add him in every league.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
77 |
4 |
33.6 |
0.432 |
0.875 |
2.30 |
15.30 |
3.50 |
3.00 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
147 |
15 |
32.1 |
0.412 |
0.912 |
1.70 |
12.80 |
2.90 |
1.90 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
1.30 |
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies (40%), SG/SF
Brooks averages 14.9 points, 1.7 3-pointers, and 1.3 steals per game on the season. His steal might drop, but the 25-year-old is a productive player for the Grizzlies. Do not hesitate to stream him in.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
202 |
4 |
25.1 |
0.383 |
0.818 |
0.80 |
14.50 |
2.50 |
1.30 |
1.30 |
0.50 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
175 |
18 |
28.4 |
0.376 |
0.791 |
1.70 |
14.90 |
3.60 |
2.70 |
1.30 |
0.40 |
2.20 |
Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves (33%), C
Reid a viable streamer with Karl-Anthony Towns out. He blocks shots, rebounds, scores, and hits threes. What more could fantasy managers want.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
103 |
4 |
25.0 |
0.549 |
0.625 |
1.30 |
16.50 |
7.30 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
87 |
21 |
22.9 |
0.536 |
0.744 |
1.10 |
12.90 |
5.20 |
1.20 |
0.70 |
1.30 |
1.40 |
Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic (45%), PG
Anthony is a points, rebounds, and assists add. His field percentage will drag your team down, but the other contributions should make up for it.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
86 |
4 |
31.2 |
0.479 |
0.750 |
1.30 |
15.00 |
4.80 |
5.50 |
1.30 |
0.50 |
3.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
181 |
24 |
27.3 |
0.378 |
0.838 |
1.10 |
11.30 |
4.50 |
3.90 |
0.70 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs (35%), C
Blocks and rebounds target that is playing nearly 30 minutes per game since LaMarcus Aldridge went down with an injury.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
173 |
3 |
27.8 |
0.612 |
0.418 |
0.00 |
9.00 |
8.30 |
1.30 |
0.30 |
2.30 |
0.70 |
| 2020/21 Season |
238 |
23 |
21.2 |
0.580 |
0.283 |
0.00 |
5.70 |
6.50 |
1.90 |
0.50 |
1.20 |
1.00 |
Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies (13%), PG
Jones averages 5.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. They are inflated because Ja Morant missed time, but Jones is producing elite numbers in two categories. Add him for Week 8.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
94 |
4 |
22.3 |
0.529 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
11.00 |
3.80 |
6.50 |
0.80 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
118 |
18 |
25.3 |
0.452 |
0.780 |
0.80 |
8.90 |
2.90 |
5.80 |
1.30 |
0.20 |
0.90 |
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves (45%), PG
Rubio continues to produce steals and assists in his limited role. Fantasy managers should keep eye on a possible trade too.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
154 |
5 |
23.2 |
0.393 |
1.000 |
0.00 |
5.80 |
4.40 |
6.60 |
1.20 |
0.00 |
2.20 |
| 2020/21 Season |
196 |
21 |
23.6 |
0.353 |
0.856 |
0.20 |
6.00 |
3.40 |
5.90 |
1.30 |
0.00 |
2.10 |
Maxi Kleber, Dallas Mavericks (11%), PF/C
Kleber is playing more minutes this season and averaged 1.1 blocks for two straight years. He should be a steady source of 3-pointers as well.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
157 |
4 |
25.7 |
0.417 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
7.00 |
6.50 |
2.30 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.80 |
| 2020/21 Season |
143 |
13 |
25.0 |
0.430 |
0.949 |
1.70 |
7.30 |
5.70 |
1.60 |
0.20 |
0.90 |
0.70 |
P.J. Tucker, Houston Rockets (16%), PF/C
Tucker’s numbers are down in Houston, but he remains a steady contributor in rebounds and steals.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
255 |
4 |
28.9 |
0.176 |
1.000 |
0.80 |
2.80 |
5.80 |
1.80 |
0.80 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
209 |
22 |
30.9 |
0.402 |
0.809 |
1.00 |
4.90 |
4.80 |
1.40 |
0.90 |
0.60 |
1.00 |
Daily streaming options
The only day to worry about early in Week 8 is Wednesday which features nine games. Fantasy managers should be able to stream on the other three days. Here are some options for getting two games out of one pickup.
Back-to-backs
Monday-Tuesday
Golden State Warriors
No recommended streamers.
Houston Rockets
P.J. Tucker (16%): Rebounds and steals streamer.
David Nwaba (2%): Steals add.
San Antonio Spurs
Jakob Poeltl (35%): Rebounds and blocks target.
Patty Mills (29%): Points and threes add.
Tuesday-Thursday pseudo
Boston Celtics
Tristian Thompson (22%): Rebounds streamer.
Jeff Teague (21%): Steals add.
Detroit Pistons
Josh Jackson (17%): Points, threes, and steals target.
Golden State Warriors
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Houston Rockets
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Orlando Magic
Cole Anthony (45%): Points, rebounds, and assists streamer.
Portland Trail Blazers
Carmelo Anthony (34%): Points and threes add.
Miami Heat
Kelly Olynyk (30%): Rebounds and threes streamer.
Philadelphia 76ers
Danny Green (27%): Threes, steals, and blocks target.
Fantasy managers are ecstatic that Kevin Durant recovered from a torn Achilles to return to his All-NBA form. He has been one of the most impressive players so far this season. KD is quickly turning into one of the unluckiest too. He has to quarantine again after coming in close contact with someone that has COVID-19. Durant missed three straight games earlier this season in a similar situation.
It could happen to any player, so be on your toes and set your lineup daily.
Fantasy managers in head-to-head league want to grab an advantage in games played, so let us use our Advanced Schedule Grid to map out how.
Teams that play four times (20)
Hornets, Cavaliers, Celtics, Mavericks, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, Suns, Blazers, Spurs, Raptors, Wizards.
Teams that play three times (10)
Hawks, Bulls, Pistons, Pacers, Clippers, Heat, Knicks, 76ers, Kings, Jazz.
Fantasy basketball talking points
- The Pistons appear set to trade Derrick Rose to the Knicks. It does not have the fantasy implications of the James Harden deal, but do not be surprised to see Rose return to a top 100 talent in New York playing for coach Thibs.
- All-Star game voting is open. Fantasy managers can often use the results to their advantage in trade discussions. Play up the All-Star or potential All-Star card when trying to make a deal.
- Mike Conley is injured which could open up more minutes for Joe Ingles. Expect him to be a top 100 player playing 30-plus per game.
- The best schedules of the week go to the Warriors and Rockets as both teams play four times and avoid the three heaviest schedule days.
- The LA Clippers have the worst schedule as they only play three and each comes on a day with at least nine games taking place.
Top ten streamers for Week 8 (rostered in under 50% of Yahoo Leagues)
Josh Richardson, Dallas Mavericks (49%), SG/SF
Richardson is a points, threes, and steals streamer that could quickly transform into a top 100 player. Add him in every league.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
77 |
4 |
33.6 |
0.432 |
0.875 |
2.30 |
15.30 |
3.50 |
3.00 |
1.50 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
147 |
15 |
32.1 |
0.412 |
0.912 |
1.70 |
12.80 |
2.90 |
1.90 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
1.30 |
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies (40%), SG/SF
Brooks averages 14.9 points, 1.7 3-pointers, and 1.3 steals per game on the season. His steal might drop, but the 25-year-old is a productive player for the Grizzlies. Do not hesitate to stream him in.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
202 |
4 |
25.1 |
0.383 |
0.818 |
0.80 |
14.50 |
2.50 |
1.30 |
1.30 |
0.50 |
1.30 |
| 2020/21 Season |
175 |
18 |
28.4 |
0.376 |
0.791 |
1.70 |
14.90 |
3.60 |
2.70 |
1.30 |
0.40 |
2.20 |
Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves (33%), C
Reid a viable streamer with Karl-Anthony Towns out. He blocks shots, rebounds, scores, and hits threes. What more could fantasy managers want.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
103 |
4 |
25.0 |
0.549 |
0.625 |
1.30 |
16.50 |
7.30 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.30 |
1.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
87 |
21 |
22.9 |
0.536 |
0.744 |
1.10 |
12.90 |
5.20 |
1.20 |
0.70 |
1.30 |
1.40 |
Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic (45%), PG
Anthony is a points, rebounds, and assists add. His field percentage will drag your team down, but the other contributions should make up for it.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
86 |
4 |
31.2 |
0.479 |
0.750 |
1.30 |
15.00 |
4.80 |
5.50 |
1.30 |
0.50 |
3.00 |
| 2020/21 Season |
181 |
24 |
27.3 |
0.378 |
0.838 |
1.10 |
11.30 |
4.50 |
3.90 |
0.70 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs (35%), C
Blocks and rebounds target that is playing nearly 30 minutes per game since LaMarcus Aldridge went down with an injury.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
173 |
3 |
27.8 |
0.612 |
0.418 |
0.00 |
9.00 |
8.30 |
1.30 |
0.30 |
2.30 |
0.70 |
| 2020/21 Season |
238 |
23 |
21.2 |
0.580 |
0.283 |
0.00 |
5.70 |
6.50 |
1.90 |
0.50 |
1.20 |
1.00 |
Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies (13%), PG
Jones averages 5.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. They are inflated because Ja Morant missed time, but Jones is producing elite numbers in two categories. Add him for Week 8.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
94 |
4 |
22.3 |
0.529 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
11.00 |
3.80 |
6.50 |
0.80 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
118 |
18 |
25.3 |
0.452 |
0.780 |
0.80 |
8.90 |
2.90 |
5.80 |
1.30 |
0.20 |
0.90 |
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves (45%), PG
Rubio continues to produce steals and assists in his limited role. Fantasy managers should keep eye on a possible trade too.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
154 |
5 |
23.2 |
0.393 |
1.000 |
0.00 |
5.80 |
4.40 |
6.60 |
1.20 |
0.00 |
2.20 |
| 2020/21 Season |
196 |
21 |
23.6 |
0.353 |
0.856 |
0.20 |
6.00 |
3.40 |
5.90 |
1.30 |
0.00 |
2.10 |
Maxi Kleber, Dallas Mavericks (11%), PF/C
Kleber is playing more minutes this season and averaged 1.1 blocks for two straight years. He should be a steady source of 3-pointers as well.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
157 |
4 |
25.7 |
0.417 |
1.000 |
1.50 |
7.00 |
6.50 |
2.30 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.80 |
| 2020/21 Season |
143 |
13 |
25.0 |
0.430 |
0.949 |
1.70 |
7.30 |
5.70 |
1.60 |
0.20 |
0.90 |
0.70 |
P.J. Tucker, Houston Rockets (16%), PF/C
Tucker’s numbers are down in Houston, but he remains a steady contributor in rebounds and steals.
| TYPE |
R# |
GP |
MPG |
FG% |
FT% |
3PM |
PTS |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TOV |
| Last 7 Days |
255 |
4 |
28.9 |
0.176 |
1.000 |
0.80 |
2.80 |
5.80 |
1.80 |
0.80 |
0.00 |
0.50 |
| 2020/21 Season |
209 |
22 |
30.9 |
0.402 |
0.809 |
1.00 |
4.90 |
4.80 |
1.40 |
0.90 |
0.60 |
1.00 |
Daily streaming options
The only day to worry about early in Week 8 is Wednesday which features nine games. Fantasy managers should be able to stream on the other three days. Here are some options for getting two games out of one pickup.
Back-to-backs
Monday-Tuesday
Golden State Warriors
No recommended streamers.
Houston Rockets
P.J. Tucker (16%): Rebounds and steals streamer.
David Nwaba (2%): Steals add.
San Antonio Spurs
Jakob Poeltl (35%): Rebounds and blocks target.
Patty Mills (29%): Points and threes add.
Tuesday-Thursday pseudo
Boston Celtics
Tristian Thompson (22%): Rebounds streamer.
Jeff Teague (21%): Steals add.
Detroit Pistons
Josh Jackson (17%): Points, threes, and steals target.
Golden State Warriors
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Houston Rockets
Listed under Monday-Tuesday.
Orlando Magic
Cole Anthony (45%): Points, rebounds, and assists streamer.
Portland Trail Blazers
Carmelo Anthony (34%): Points and threes add.
Miami Heat
Kelly Olynyk (30%): Rebounds and threes streamer.
Philadelphia 76ers
Danny Green (27%): Threes, steals, and blocks target.