Key Highlights
- The Week 13 fantasy basketball schedule offers a mix of games and back-to-backs for various teams.
- The Lakers have an advantageous schedule with five games, including back-to-backs, boosting the value of low-rostered players like Jake LaRavia.
- Four teams play only twice during Week 13, with Milwaukee’s schedule potentially affecting the availability and tradeability of some players.
- The Pistons, Grizzlies, and Magic have a delayed start to their Week 13 games, creating opportunities for streaming value.
- Nuggets and Nets face back-to-backs that could impact the availability and performance of key players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
- Dallas’ four-game week with injuries to Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington presents challenges for fantasy managers, potentially leading to trade discussions.
Week 13 Fantasy Basketball Schedule Overview: Challenges and Opportunities
The upcoming Week 13 in the NBA offers a diverse mix of games and back-to-backs across the league. For fantasy basketball managers, this week presents both challenges and opportunities.
Lakers Players to Watch
With an excellent slate featuring five games over Monday and Saturday, including back-to-backs, the Lakers are a favorable option for fantasy managers. Low-rostered players like Jake LaRavia will see increased value due to these back-to-back scenarios. Even if Rui Hachimura returns from his calf injury, LaRavia remains an attractive pick given the schedule.
Players such as Marcus Smart, also benefit from the Lakers’ packed schedule, offering additional depth and flexibility in fantasy lineups.
Milwaukee Bucks: Schedule Could Prompt Trades
The Milwaukee Bucks are one of four teams with only two games during Week 13. However, their Tuesday-Thursday schedule could influence trade decisions. For instance, Myles Turner’s “sell-high” window may have closed after a poor performance in Week 12. Similarly, Bobby Portis’ availability post-Thursday’s game will be closely monitored, potentially making him expendable.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr., on the other hand, remain crucial assets for fantasy managers due to their importance to the team’s success.
Streamers: Pistons, Grizzlies, Magic
The Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, and Orlando Magic have a delayed start to their Week 13 games. The Pistons will play their first game on Thursday, with the Grizzlies and Magic not starting until that day as well. This late start creates opportunities for streaming value leading into their final games of the week.
Players like Cam Spencer, Santi Aldama, and Jock Landale could be valuable picks given Zach Edey’s injury, while Anthony Black remains a solid option despite the poor early schedule in Week 13.
Nuggets and Nets: Back-to-Backs Impact Key Players
The Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets both face back-to-back situations that could affect the availability of their key players. Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Spencer Jones may be limited in games due to recent injuries or restrictions on minutes.
For Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas with the Nets, the back-to-backs mean they might only be available for two games, presenting challenges for fantasy managers who rostered them heavily.
Dallas Mavericks: Four-Game Week Amid Injuries
The Dallas Mavericks have a challenging four-game week due to injuries. Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington are out with hand and ankle injuries respectively, significantly impacting the team’s lineup.
The absence of these key players could lead to discussions about trading Cooper Flagg or Kyrie Irving.
With only three games out of the final play-in spot in the loss column, fantasy managers should stay informed on how the Mavericks plan to manage their rotation and game strategy over this intense week.
In conclusion, Week 13 offers a dynamic environment for fantasy basketball managers. Navigating through the varied schedules will be crucial, with opportunities to capitalize on back-to-backs and potential trade scenarios across teams like the Lakers, Bucks, Nuggets, Nets, Pistons, Grizzlies, Magic, and Mavericks.