Fantasy Basketball: Navigating a Unique Week 17 Schedule
The NBA enters a unique stretch with Week 17, falling between the All-Star break and featuring a highly uneven schedule. Several teams will play only once, while others will have three games, creating a strategic challenge for fantasy basketball managers. Injuries to key players are further complicating matters, opening up opportunities for lesser-known players to step into significant roles. This week, the focus shifts heavily towards players on teams with three games, and capitalizing on those opportunities will be crucial for success.
Guards: Bucks Backcourt Shines, Bulls’ Giddey Sits
Milwaukee Bucks guards Kevin Porter Jr. And Ryan Rollins are emerging as strong fantasy options. Porter Jr., recently returning from an oblique injury, is averaging 20.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds in his first two games back, showcasing his multi-category potential. With Giannis Antetokounmpo still sidelined with a calf injury, Porter Jr. Is poised to continue delivering strong performances. Rollins, who filled in admirably during Porter Jr.’s absence, has also been impressive, averaging 24.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting 50% from the field in his last two games. His strong play even continued with Porter Jr. Back in the lineup, making him a valuable pickup.
Also worth considering at the guard position are Jrue Holiday of the Portland Trail Blazers and Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz.
On the sit side, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey is a player to bench this week. Giddey is currently doubtful for his first game of the week against the Nets due to a hamstring injury, and the Bulls only have two games scheduled. While Giddey has shown promise since his return from injury, his limited schedule makes him a less appealing option.
Forwards: Trail Blazers’ Camara and Bucks’ Portis Offer Value
Toumani Camara of the Portland Trail Blazers is gaining traction as a valuable fantasy asset. Averaging 13.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over his last 10 games, Camara’s versatility is proving beneficial. With Shaedon Sharpe sidelined due to a calf injury, and potentially Deni Avdija also out, Camara’s role is expected to expand further, making him a strong play during Portland’s three-game week.
Another forward to consider is Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks. Portis has been consistently productive over the past 11 games, averaging 14.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Like Porter Jr., he benefits from Antetokounmpo’s absence, potentially seeing increased minutes and opportunities with the starting lineup.
Matas Buzelis of the Bulls is also worth a look.
RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors is a player to sit this week. Barrett, now with the Celtics, has a single game on the schedule and is currently projected to come off the bench. While he has been solid in his new role, averaging 11.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals, his limited playing time and bench role make him a less attractive option compared to players with more frequent opportunities.
Centers: Thunder’s Hartenstein and Trail Blazers’ Clingan Stand Out
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Oklahoma City Thunder is emerging as a fantasy standout. He’s posted a triple-double and multiple double-digit point and assist performances in his four games back from a calf injury. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out through the All-Star break, Hartenstein is expected to see increased usage and could deliver a significant boost to fantasy rosters during the Thunder’s three-game week.
Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers is another center to watch. Averaging 13.1 points, 14.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks over his last 11 games, Clingan’s all-around production is impressive. The absences of Sharpe and Avdija further enhance his potential, providing him with more opportunities to shine.
Deandre Ayton of the Lakers is also a player to consider.
Nikola Vučević of the Boston Celtics is a player to consider sitting. Vučević has only one game scheduled for Week 17 and is currently projected to come off the bench. While he has been performing well in his new role, his limited playing time and bench status make him a less appealing option compared to centers with more frequent opportunities.
Navigating Week 17 requires a keen eye on team schedules and injury reports. Prioritizing players on teams with three games, and capitalizing on opportunities created by injuries, will be key to maximizing fantasy success during this unique stretch of the NBA season.
