With only one more full week left in the NBA regular season, many fantasy leagues have concluded while the rest are heading into their final stretch. If you’re reading this, you obviously fall into the latter group and likely have either one more day or one more week left. With so little time remaining to either make that storied comeback or extend your current lead, it’s important to adapt your strategy accordingly.
Since you’re only going to get between six and eight more games out of any one player, you need to spend more time than usual focusing on individual matchups. Don’t be afraid to drop a big name if it means picking up someone else who can provide support where you need it most. Also, make sure to look at who your opponent might need and if you have the roster space, pick them up so they can’t.
If you’re in a league that has any waiver wire restrictions like a cap on transactions, a FAAB system, or the dreaded inverse standings waiver priority, you may not have the freedom some other owners have when it comes to streaming players. So, if that is the case, make extra sure to plan ahead as much as possible and be as certain as possible of every pickup you make from here on out.
We’ve rounded that last turn, and the finish line is within sight, so good luck to you all. And, since this is my last article, thank you to everyone for taking the time to stop by throughout the season. It’s been a crazy year, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it!
Ownership percentages are for ESPN leagues as of March 31.
Trey Burke (PG – NY) 42.4%
Over his last three games, all of which he’s started, Trey Burke has averaged 26.3 points, seven assists, 1.7 rebounds, 1.7 threes, and 1.7 steals, and 32 minutes per game. He put up a ridiculous 42 points (along with 12 assists) in New York’s loss on Monday, so those numbers are a bit inflated. However, he should continue to play enough minutes the rest of the way to remain as a reliable scoring option in most fantasy leagues. New York plays three games (all at home) next week against Orlando (Tuesday), Miami (Friday), and Milwaukee (Saturday).
Tyler Ulis (SG/PG – PHO) 8.9%
Tyler Ulis has averaged an impressive 19.3 points, 7.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 threes in 34.7 minutes over his last three games picking up the slack from an injured Elfrid Payton (knee). Payton, who was already being outplayed by Ulis, could miss more time due to knee tendinitis, but whether he returns soon or is out for the rest of the fantasy playoffs, might not matter in terms of Ulis’ value. The latter has probably done enough to lock down minutes in the high-20s to low-30s from here on out. Phoenix plays Sunday (4/1) at Golden State, followed by three games (all at home) next week against Sacramento (Tuesday), New Orleans (Friday), and Golden State (Sunday).
Josh Hart (SG – LAL) 2.5%
Josh Hart put up 13 points, 13 rebounds, one block, one trey, and one turnover in 35 minutes in his first game back Friday against Milwaukee. While that was a solid showing, especially on the boards, he’s not exactly a slam-dunk pickup, but for those in need of some extra threes or backcourt rebounding, Hart is a nice option.
If Brandon Ingram ends up missing any time after sustaining a neck contusion in that Friday game, Hart should receive a modest value boost. However, he should still see plenty of time either way. After all, in the nine games before his injury, Hart was still playing 30-plus minutes while playing alongside a healthy Ingram. Los Angeles plays at home Sunday (4/1) against Sacramento, followed by four games next week: Tuesday at Utah, Wednesday at home against San Antonio, Friday at home against Minnesota, and home again on Sunday against Utah.
D.J. Augustin (PG – ORL) 22.3%
While both D.J. Augustin and Shelvin Mack are splitting the point guard duties for Orlando, it’s the former who’s putting up more value for fantasy owners. Over his last three games, Augustin has averaged 14.7 points (45.5% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 90% FT), 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.7 threes, and 2.3 turnovers in 33.4 minutes, making him a useful low- to mid-level asset in both points and category standard-sized leagues. He should maintain that kind of production moving forward. Orlando plays Sunday (4/1) at Atlanta, followed by four games next week: Tuesday at New York, Wednesday at home against Dallas, Friday at home against Charlotte, and Sunday at Toronto.
Dewayne Dedmon (C – ATL) 32.5%
If you need some help on the boards, Dewayne Dedmon is your man. Over his last six games, the Atlanta big man has averaged 11.7 rebounds to go along with 11.2 points, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 29.2 minutes. He’s not going to wow you on the offensive end, but at the same time, his field goal percentage should hover around the mid-40s and up, so you won’t take a hit there.
Dedmon is a single category specialist, but with so little time left in the season, they can be some of the most valuable pickups in category leagues. Atlanta plays Sunday (4/1) against Orlando, followed by four games next week: Tuesday at Miami, Wednesday at home against Miami, Friday at Washington, and Sunday at Boston.
Other Players to Consider:
As I mentioned earlier, there are a bunch of players available in most leagues that are capable of helping owners in a variety of ways – too many to go into depth here. The following is a list of other guys worth taking a look at if they’re still available in your league.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF – WSH) 23%
Bojan Bogdanovic (SG/SF – IND) 35.9%
Jordan Clarkson (PG/SG – CLE) 48.4%
Markieff Morris (PF – WSH) 47.7%
Fred VanVleet (PG – TOR) 10.5%
George Haw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from George, check out his archive and follow him @georgeWarfieldH.