It’s hard to remember a time when things were so tightly contested in the NBA. In the Eastern Conference, there’s just a half-game separating the Cavs and the Bucks for second place. Looking further down in the East, the Heat, 76ers, Pacers and Magic are set to enter a heated race for security from the Play-In Tournament.

Meanwhile, out West, the Timberwolves, Thunder and Nuggets are battling it out for the top seed with just two games of separation between them. Then, there’s the Suns in the fifth seed, who have a mere three-and-a-half game cushion between themselves and the Warriors in the 10th seed.

There’s a ton to play for in the NBA and the same goes for your fantasy basketball leagues. For many, it’s make it or break it.

Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings

Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 19)

Trade For

Anfernee Simons (POR – PG, SG)

Over his last five games, Anfernee Simons has posted averages of 17.8 points, 4.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds on poor 33.3/32.6/100 shooting splits. Simons has never been the most efficient player but these last five games have been brutal compared to his otherwise strong season.

So long as Malcolm Brogdon, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe remain out with various injuries, Simons is a good add in the short term. Expect the young guard to return to his season averages of 22.6, 5.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Buy low on him if can

Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Jalen Green, Russell Westbrook, Jordan Poole

Trade Away

Joel Embiid (PHI – C)

Joel Embiid spoke with the media on Thursday and stated that “the plan” is to return to action at some point during this season. If you’re on the outside looking in on the fantasy playoffs, you don’t have time to wait until mid-March to see if Embiid’s “plan” comes to fruition.

If you roster Embiid, have a playoff spot locked up and are willing to play his recovery situation by ear, keep him around. But if you need to make a playoff push and you’re able to acquire a solid big man via an Embiid trade, that seems like the most sensible move.

Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Nikola Vucevic, Jarrett Allen, Alperen Sengun

Trade For

Herbert Jones (NOR – PF, SF)

Herbert Jones had a great February that saw him average 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 steals on scorching 57.6/54.8/84 splits. What’s more, all of Jones’ last five outings have seen him play between 34 and 39 minutes. An increase in playing time and offensive ability is exactly what the forward needed to become a valuable fantasy asset.

Remember at the end of last season when Trey Murphy III finished on a torrid scoring streak? Maybe Jones can outperform expectations in 2024 and provide strong, all-around fantasy value, too.

Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Corey Kispert, Grant Williams, Jaden McDaniels

Trade Away

Bennedict Mathurin (IND – SF, SG)

Fellow wing Aaron Nesmith has been out of the Pacers’ lineup since Valentine’s Day and his absence has opened the door for Bennedict Mathurin to take on a larger workload. On Monday against Toronto, Mathurin posted a career-high 34 points on 73.3% shooting from the field and 62% from range.

Nesmith is questionable to play on Friday night against New Orleans. The return of his 27.1 minutes and 8.9 shots per game is likely to result in Mathurin returning to his normal role. See what you can get for Mathurin following his solid stretch.

Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Brandon Miller, Jonathan Kuminga, Coby White