It’s Week 16, and here is how we got here.

Me Understanding Last Night… Last Night… Saturday, February 1, 2025

-Scene-

It’s 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, and I’m settled in at my favorite Buffalo Wild Wings, finalizing my ideas for this week’s article. I order a Mango Cart Tall and eventually finish the night off with a celebratory shot of tequila. I sketch on my pad the following…

Right now, we’re still in hold mode – waiting for the dominoes to fall, waiting to see how this trade season plays out, waiting for the second half of the season to take shape. Until then, these picks should be a priority for your situation.

The league is going to survive no matter how well we understand it. It’s going to thrive and evolve because they know – and we only understand. Even when we think we know.

Listen, whether it happens this week or next, they are about to pivot, and this season could be Part 1 before everything changes. Whether it happens this week, this summer, next preseason or next year, basketball is about to catch a wave.

Can you afford to stay where you are? Sure.

But should you prepare and set the expectation you’ll remain where you are? I don’t know.

As for me, all I know is that come wave or snow, I’m about to get my Johnny Tsunami on. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, here you go to remind yourself of the good ol’ days. I have a feeling we’re gonna need it, depending on what’s about to happen.

Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings

Me Knowing This Morning… Today… Sunday, February 2, 2025

-Scene-

Me at my computer at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025…

Welp.

We thought we knew. But today, we’ve been reminded that we only understood.

There’s a difference. And while we know a lot, sometimes, we have no idea what we’re talking about.

We woke up today not just witnessing history but feeling it. That moment when understanding meets the reality of knowing – yeah, this is it.

As we step into these next months, this next week, this next endgame, let’s not make the mistake of taking our understanding for granted ahead of our knowing because the NBA just reminded us that there are levels to this.

This trade season was supposed to be quiet. Should have been uneventful. But the league doesn’t move on should – it moves on when and how.

And when the Lakers and Mavericks executed one of the most electrifying trades in NBA (Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis) – and maybe sports – history, the how hits differently. This isn’t just another transaction. This is a ripple, a shift, a foreshadowing of something bigger.

Excited? Terrified? Both.

Because whether we know or just understand, the reality is the same: The game is about to change.

So now the question isn’t if you’re ready. It’s how you’re going to move when the next wave hits.

One thing’s for sure – we’re locked in. And we’re ready to eat.

For my real-time reaction – yeah, you already know. Here and Here on X.

Whether you’re new, seasoned or just rebounding from the NFL season like it ended with a mutual breakup, welcome. FantasyPros is here to guide you through the second half of the NBA season with strategy, bold moves and a shared passion for this game we all love.

Let’s dive into this week’s opportunities with confidence and focus. We’re locked in and ready to cook. It’s time to make this season our own. Game on.

Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis & Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 16)

The picks this week? Yeah, they aren’t all that new. But that’s exactly why they matter.

“But Jay, this is low-hanging fruit — give us something more.”

Fair.

Well, below, I give you a branch — go ahead and reach.

While I’m giving you this caution, letting you know what to be mindful of, don’t get it twisted, I’m also encouraging you to take that leap. These plays excite me. They’re high-upside moves that could shift the landscape in a major way.

Like we’ve been saying all season, reaching just might be the best move right now, or at least something you need to get comfortable with, depending on what happens between now and the end of the week.

Here’s the Branch… Reach…

A New Game for the Endgame

Trade Deadline

Oh, lawd. Just in case, there is more to come… here you go.

Key Strategies for Success:

• Target talent-rich teams in transition.
• Experimentation is a good thing; think differently.
• Revisit rookies poised for impact.
• Look for role players who will become main players.
• Adopt a weekly “0-0” record mindset.

Filling the Fantasy Void: Why NBA DFS?

The NBA offers daily action-packed slates, unique game modes and countless opportunities to dive into the excitement of fantasy basketball. FantasyPros has you covered with the tools, insights and articles you need to dominate your NBA lineups.

Keys to NBA DFS Success:

• Learn the scoring and format
• Understand the value in the NBA context
• Make bold calls
• Embrace the contrarian approach
• Trust the process

Follow the FantasyPros Team

We’re here to help you dominate every slate, every day of the week. With expert advice and actionable insights, you’ll be ready to tackle NBA DFS like a pro.

What’s on the Horizon: Building Towards Week 16 and Beyond

As we approach Week 16, let’s take a moment to set the stage for what’s ahead.

Post-All-Star Adjustments: Sharpening the Strategy

After the All-Star break, we’ll level up with a new approach article, look, feel and recommendations:

• Matchup summaries and grades
• Strategic player acquisition frameworks
• Less talk and more show

New This Week: New Category and Roster Build Terms

As we prepare and move toward the second half of the season, we will begin to implement some new terms and frameworks to support your continued success as a fantasy basketball player. This is taken from the article Fantasy Basketball Draft Advice: 8 Must-Have Players to Draft (2024). This week we introduce the Roster Build Frame

Articles to revisit for preparation (familiarity with possible terms/format of upcoming articles):

• Fantasy Basketball Draft Advice: 8 Must-Have Players to Draft (2024)
• Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy & Advice: 8 Bounce-Back Players (2024)
• Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy & Advice: Rookies (2024)

Fantasy Basketball Category & Waiver Wire Analysis

Our focus will continue to shift to deeper, tactical moves as we head into the second half of the season, where we’ll lean into matchup contexts, multi-week schedules and thoughtful player and roster management to give you an edge. It’s almost time when getting cute could be the best thing.

Fantasy Format

Scoring Type:

Head-to-Head (Most Categories)

Player Stat Categories:

• Points Scored (PTS)
• Total Rebounds (REB)
• Assists (AST)
• Steals (ST)
• Block Shots (BLK)
• 3-Point Shots Made (3PTM)
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%)

Roster Positions:

• Point Guard (PG)
• Shooting Guard (SG)
• Guard (G)
• Small Forward (SF)
• Power Forward (PF)
• Center (C) x 2
• Utility (UTIL) x 2
• Bench (BN) x 2
• Injured List (IL) x 3

Data Sources

• NBA Player Stats: NBA.com (2024-2025) – Stats taken on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025 (Data subject to change.)
• Yahoo! Sports – Player List

Points

Shaedon Sharpe (SG, SF – POR): 48% Rostered | 17.4 Points – Rank: 71st

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold
• Priority: High-Low
• Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Points
• Secondary: Steals
• Auxiliary: Field-Goal Percentage, Free-Throw Percentage, Three-Pointers Made
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 16 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: PHX, IND, SAC, @MIN

Last 5 Games: Sharpe has averaged 27.8 minutes, 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.8 steals with 2.4 three-pointers made per game in his last five games while shooting 44.4% from the floor.

The Definition of Consistency

Despite constant rotation changes, lineup shuffling and fluctuating game scripts, Shaedon Sharpe remains a steady force for Portland. Whether he’s coming off the bench or starting, his production holds firm.

Playing alongside a crowded backcourt of Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson while sharing shot attempts with frontcourt scorers like Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, Sharpe still manages to put up borderline top-50 scoring numbers.

For context, each of these guys averages about, 11 shot attempts per game, which means amongst these six players alone they take up 74.6% of the team’s total shot attempts per game.

Layer that on top of Portland’s above-average team pace, and it’s clear Sharpe is working through not only congestion every night, but a high chance of uncertainty when it comes to his ability to capitalize on his opportunities, despite having one of the team’s highest usage rates.

Why This Matters

Well, thanks for asking my friend. Any given night one of these players can go off, mix that in with the fact the Trail Blazers are literally experimenting with their players right now to find the best fit, anything less than this “congestion” is going to open up substantial opportunities for Sharpe, whether he is the one still standing or moving on to another opportunity.

Kicking it With Sharpe to Stay “Sharp”

But here is the kicker, whether or not anything happens, he still performs.

Sharpe is someone you should keep close on your radar in all formats, so your options remain as sharp as possible. He could also be a sneaky “buy-low” trade target if you’re looking to capitalize before the market catches up.

Barring injury, this isn’t a matter of if Sharpe is going to explode. It’s a matter of when and where. And when it happens, it’s going to be awesome.

On The Radar

Brandon Boston Jr. (SG, SF, PF – NOP): 4% Rostered | 10.7 PPG

Assists

Isaiah Collier (PG – UTA): 23% Rostered | 5.1 Assists – Rank: 47th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow-Deep
• Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
• Priority: Medium-High
• Stream/Hold Period: 2-4 Weeks (Week to Week)

Category Build

• Primary: Assists
• Secondary: Steals
• Auxiliary: Points
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 16 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: IND, GSW, @PHX, @LAC

Last 5 Games: Collier has averaged 30.2 minutes, 11 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.2 steals with 2.4 three-pointers made per game in his last five games while shooting 44.4% from the floor.

Battle-Tested and Thriving

Isaiah Collier is getting battle-tested in every possible way, and he’s excelling. While plenty of rookies are making an impact this season, Collier is showing that not only can he stay on the floor, but his raw skill set isn’t so raw at all — it’s already proving to be reliable and highly effective. His floor is high, and he’s impacting games right now in a way that should not be overlooked.

The Jazz are stacked with ridiculous offensive talent. In the backcourt, you have a talent stack, featuring explosive playmakers like Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and Keyonte George, while Brice Sensabaugh and even Svi Mykhailiuk have added valuable contributions.

And we haven’t even mentioned Lauri Markkanen, John Collins or Walker Kessler. Oh, and let’s not forget Collier himself – a walking bucket who’s making his mark as Utah’s most reliable floor general.

The Evolution of the Modern Point Guard

Collier is part of the evolution of the point guard position, similar to the development arcs of Devin Booker and Tyrese Maxey. These were players initially viewed as pure scorers who evolved into offensive initiators defenses hate to see with the ball in their hands.

We can low-key thank James Harden and Russell Westbrook for blazing the trail on what this role could look like at scale, paving the way for players like Luka Doncic to be fully appreciated for their do-it-all offensive skill sets.

For now, Collier is a category-focused asset, but as the Jazz figure out their long-term direction and clear up rotation congestion, he could easily become a must-roster player across all formats.

On The Radar

Andrew Nembhard (PG, SG – IND): 25% Rostered | 5.2 Assists

Rebounds

Nick Richards (C – PHX): 42% Rostered | 8.4 Rebounds – Rank: 26th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Hold
• Priority: High
• Stream/Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Rebounds
• Secondary: Field-Goal Percentage, Blocks
• Auxiliary: Points, Steals
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 16 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: @POR, @OKC, UTA, DEN

Last 5 Games: Richards has averaged 25.6 minutes, 9.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game in his last five games while shooting 50% from the floor.

The Thing Is…

The thing is, Nick Richards is producing in this category, and he’s one of the best at doing it. The thing is, we also know he’s capable of more. The fact that Jusuf Nurkic has a higher roster percentage than him is wild, but not shocking when you consider Nurkic is still a solid player and only a move away from being in a position where he can fully demonstrate his value.

Honestly, the Suns have one of the most impressive big-man rotations in the league. Mason Plumlee is still performing well despite limited minutes. But back to the point. We all know Richards can do more. The team is still working toward maximizing its forgotten Super Cheat Code roster. A lot of this is due to untimely injuries and losses. But Richards is going to adjust eventually.

A Second Unit Game-Changer? The Birth of the Talented 6th?

It’d be great to see Richards thrive off the bench, adding a new dynamic to the sixth-man role, and giving birth to perhaps a new distinction for these players by the name of the “Talented 6th.”

There’s an appreciated, albeit underrated power in this position, sometimes even greater than being a starter. Richards could redefine his impact, pulverizing opposing second units with his size, rebounding and interior presence.

Like I mentioned on X, he isn’t necessarily a starter, even though he could be. For this season, his best impact might come as that second push off the bench, wreaking havoc with one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the league. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when and how.

Keep him close on your waiver wire watchlist and consider allocating FAAB funds. Later in the season, we’ll need to get into the details. Whether he expands his multi-category impact or continues dominating one of the most competitive categories in fantasy basketball, Richards is a difference-maker.

On The Radar

Santi Aldama (PF, C – MEM): 43% Rostered | 6.8 RPG

Blocks

Goga Bitadze (C – ORL): 49% Rostered | 1.6 Blocks – Rank: 10th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Deep-Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
• Priority: High-Medium
• Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks (Week-to-Week)

Category Build

• Primary: Blocks
• Secondary: Rebounds, Field-Goal Percentage
• Auxiliary: Points
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 16 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: @GSW, @SAC, @DEN, SAS

Last 5 Games (at least 30 minutes per game): Bitadze has averaged 31.6 minutes, 13.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.4 blocks per game in his last five games while shooting 59.5% from the floor.

More Than Just a Shot-Blocker

Like Nick Richards, we know Goga Bitadze is more than just a category specialist. He’s a multi-categorical force waiting to be unleashed. Before his concussion, we got a preview of what that looked like — just check his last five games breakdown above.

Yes, this stretch came without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but Bitadze proved his value as not just a building block for Orlando’s frontcourt, but a foundational piece for the entire team.

Undeniable Impact

Even with Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac as valuable assets, Bitadze is the guy who allows the Magic to function at the next level. His presence on the floor directly translates to winning basketball. The numbers back it up (among active and key players):

• Second-highest Player Impact Estimate (PIE) — 15
• Second on the team in Offensive Rating (110.3)
• Third in Defensive Rating (106.5)

Yeah, he’s back. And he’s going to play.

A Must-Have for Category-Based Teams

Since returning, Bitadze has averaged 1.3 blocks per game in his last three contests. Of course, he’s still getting back to full speed, and with injuries still rampant in this health-demic season, his long-term security may feel less comfortable in shallow leagues.

But for managers building pragmatic, category-focused lineups, he should be a top-priority stream, at minimum. Blocks, rebounds, efficiency — Bitadze is delivering. Stop playing with this man.

On The Radar

Donovan Clingan (C – POR ): 14% Rostered | 1.6 Blocks

Steals

Jaden Mcdaniels (SF, PF – MIN): 49% Rostered | 1.5 Steals – Rank: 25th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Hold
• Priority: High
• Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Steals
• Secondary: Rebounds, Field-Goal Percentage
• Auxiliary: Points, Blocks
• Category Class: Synergy-Realist
• Roster Class: Generalist

Week 16 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: SAC, CHI, HOU, POR

Last 5 Games: McDaniels has averaged 34.6 minutes, 12.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.6 three-pointers made per game while shooting 52.3% from the floor in his last five games.

Breaking Out in Every Way

It has been great watching Jaden McDaniels thrive this season. He has always had the talent and upside, but now he’s proving he can sustain it with consistency and durability. That combination makes him an even more valuable fantasy asset.

McDaniels is a multi-categorical contributor who gets attention for his defensive ability and utility value, but where he catches people off guard is in his offensive production. His ability to knock down shots, grab boards and contribute across the major offensive categories makes him a rising force in category leagues.

A Roster Anchor You Can Rely On

McDaniels is the kind of player who lifts all boats in roster construction. Barring injury or a major trade, he should remain a reliable and impactful asset for the remainder of the season.

If he’s available in your league, you need to pounce now.

On The Radar

Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG, SF – PHI): 63% Rostered | 1.5 Steals

Three-Pointers Made

Malik Beasley (SG, SF – DET): 38% Rostered | 3.8 3PTM – Rank: 6th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
• Priority: Medium-High
• Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Three-Pointers Made
• Secondary: Points
• Auxiliary: Steals, Rebounds
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 16 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: ATL, CLE, PHI, CHA