Week 17 is here which marks the start of the second to last match-up for many leagues. Also of note is the NBA trade deadline is Thursday of this week (we most recently saw Caris LeVert get traded to Cleveland just yesterday). Depending on your playoff positioning, General Manager’s should focus on one of two things: identifying players with major upside barring a trade and identifying streaming options to squeeze out as many wins as possible. This column will focus on the latter since our teams that are pushing for a playoff spot need it more!
Let’s dive in.
NBA Schedule Breakdown
The weekly breakdown of games is as follows:
- February 7, Monday: 5 games
- February 8, Tuesday: 10 games
- February 9, Wednesday: 6 games
- February 10, Thursday: 7 games
- February 11, Friday: 7 games
- February 12, Saturday: 11 games
- February 13, Sunday: 2 games
Teams with 4 games this week (8)
TOR, MIN, CHI, GSW, PHO, CHA, NYK, OKC
Teams with 3 games this week (20)
NOR, POR, MEM, BOS, SAS, IND, WAS, LAL, SAC, DET, MIA, UTA, DAL, ORL, PHI, ATL, CLE, DEN, BKN, LAC
Teams with 2 games this week (2)
HOU, MIL
Streaming Options: Team Edition
Week 17’s schedule is consistent across the week; however, Monday and Sunday are the low nights. Unfortunately, there are no teams that play on both low nights so the strategy should be to daisy chain a few players together during the week to maximize games. Nonetheless, here are a few teams with the best matchups and schedules.
TORONTO RAPTORS (MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY)
Precious Achiuwa (PF/C)
Precious Achiuwa offers some streaming value in a 20-minute role with the Raptors, in deeper leagues especially. The production isn’t much, but Precious’ value comes in the form of all-around production, with upside in rebounds.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS (MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY)
Mason Plumlee (C )
Mason Plumlee has received big minutes (29) over the last two weeks and producing nearly a double-double each in response. In addition to a 10 point, 10 rebound upside, Plumlee has averaged over 3 + assists from the Center position on great field goal percentage, making him an excellent streaming option this week.
P.J. Washington (PF/C)
P.J. Washington never quite found his footing this year. While many general managers stashed Washington in hopes he hits the 30-minute mark, it never happened, and barring a trade, most likely will not happen. What that means is Washington might be available to stream. As a streamer, Washington provides a 1-1-1 potential each night, with further upside in elite steals and blocks.
Kelly Oubre (SF/PF)
Kelly Oubre is a roller coaster, osculating between huge lines and non-existent production. Despite the roller coaster, Oubre should be on a roster. If he gets rolling and a spike in usage (as he often does), he can be an absolute difference-maker down the stretch.
UTAH JAZZ (MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY)
Hassan Whiteside (C )
Pretty straightforward – Whiteside is a great option as long as Rudy Gobert continues to sit.
Royce O’Neale (SF/PF)
You will be disappointed but if you are in a deeper league, you could do worse than Royce O’Neale. There is always the chance he gets moderate points, rebounds, and some defensive statistics. If the schedule fits, O’Neale’s production is better than nothing.