As week three of NBA Fantasy Basketball approaches, general managers should be settling into the NBA’s schedule rhythm. Typically, we see the most games played on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the least number of games on Tuesday and Thursday, and a consistent slate on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, we will start noticing the effects of back-to-back games. Veteran and injury prone players will be most affected by this (think John Wall, Kawhi Leonard, Michael Porter Jr, Klay Thompson). Managers can begin to predict when their team may drop games and when streaming will become a priority. Managers should also look for trade opportunities. General managers want immediate return and can get frustrated quickly, so scan the league for players that other league manager’s may be losing patience with. See below for a few players worth kicking the tires on.
Fantasy Basketball Schedule Preview
Trade Targets
Buy Low:
- Domantas Sabonis
- Jrue Holiday
- Jordan Poole
- Trae Young
- Brandon Ingram
Sell High:
- Jalen Brunson
- Jimmy Butler
- Bojan Bogdanovic
- Dennis Smith Jr.
- Zach LaVine
While you work the trade market, don’t forget to optimize your lineups for this week. Here is the schedule and streaming options for week 3:
This week’s Fantasy NBA schedule:
- Monday (10/31): 7 games
- Tuesday (11/1): 4 games
- Wednesday (11/2): 11 games
- Thursday (11/3): 2 games
- Friday (11/4): 12 games
- Saturday (11/5): 8 games
- Sunday (11/6): 4 games
Teams with 4 games this week:
MIL, CHA, LAC, WAS, CHI, BKN, UTA, TOR, MEM
Teams with 3 games this week:
MIA, CLE, ORL, PHO, HOU, SAS, NOR, NYK, OKC, SAC, GSW, MIN, BOS, ATL, POR, DET, LAL, PHI
Teams with 2 games this week:
DEN, IND, DAL
Optimize your Streaming:
When we talk about streaming, think of designating your final roster spot that rotates each week to tease categories based on your match up. Adding just a few games can make a big difference if done properly. While fringe streamers can help you, they can also hurt you if you are not careful.
The following teams offer the best schedules to maximize your games played. Depending on your league the players available will vary, but the players below should be available in most 12- or 14-team formats.
Orlando Magic (T/TH/SAT)
- Bol Bol (C – FG%, blocks) This week’s fantasy darling, Bol Bol has emerged as Orlando’s safety blanket off the bench as they deal with injuries. Bol Bol offers value in points, rebounds, and blocks. He is an excellent option as a streamer and may be worth an extended run on your roster.
- Terrence Ross (SF – threes, points, steals) Sometimes you just need an opportunity. Ross is getting minutes and can produce in threes, points, and steals. He isn’t consistent, but given his schedule this week, give him a chance.
- Mo Bamba ( C – blocks) Bamba has been terrible and is being phased out by Bol Bol. If you are this desperate for games, Bamba could be a great source of blocks.
Golden State Warriors (T/TH/FRI)
- James Wiseman (C – rebounds, FG%, blocks) The blocks aren’t there consistently, but Wiseman is stable in points, rebounds, and FG%. Wiseman is a solid streaming option this week.
- JaMychal Green (PF – all-around production) Green is not the best option lately but is still in a 17+ minute role that can yield contribution across categories. Green is a deep league streamer at most.
Oklahoma City Thunder (T/TH/SAT)
- Aleksej Pokuseveski (PF/C – All-around contributor) While Poku is on many rosters, he is better used as a streaming option in 12 team leagues, with the thought he could erupt in any game. If he is available, roll the dice this week.
- Tre Mann (PG – points/threes contributor) Josh Giddey missed games and Mann stepped up producing points and threes. With Giddey returning, expect Mann’s minutes and stats to be muted.
- Darius Bazley (SF/PF – Overall contributor) Recently, Bazley has added value in rebounds and blocks and makes a great stream with this type of schedule.