Welcome to week seven of the Fantasy Basketball schedule. For the first time in NBA history, the in-season tournament will be played and will likely wreak havoc on your fantasy team’s schedule. There are two games each on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and one on Saturday. Each team plays two games this week.
NBA In-season Tournament:
Monday (December 4)
Quarter-final1: Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics
Quarter-final 2: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings
Tuesday (December 5)
Quarter-final 3: New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Quarter-final 4: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday (December 7)
Semi-final 1: Winners of December 4 games
Semi-final 2: Winners of December 5 games
Saturday (December 9):
Championship: Winners from Thursday’s games
Fantasy Basketball Schedule Overview:
- Monday (12/4): 2 games
- Tuesday (12/5): 2 games
- Wednesday (12/6): 11 games
- Thursday (12/7): 2 games
- Friday (12/8): 13 games
- Saturday (12/9): 1 game
- Sunday (12/10): 0 games
Fantasy Basketball Streaming
Streaming is challenging this week. To get the maximum value, target teams that play Monday or Tuesday and hope they win and play again on Thursday. A few generally available players to consider:
Indiana Pacers:
- Obi Toppin (PF): Worth considering for the in-season tournament. Toppin has been scoring routinely in the double digits lately. He is currently questionable, so monitor his health accordingly.
- Aaron Nesmith (SF): Modest role with the Pacers and can contribute any night. Typically, his role is limited, but keep an eye on Halliburton’s availability, as Nesmith’s value increases if he sits.
- Bennedict Mathurin (SG/SF): Mathurin is a strong streamer with major upside. If he is available, deploy him this week for the in-season tournament. Strong in points but capable in rebounds as well.
New Orleans Pelicans:
- Trey Murphy (SG/SF): Returned from injury, make sure he isn’t on your waiver wire.
New York Knicks:
- Josh Hart (SG/SF): Hart’s minutes are increasing. Great in rebounds from the guard position. Given the schedule, he is an excellent play this week.
- Donte DiVincenzo (SG): Modest production but a good play, given his week’s schedule.
Sacramento Kings:
- Kevin Huerter (SG/SF): Inconsistent but has been helpful lately with production across the board. The talented guard can score, grab rebounds, and dish out assists. Great play for the in-season tournament.
- Malik Monk (SG/SF): Add him if he is available this week and potentially beyond. Monk can score at a high level and also contribute assists consistently.
- Harrison Barnes (SF/PF): Consistent producer in points and rebounds. He makes for a strong stream this week.
Los Angeles Lakers:
- Cam Reddish (SG/SF): The Lakers are starting to get healthy and are working things out. Reddish is the only semi-reliable option, and that’s for his elite steals.
Phoenix Suns:
- Eric Gordon (SG/SF): Gordon continues to have a prominent role on offense for the Suns as long as Beal is out. He can score, hit threes, and facilitate. He is a great stream this week.
- Grayson Allen (SG): Allen has an excellent role for the Suns and makes for a great stream this week.
- Drew Eubanks (PF): Eubanks is a blocks specialist as Nurkic’s backup. Even in limited minutes, Eubanks is a valuable stream.