As we head into the second-to-last weekend of the NBA regular season, we’ve reached what is likely the most important weekend of the season for most fantasy leagues. With the majority of leagues in their championship week, and several others nearing the end of the semifinals, it’s time to go all out to win your matchups. This means potentially dropping superstar-level talent if they are hurt or resting this weekend, and trying to snag a handful of players off the waiver wire who might end up being difference-makers. So let’s dive in and identify some of those potential game-changers who, as always, must have two games scheduled over these next three days.
Weekend Streamers
Moses Brown, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best Categories: FG%, PTS, REB, BLK
For the second season in a row, Moses Brown looks to be playing the role of fantasy hoops hero, as he has once again found his way into major minutes when it matters most. Thanks to both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley recovering from injuries, Brown has entered the starting five for Cleveland, and he has produced in a big way. The big man followed up a solid 12 point, 9 rebound performance with an even more impressive 15 and 13 line, shooting a combined 10-for-12 from the floor between the two games. With back-to-back games against the Knicks and 76ers this weekend, and neither Allen nor Mobley expected back, Brown should once again see minutes in the upper 20s with major double-double potential each night.
Theo Maledon, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Categories: 3PM, PTS, AST
Oklahoma City’s roster is in absolute shambles as they reach the season’s finish line, as it is abundantly clear that they are in full-on tank mode. As a result, Theo Maledon has played 32 or more minutes in four straight games for the Thunder, and he has taken advantage of the opportunity with some solid stat lines. Maledon has topped 18 points in all four games, averaging an impressive 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.3 triples in that span. The Thunder have weekend home games against the tanking Pistons and a Suns team that has already clinched the top seed in the West, so there will be very little resistance as Maledon attempts to continue his strong play.
Isaiah Roby, PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Categories: PTS, REB, BLK
I repeat, Oklahoma City’s roster is in absolute shambles. Their young talent is being fed as many minutes as they can handle over these final days of the season, and Isaiah Roby is very much included in that. Similar to Maledon, the young big man has been playing terrific basketball across the last four games, averaging 19.3 points, 7.8 boards, 1.8 blocks, and even chipping in a somewhat unexpected 1.8 threes per contest. Scoring as many as 30 on Monday, Roby has the ability to score in bunches, and he gets those same easy matchups against the Pistons and Suns this weekend. Roby seems like a safe bet to have at least one, if not two monster performances in the coming days that could help a lot of people win their fantasy leagues.
Damian Jones, C, Sacramento Kings
Best Categories: FG%, PTS, REB, BLK
Sticking with the theme of random big men becoming fantasy superstars during this all-important week of basketball, Damian Jones has been a monster for the Kings, producing in major minutes across his last five games. The 26-year-old has gotten at least 12 points and 5 rebounds in each of those games, averaging 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds over that stretch, shooting 63% or better from the floor every night. Now, after dropping 24 points with 9 boards, 5 assists, and 4 blocks last game against the Rockets, he gets to face them again tonight, followed by a matchup with a struggling Warriors team that has allowed 118.5 points per game during a four-game losing streak. Jones has the chance to put up a pair of massive stat lines this weekend if he stays hot.
Brandon Williams, PG, Portland Trailblazers
Best Categories: 3PM, PTS, AST, STL
If you’ve never heard of Brandon Williams, I suggest you quickly learn the name for this weekend. The undrafted rookie point guard has been thrust into big minutes for a tanking Portland team, and he has certainly delivered in recent games. Across his past three contests, Williams is averaging 16.7 points, 10.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.7 threes, even going off for an impressive 25 point, 12 assist masterpiece with 5 threes and 4 steals on Monday. Now, the 22-year-old heads into back-to-back games against the Spurs this weekend, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to point guards this season. With such a favorable matchup, Williams should have no trouble keeping up the stellar play and helping a number of people win their leagues.