As the NBA season hits March, we are getting closer and closer to the postseason, which means fantasy basketball playoffs are right around the corner. Depending on your league, there is likely only a week or two left before your postseason begins, meaning each matchup and every category carries that much more significance down the stretch. If you’re heading toward this weekend in a tight battle for three-pointers for instance, you might want to consider adding some sharpshooters over the matchup’s final three days, as winning that category could wind up being the difference between making the upcoming playoffs or ending the season early. If that’s the case, you’ll definitely want to pay attention to this set of weekend streamers, as any one of these options could help put you over the top in your matchup this week. So let’s dive in and identify a handful of the weekend’s best streaming options who, as always, must be scheduled for two games over the next three days.
Weekend Streamers
Isaiah Roby, PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Categories: PTS, REB, STL, BLK
If you’re looking for a versatile big man to stream this weekend, Isaiah Roby presents a really exciting option. After six straight solid performances with minutes in the mid-20s, Roby erupted for a career-high 26 points in 34 minutes, stuffing the stat sheet with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 threes. Coming off this electric performance, which game against Jokic, Roby’s confidence should be sky-high as he enters a pair of games this weekend at home against the Timberwolves and Jazz. His minutes should once again be high, as Derrick Favors is out, and the Thunder have nothing to play for other than developing future centerpieces such as Roby. As a result, he makes for an excellent option this weekend as someone who can contribute across the board, and possesses a high enough ceiling to explode again to help you win your matchup.
Malachi Flynn, PG, Toronto Raptors
Best Categories: 3PM, PTS, AST
If guards are what you’re after this weekend, Malachi Flynn is an intriguing choice with a pair of games against the Magic and Cavaliers this weekend. His value is somewhat dependent on Fred VanVleet not returning to the lineup this weekend, but assuming this holds true, Flynn could be ready to pop. Seeing 35 minutes per game as the fill-in starter over the past three games, the young point guard is averaging 14.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.3 triples. On top of that, he’s even shot a very efficient 61% from the floor in that span. Assuming he does in fact stick in the starting five, Flynn seems like a safe bet for double-digit points, a couple threes, and a handful of assists in each of Toronto’s two games this weekend.
Jae Crowder, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns
Best Categories: 3PM, PTS, STL
Since returning from the all-star break, Jae Crowder has been a man on a mission. He’s playing some of his best basketball of the season, and he is undoubtedly taking on a more significant role in the offense with Chris Paul and now Devin Booker possibly out of the lineup. Crowder has been excellent over his last four games, averaging 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.5 threes per contest, shooting an efficient 55% from the floor and 80% from the line. He appears to be an elite streaming option for anyone in need of threes and steals this weekend, and he is also flashing the ability to produce everywhere else too. With games against the Knicks and Bucks, Phoenix will need him to step up with their star players doubtful to suit up.
Cameron Payne, PG/SG, Phoenix Suns
Best Categories: 3PM, PTS, AST
I just mentioned that Chris Paul is out for the foreseeable future, and Devin Booker might also miss the next few games due to health and safety protocols, making Cameron Payne the top guard in the backcourt for the Suns. With or without Booker, Payne will still have a significant role in the offense, making him a top streaming option. Seeing his first game action since January 22nd, the 27-year-old was limited to 20 minutes, but he was still able to rack up 8 assists with 2 steals, a block, and a triple in the contest. So if he can do that in a rusty 20 minutes after not playing for over a month, just imagine what he can do this weekend as his minutes and rhythm continue to improve. Especially if Booker is forced to sit, the Suns may need to lean on Payne, making him a high ceiling option over the next few days.
Jalen Smith, PF, Indiana Pacers
Best Categories: 3PM, PTS, REB
After four strong games in a row, it’s time to start taking Jalen Smith seriously in fantasy hoops. The big man who was recently traded over from Phoenix at the deadline is starting to make his mark with Indiana, who is severely lacking in the frontcourt. The big man is averaging 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.0 threes per game since the all-star break, doing it on 53% from the floor and 93% from the stripe. Even upon returning to a bench role last game, Smith still played well enough to see the court for 37 minutes, so his playing time seems secure in the short term at the very least. And with matchups against the Pistons and Wizards this weekend, Smith has a real chance to dominate. He’s a bit of a riskier choice this weekend than some of the streaming options listed above, but the potential rewards could be very much worth the gamble.
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