We’ve reached the final countdown! Most head-to-head leagues are in the playoffs, and there are only a few more weeks to rise in Roto standings.
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably winning or at least competing. Congrats! But there is still more work to be done. In this piece, I will review each NBA team, assess their motivations and identify what may help you in your quest for glory.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 12th in the Eastern Conference. Their 2025 first-round pick is protected in the top six, so they have every motivation to tank — and tank hard. Joel Embiid and Paul George have already been shut down, while Tyrese Maxey has missed the past seven games. The probabilities are high that we will no longer see him on the court the rest of the way.
Here are some 76ers rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Jalen Hood-Schifino (0% rostered): The 76ers took a chance on the Lakers’ former first-round pick. He’s averaged 21.5 minutes over the past two games, putting up 19 points with five treys on Sunday. Philadelphia may start giving him more minutes to see what they have.
Jared Butler (10% rostered): Butler has started the past four games and averaged 30 minutes, 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.0 treys. I like his game because he never seems rushed.
Jeff Dowtin Jr. (12% rostered): Dowtin is the opposite of Butler in that his frame is thinner, and he’s a jittery player. He gets buckets, though, scoring double-digits in each of the past six games, two of those with at least 20 points. Over the past four games, Dowtin has averaged 28.7 minutes (skewed by a 40-minute game), 18.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.8 treys.
Adem Bona (12% rostered): Bona is currently dealing with an ankle injury. In his last four games, he averaged 27.9 minutes, 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks. He’s very athletic and hustles his butt off.
Ricky Council IV (5% rostered): Council has flea-like hops. Unfortunately, the hoop must look like the size of a flea because he has serious efficiency issues shooting the ball. He’s getting minutes, though, and minutes are half the battle. Over the past four games, Council has averaged 31.7 minutes, 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 treys, 0.8 steals and 1.0 blocks. The efficiency? A rough 38% from the field and 21% from downtown.
Justin Edwards (2% rostered): Edwards has started the past six games, averaging 26.6 minutes, 10.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 treys. On Monday, he received 40 minutes and contributed 18 points, three rebounds, four assists, a steal and four treys.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 13th in the Western Conference. The Spurs have their 2025 first-rounder and have shut down Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, so all hands on deck for the tank brigade.
Here are some Spurs rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Jeremy Sochan (43% rostered): The minutes have fluctuated, but Sochan did receive 31 on Saturday. Sochan doesn’t garner a high usage rate, but he’s versatile and chips in every statistical category.
Keldon Johnson (36% rostered): Johnson isn’t starting, but he’s been the microwave off the bench. He’s scored double-figures in each of the past seven games, with a high of 28. The usage rate has ticked up 4% from his season average of 20%.
Sandro Mamukelashvili (0% rostered): He hasn’t done much and is playing mid-teen minutes, but he’s flashed in the past and could get significant run as the tanking gets more intense
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 11th in the Eastern Conference, 4.5 games behind the 10th seed. They own their 2025 first-round pick and are only a game up on the 13th seed. Scottie Barnes hasn’t reached 30 minutes in any of the past four games. He also sat another. Toronto has two back-to-backs left.
Here are some Raptors rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Jonathan Mogbo (1% rostered): Mogbo missed the past six games due to a nose injury. He’s back and could get significant run down the stretch. His hustle and athleticism flashed when he was given opportunities earlier in the season. Mogbo wouldn’t be a league winner, but he has the ability to chip in a little something something across the board.
Orlando Robinson (27% rostered): Over the past nine games, Robinson has averaged 26.8 minutes, 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.6 treys. For a big man, the 41% field goal percentage is brutal, but he is converting 82% of his 3.1 free throw attempts per game. If Jakob Poeltl and Barnes get shut down, Mogbo and Robinson would likely soak up most of the center and power forward minutes.
Colin Castleton (4% rostered): Castleton is on his second 10-day contract, so this may be nothing. There’s a chance he remains a part of the tank brigade, though. When he was with the Lakers, I liked him because of his ability to pass, but he doesn’t contribute much in the defensive categories. Over the past six games, Castleton has averaged 7.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
A.J. Lawson (14% rostered): Lawson is 6-foot-6, 180 pounds and went unselected in the 2021 NBA Draft. Over the past seven games, he’s averaged 30.1 minutes, 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.7 treys while attempting 13.6 shots a night. He is only shooting 40% from the field, but the playing time and volume are undeniable.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is 14th in the Eastern Conference at 17-50. They have the second-worst record in the NBA and their 2025 first-round pick will likely remain theirs — if it falls outside the lottery, then it goes to Sacramento. The motivation to tank is strong. Charlotte has three back-to-backs left.
Here are some Hornets rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Moussa Diabate (4% rostered): If Mark Williams is shut down, Diabate has shown he can be productive. I love his energy, and he can provide rebounds and blocks if given the opportunity.
DaQuan Jeffries (1% rostered): Jeffries has started six of the past seven games. He’s mostly been empty for fantasy purposes, but he dropped 20 points three games ago and contributed five rebounds, three assists and two blocks last game. Playing alongside LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges doesn’t afford many chances to get busy, but if those two start sitting, there’s a more than Lloyd Christmas chance of fantasy goodies.
Nick Smith Jr. (5% rostered): I’m still a sucker for NSJ. He’s a professional bucket-getter, but the light frame makes it difficult at times while he’s still inefficient from the field. In addition, he was sent to a reserve role a week ago. That said, he’s flashed, with a game output of 26 points, three rebounds, five assists and six treys this past week. If Charlotte fully plants the Flagg, then NSJ should garner a massive usage rate and start cooking.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans has the third-worst record in the NBA. They have their 2025 first-round pick, so it’s all tank, all the time.
Here are some Pelicans rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Karlo Matkovic (13% rostered): Matkovic balled out in the Summer League, but that didn’t get him into the regular-season rotation. Due to all injuries and poor record, Matkovic became a significant member of the rotation in February. Since then, he’s averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.7 treys in 23.2 minutes. He has started the past two games and played an average of 27 minutes. As this season continues to slide into the abyss for New Orleans, there’s a chance Matkovic will start playing over 30 minutes.
Kelly Olynyk (13% rostered): Olynyk is 33 years old, so the conventional thought is he shouldn’t be part of the tank brigade. But then I looked at the Pelicans’ depth chart and Olynyk’s contract, and things became very, very interesting. Olynyk can play both power forward and center. So can Matkovic. If the Pelicans tank, then Zion Williamson will be shut down. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is fourth on the depth chart at power forward, while Mo Bamba is third at center. Olynyk has one year left on his contract at $13.44 million. It could be in the Pelicans’ best interest to play Olynyk and drum up interest for a trade in the offseason. If Olynyk does play — he has received 31 minutes in each of the past two games — he can stuff the stat sheet.
Bruce Brown (3% rostered): Brown has played at least 30 minutes in two of the past three games. As with Olynyk, Brown can stuff the stat sheet sans blocks. In his most recent game, he put up 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and a trey in 32 minutes. Williamson likely won’t play much the rest of the way, so Brown could soak up most of the small forward minutes.
Jose Alvarado (17% rostered): Alvarado is playing minutes in the mid-20s as the backup point guard off the bench. “Grand Theft” Alvarado will always rack up steals, but treys, points and dimes are also in the basket. In a full tanking scenario, CJ McCollum would likely be shut down, or at least limited, which could pave the way for Alvarado to receive over 30 minutes.
Jordan Hawkins (5% rostered): Hawkins is a 3-point shooter who doesn’t provide much else. His minutes are currently landing in the mid-20s, but with Trey Murphy III done for the season, that could allow Hawkins to play over 30 minutes.
Washington Wizards
Washington is tied for the worst record in the NBA. Their 2025 first-round pick is top-10 protected.
Here are some Wizards rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Justin Champagnie (31% rostered): Since Bilal Coulibaly was lost for the season due to injury, Champagnie has started three games and averaged 34.3 minutes, 12.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.0 treys. He’s shooting 51% from the field and 46% from downtown, both of which will come down, but the playing time should still provide plenty of fantasy goodies.
Kyshawn George (31% rostered): George has had issues shooting, which isn’t uncommon for rookies. Over the past six games, though, he’s shooting 42% from downtown. In 32.3 minutes, he’s also averaging 13.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.8 blocks and 2.7 treys. He is literally stuffing the stat sheet.
Bub Carrington (12% rostered): The playing time and production have been inconsistent, but he’s shown flashes. If you can stomach the volatility and lack of defensive stats, Carrington could provide some points, treys, rebounds and dimes.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 13th in the Eastern Conference, and they re-acquired their 2025 first-round pick in June, so they have motivation to tank. That said, Brooklyn has been feisty, losing to the Warriors by 2 points, beating the Lakers, losing to the Cavaliers by 5 points, losing the Celtics by 2 points and beating the Hawks on Sunday — Cameron Johnson played 36 minutes. Brooklyn has one back-to-back left this season.
The big news for Brooklyn is the loss of Cam Thomas for the rest of the season. He was garnering a massive 35% usage rate. With Thomas off the court this season, D’Angelo Russell leads the team with a 27% usage rate, while Johnson is at 24.5%. Russell is dealing with an ankle injury and should be the primary playmaker if and when he returns to action. I do think there’s a good chance Russell gets shut down.
Here are some Nets rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Keon Johnson (18% rostered): entered the starting lineup for Thomas. He’s started 43 games this season, averaging 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The shooting efficiency is always a problem for Johnson, as he’s converted only 38% of his field goal attempts and 31% from downtown. Over the past two starts, though, he’s averaged 21.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 4.5 treys while shooting 45% from the field and 50% from downtown. I’m not buying the shooting, but I love his athleticism. He should get plenty of opportunities to ball out the rest of the way.
Tyrese Martin (3% rostered): Martin has been a part of the rotation for a while now, but he’s usually only playing minutes in the low 20s. The scoring is inconsistent, but he’s put up double-digit points 18 times this season, with a high of 30. Martin is not a one-trick pony, contributing a little something something in every statistical category. Granted, it’s not voluminous production, but it’s something. With Ziaire Williams dealing with an Achilles injury, Martin got the start in their most recent game and played 33 minutes, producing 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and three treys.
Maxwell Lewis (0% rostered): Since being acquired by Brooklyn in January, Lewis played a total of 22 minutes. With Thomas out, Lewis played 16 and 23 minutes in the past two games, respectively, averaging 12.5 points, 1.0 steals and 2.5 treys. It may be nothing; it could be something. Lewis is someone to monitor because the Nets may want to see what they have in him.
Noah Clowney (5% rostered): There was much optimism for Clowney entering this season, as he displayed his upside at the end of last season. Unfortunately, Clowney hasn’t been able to replicate that production and has dealt with a myriad of injuries this season. I’d keep an eye on him, though. If he starts getting the playing time and produces up to his potential, he could be a beast for points, rebounds and blocks.
Utah Jazz
Utah is tied for the worst record in the NBA. The Cooper Flagg was planted long ago. Now all Jazz fans can do is pray. Utah may be very annoying for fantasy because the playing time may be very fractured. The NBA already fined the team for tanking, so Lauri Markkanen may start but only play 20 minutes.
Here are some players rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Kyle Filipowski (36% rostered): I’ve been impressed with Filipowski. He has a nice stroke from the perimeter, displays excellent footwork in the paint and isn’t soft, both mentally and physically. The only issue is playing time. His minutes have fluctuated in his past six games, with three games under 19 minutes and two over 30 minutes.
Isaiah Collier (32% rostered): Collier is a beast in transition. He has excellent size at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and can really move up and down the court. Shooting is an issue, though, as he’s only converting 41% from the field and 23% from downtown. He’s getting the playing time, though. Since entering the starting lineup 35 games ago, Collier has averaged 30.5 minutes, 11 points, 4.0 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 0.9 steals.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is tied with Cleveland for the best record in the NBA. They essentially have the No. 1 overall seed locked up, as they are 13 games on top of the field in the Western Conference. I think there’s a good chance many of the starters will be getting days off. There is one back-to-back left on the schedule.
Here are some players rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Cason Wallace (24% rostered): Wallace has been playing and starting for the injured Jalen Williams. Over the past four games, he has averaged 30.6 minutes, 13.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.5 treys. He’s not going to shoot 63% from the field and 60% from downtown, but he should chip in every statistical category if he plays significant minutes. He’s not flashy but just gets the job done.
Aaron Wiggins (17% rostered): Wiggins has one role, and one role only — get buckets. And he’s happily obliged this season, scoring double-digit points 37 times. He has games of 30 and 41 points. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams sit, Wiggins garners a high usage rate and becomes the alpha on offense.
Isaiah Joe (3% rostered): Joe is Temu Wiggins, scoring double-digit points 27 times this season, with a high of 31.
Jaylin Williams (2% rostered): Williams got the start six games ago and produced a triple-double in 36 minutes: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, two blocks and two treys. Yeah, that plays.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is making a mockery of the NBA schedule, posting a 56-11 record and leading the Boston Celtics by 7.5 games for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has already started resting starters, which should be expected to continue down the stretch. There are two back-to-backs left on the schedule.
Here are some Cavaliers rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Ty Jerome (19% rostered): Jerome has only started two games this season, but don’t let that fool you. When one of Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland sits, Jerome usually plays close to 30 minutes. And he’s balled out. Jerome can provide points, assists and treys. He’s scored at least 20 points 10 times this season, with a high of 33. He’s dished out at least five assists 18 times.
Max Strus (11% rostered): “The Strus Goose” hasn’t necessarily been on the loose this season, but there’s been a little liftoff to get over the ripples. There’s a good chance he scores 10 points, provides a trey or two, grabs around five rebounds and dishes out four dimes. It’s not exciting, but I don’t discriminate against counting stats.
Boston Celtics
Boston looks to be locked into the second seed in the Eastern Conference, as they are 7.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and six games up on the New York Knicks. Boston has already been managing playing time for the starters, and I think there will be some missed games down the stretch. Boston has two back-to-backs left on the schedule.
Here are some Celtics rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Al Horford (31% rostered): Horford doesn’t play every night, but he’s been very useful, especially when Kristaps Porzingis has been out. Over his past seven games played, Horford averaged 12.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.1 treys in 33.8 minutes.
Sam Hauser (2% rostered): You definitely have to pick and choose your spots with Hauser, but when one of Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown sits, he often starts and launches shots from downtown. He doesn’t provide much outside of points and treys, but the upside is 33 points, six rebounds and nine treys, a stat line he delivered four games ago in 35 minutes against the Utah Jazz.
Miami Heat
Miami is ninth in the Eastern Conference, one game ahead of the Bulls. Miami’s 2025 first-round pick is lottery-protected, so the next few games could determine which side of the fence Miami chooses to jump on. There is one back-to-back left on the schedule.
Here are some players rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Kel’el Ware (42% rostered): Ware looked to have hit a rookie wall after coming out of the gates scorching hot. His minutes dissipated into the teens. On Saturday, though, he reminded everyone how good he is, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a trey in 36 minutes. If the Heat make a push for the playoffs, I could see Ware getting deprioritized, but if Miami has googly eyes for their draft pick, then Ware could be a … don’t say it … don’t say it … league winner.
Kyle Anderson (1% rostered): Mr. Anderson is the opposite of a league winner, but that doesn’t mean he’s worthless. On Saturday, Anderson received 30 minutes and contributed 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal and two treys. Nothing earth-shattering, but when Mr. Anderson gets playing time, he contributes in every statistical category.
Pelle Larsson (0% rostered): I’ve been keeping my eye on Larsson all season after reading all offseason how much the coaching staff loved him. He reminds me of Christian Braun. Anyways, Larsson probably won’t amount to much for fantasy this season, but if Miami does prioritize the draft pick, then there’s a chance he could start to see 30 minutes.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference at 32-36. They are five games back of the sixth seed, but only 3.5 games ahead of the 10th-seeded Chicago Bulls. They are squarely in the playoff race, with most of the battle for seeding. I foresee the status quo for their main players down the stretch.
Here are some Hawks rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Caris LeVert (31% rostered): If you need points, LeVert could deliver. Since arriving in Atlanta, LeVert has put up at least 20 points four times.
Georges Niang (6% rostered): Niang is out there to space the floor and can provide treys. The volume is inconsistent, though, and he will likely only play mid-20s minutes, but he’s hucked up double-digit shots nine times since arriving in Atlanta.
Zaccharie Risacher (19% rostered): The playing time and production have been inconsistent for the overall No. 1 pick. Over the past four games, Risacher has averaged 27.8 minutes. He has attempted double-digit shots in three of those contests and has been doing decent work on the glass. He does have good length and athleticism while proving the NBA stage is not too big for him.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 10th in the Eastern Conference, 4.5 games ahead of the 11th-seeded Toronto Raptors. They should be playing hard the rest of the way.
Here are some Bulls rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Tre Jones (23% rostered): Jones has started the past six games and averaged 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 treys in 33.4 minutes. The playing time has come at the expense of Lonzo Ball, who is dealing with a wrist injury. Ride the hot hand until the universe tells you to get off.
Kevin Huerter (11% rostered): It took a minute for Huerter to get acclimated in Chicago, but he’s become an integral part of the rotation. Huerter had scored double-digit points in eight straight before Saturday’s 9-point performance. With Josh Giddey injured, Huerter has started the past two games and played at least 33 minutes in both. While his primary job is to space the floor, Huerter has put his hard hat on while doing yeoman’s work on the glass. He’s always been known as a decent playmaker, so assists have been dished as well.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is currently 10th in the Western Conference, only 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns. The Portland Trail Blazers are 3.5 games behind. The Mavericks do have their 2025 first-round pick, so it will be interesting to see how they approach the end of the season. Dallas showed in the past it was willing to prioritize a better draft pick, but that was under different ownership. There are two back-to-backs left for Dallas.
Here are some Mavericks rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Spencer Dinwiddie (24% rostered): Dinwiddie has efficiency and inconsistency issues, but he’s playing a ton of minutes with Kyrie Irving done for the season. Over the past seven games, Dinwiddie has only started one game but averaged 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 treys. The usage rate has been a respectable 20%.
Brandon Williams (23% rostered): Williams is undersized but lightning-quick and a professional bucket-getter. Over the past six games, he’s averaged 18.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.5 treys in 29.7 minutes. He’s garnered the trust of Jason Kidd and definitely passes the eye test. He is on a two-way deal, though, and can only play five more games this season. It’s likely the Mavericks will sign Williams to a standard contract, but Dallas has been known to do illogical things.
Denver Nuggets
Denver is tied for second in the Western Conference. It is super tight up top, as only five games separate seeds 2 through 8. It’s full steam ahead, matey!
Detroit Pistons
Detroit is sixth in the Eastern Conference, only 1.5 games behind the fourth-seed Bucks. The Hawks are five games back. Pedal to the metal! Detroit has two back-to-backs left on the schedule.
Here are some Pistons rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Malik Beasley (39% rostered): Beasley is ninth in treys attempted per game and third at 3.9 makes per contest. He’s also averaging a steal per game, making Beasley a nice 3-and-D player. Defenses converge on Cade Cunningham, so Beasley should continue to get plenty of looks from beyond the arc.
Dennis Schroder (38% rostered): It took some time for Schroder to get situated in Detroit, but his role has been defined, and it looks like he’s comfortable now. Over the past six games, Schroder is averaging 24.5 minutes off the bench and contributing 13.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.0 treys. That’s not bad for assist-needy teams, and Schroder has delivered double-digit points in six straight.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State is sixth in the Western Conference, 2.5 games behind the Lakers and only 1.5 games up on the eight-seed Clippers. Golden Curry will continue to be a menu mainstay on a nightly basis for the Warriors. There are two back-to-backs for Golden State.
Here are some Warriors rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Moses Moody (20% rostered): Steve Kerr has often been moody in regards to Moody’s playing time, but it looks like Moses has finally garnered the trust of Kerr. Over the past five games, Moody has started and averaged 31.6 minutes, 15.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.8 treys. Playing alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler provides plenty of open looks on offense.
Quinten Post (4% rostered): Post is an intriguing player. He likely won’t play more than 20 minutes any night, but he could provide utility for certain teams, as he can provide both blocks and treys from the center slot.
Houston Rockets
There are no problems in Houston, as they are currently tied for the second seed in the Western Conference. Only five games separate the 2 and 8 seeds, so it’s all systems go. Houston has one back-to-back left on the schedule.
Here are some Rockets rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Dillon Brooks (25% rostered): Minutes are gold, Jerry! That ironically makes Brooks bling because he is probably the most unexciting fantasy player. That said, over the past 10 games, he’s averaging 31.6 minutes, 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.9 treys.
Steven Adams (2% rostered): If you need rebounds, Adams is averaging 8.2 over the past six games in 18.2 minutes. Sneakily, he’s also chipping in 2.3 assists.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is fifth in the Eastern Conference, 0.5 games behind the Bucks and only one game up on the Pistons. No pit stops for Indiana. There are three back-to-backs left on the schedule.
Here are some Pacers rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Aaron Nesmith (23% rostered): Nesmith is currently dealing with an ankle injury, but it doesn’t sound too serious. Over the past nine games, he’s started all of them and averaged 31.9 minutes, 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 3.0 treys. That’s top-70 production on a per-game basis!
Andrew Nembhard (28% rostered): This recommendation is only for when Tyrese Haliburton (who’s been dealing with issues) is out. In two of the three games Haliburton recently missed, Nembhard went for 15 points/10 assists in one and 11 points/12 assists in the other.
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference but only five games behind the second seed while being four games up on the Kings. The sails are raised, and all the oarsmen have taken their places below deck to guide this ship to the Promised Land. There are three back-to-backs left on the schedule. Two of those are within six days of each other in early April. Kawhi Leonard has sat at least one leg of every back-to-back this season, and he will likely be sitting at least three of those remaining back-to-backs.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference, two games behind the second seed and four games up on the eighth seed. The Lakers are banged up with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura out, but the show must, and will, go on. There are four back-to-backs left on the schedule. James has played in every back-to-back this season, but there’s a chance he misses a few down the stretch.
Here’s a Laker rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Jaxson Hayes (22% rostered): Hayes returned from a four-game absence and contributed 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in 29 minutes. He’s an excellent lob threat for Luka Doncic and has been racking up blocks. The rebounding numbers aren’t that great, but excellent field goal percentage, points and blocks ain’t bad.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is tied for second in the Western Conference. The Warriors and Timberwolves are currently tied for the sixth seed and are only 3.5 games back, so all the top teams should be going full throttle until the standings become more concrete. Memphis has one back-to-back left on the schedule.
Here are some Grizzlies rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Luke Kennard (5% rostered): Kennard will likely only play 20 minutes, give or take a few, but he can provide some treys and steals. While he’s out there primarily to space the floor, Kennard is a good playmaker and dishes out dimes from time to time. The scoring is volatile, but he showed the upside when he dropped 30 points in 31 minutes three games ago, but it’s his ability to contribute a little something something across the board that provides the most appeal.
Santi Aldama (40% rostered): Aldama is currently out with a calf injury and has missed the past five games. If you have an open IR slot, though, I’d consider scooping him up. Aldama has excellent size at 7 feet and 215 pounds, but he can space the floor, converting 37% of his 4.8 attempts from downtown per game. Memphis loves to play fast and space the floor. The combo of Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the front court gives defenses fits. Aldama showed his upside nine games ago when he put up 15 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists, a steal, a block and a trey in 37 minutes.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers and Pistons are 0.5 and 1.5 games back, respectively. It’s time for the Bucks to start charging toward the playoffs. Milwaukee has two back-to-backs left in the season.
Here are some Bucks rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Kevin Porter Jr. (6% rostered): Porter is not going to play 20 minutes, which makes him a tough roster. He makes the most of his time on the court, though. In the 17 minutes per night he’s been getting, the usage rate has been in the 27% range. He’s scored in double-figures in each of the past three games, with a high of 22. Six games ago, he triple-doubled with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists in 26 minutes, so that’s the upside. A sneaky aspect of KPJ’s game is the ability to get to the line. He’s uber aggressive and has attempted 23 free throws in the past four games, converting 22 of them.
Gary Trent Jr. (10% rostered): Trent is a 3-point specialist who plays around 23 minutes a night. He’s drained at least three treys in each of the past four games.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is seventh in the Western Conference, only 3.5 games back of the second seed. The eight-seed Clippers are only 1.5 games behind Minnesota. There will be no catnaps the rest of the way. Minnesota has one back-to-back left on the schedule.
New York Knicks
New York is third in the Eastern Conference, six games behind the Celtics and 4.5 games ahead of the Bucks. Tom Thibodeau plays his guys 40 minutes a night — rain, sleet or shine. If the Knicks were in play for the No. 1 overall pick, he’d still play his guys 40 minutes. New York has five back-to-backs left on the schedule, but Thibodeau scoffs at back-to-backs.
Until Jalen Brunson returns to action, Miles McBride (33% rostered) should deliver fantasy goodies. In four starts replacing Brunson, McBride has averaged 35.3 minutes, 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.8 blocks and 3.0 treys.
Since making his season debut eight games ago, Mitchell Robinson (8% rostered) was limited to under 20 minutes. On Monday, he played 24 minutes off the bench, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, an assist, two steals and two blocks. If you need big man stats, saunter down to Mr. Robinson’s neighborhood.
Orlando Magic
Orlando is eighth in the Eastern Conference, 0.5 games behind Atlanta and two games up on the Heat. The Magic are trying to not … POOF! … disappear from the playoff picture, so they should be pulling every rabbit out of every hat to make the money season a reality. Orlando has two back-to-backs left in the season.
Cole Anthony (16% rostered) is currently dealing with a toe injury and has missed three games. When he returns, he’s a viable option for points, treys and dimes. The range in playing time has been wide, though, from 21 to 31 minutes, but he can go for 20 points and five assists on any given night. Just be aware of the volatility, especially since the Magic offense runs through Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner first.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 11th in the Western Conference, 1.5 games behind the 10th seed. The Suns are not in control of their 2025 first-round pick, so there shouldn’t be any shenanigans as the team tries to make the Play-In tournament. Phoenix has one back-to-back left on the schedule.
Here’s a player rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Ryan Dunn (2% rostered): I have doubts regarding Dunn, but he has played an average of 26.7 minutes over the past three games, contributing a total of 10 stocks (steals+blocks). When he’s on the court, defenses dare him to shoot as they focus on Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. In the three games, Dunn has attempted a total of 44 shots, making 18 of them, including seven from downtown. If he continues making his shots, Dunn will get playing time, but there’s also the chance he shoots himself off the court.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 12th in the Western Conference, 3.5 games behind the 10th seed. Its 2025 first-round pick is lottery-protected. I’m not sure which direction Portland goes. It has one back-to-back remaining.
Here are some Blazers rostered on less than 50% of Yahoo teams who could be of use:
Toumani Camara (47% rostered): Camara is a low-usage player, but he’s been great at stuffing the stat sheet, especially in the defensive categories. Over the past eight games, Camara has averaged 35.2 minutes, 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks and 2.0 treys.
Donovan Clingan (35% rostered): Clingan has started the past 14 games with Deandre Ayton dealing with a calf injury. Clingan has averaged 24.1 minutes, 7.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.0 blocks. Over the past three games, he’s averaged 32 minutes, 11.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks. When Ayton initially got injured, March 12 was the date given for when he would be re-evaluated. We still have not received an update. Ayton’s availability is a huge variable for the fantasy prospects of Clingan going forward.
Scoot Henderson (36% rostered): Henderson is tough because he’s flashed at times and is playing over 30 minutes despite not starting, but the shooting efficiency remains poor while the dimes haven’t been eye-popping and the defensive stats have been lacking. Over the past four games, Scoot has averaged 32 minutes, 15.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 treys while shooting 38% from the field and 35% from downtown.
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is ninth in the Western Conference, four games behind the Clippers and three games up on the 11th seed. There will be no conserving energy, as everything will be dedicated to lighting the beam on a nightly basis. Sacramento has three back-to-backs remaining.
(Top photo of Kel’el Ware, Mitchell Robinson: Elsa / Getty Images)
