Fantasy Basketball Insights for the Holiday Season
As the festive season approaches, basketball fans are gearing up for a thrilling week not only filled with holiday cheer but also fantasy basketball excitement. The challenges of constructing a winning lineup during this busy time can be daunting, but with the right information, managers can celebrate in style.
Weekly Highlights: Standout Performances
Week 8 of the NBA brought noteworthy performances that fantasy managers should take into account. One of the most remarkable was Victor Wembanyama, who solidified his place in NBA lore by becoming only the sixth player in history to record a 30-point, 10-block game. Wembanyama has consistently racked up over 70 fantasy points multiple times this season, making him a player to watch closely.
In another exciting game, Jayson Tatum showcased his considerable talent by achieving a rare triple-double. He scored 43 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and provided 10 assists, with nine of those points coming from three-point shots against the Chicago Bulls. His performance places him among an elite group of players in NBA history, further highlighting his fantasy relevance.
Kawhi Leonard is also back in the picture, having practiced fully and is now traveling with the Los Angeles Clippers, potentially making his return against the Golden State Warriors this Friday.
Top Waiver Wire Pickups
Finding valuable players on the waiver wire can be crucial for fantasy success. Here are some names that could enhance your roster, especially those who have a low ownership percentage:
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Royce O’Neale, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns (23% rostered): With key players Devin Booker and Grayson Allen out due to injuries, O’Neale’s role has expanded. He has proved to be a reliable contributor, maintaining solid stats as a starter.
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Jaden McDaniels, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves (26% rostered): He has been gaining popularity with a recent uptick of three percent in roster percentage. Given the Timberwolves’ favorable schedule, he could be a great addition for the upcoming games.
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Ben Simmons, PG/C, Brooklyn Nets (31% rostered): Despite his injury history, Simmons has shown promise lately, averaging over 12 points and 8 assists in recent outings. With the Nets experiencing transitions within the team, he may find ample opportunity to increase his contributions.
- Larry Nance Jr., C, Atlanta Hawks (12% rostered): With Onyeka Okongwu sidelined with an injury, Nance has stepped up by delivering strong performances. He could be vital for owners looking to boost their center position.
Upcoming Schedule and Streaming Opportunities
This week’s NBA slate promises to be packed. However, navigating it requires strategic planning. There are no games on Christmas Eve, but a 14-game schedule on the following Monday will need careful management for fantasy decisions. The notable teams to avoid for streaming are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans, as they have only two games scheduled.
On Christmas Day, several key matchups are set to take place:
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San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks (Noon ET): Keep an eye on Victor Wembanyama’s performance in Madison Square Garden, seeking a bounce-back from his previous outing.
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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks (2:30 p.m. ET): This clash of rivals is sure to be thrilling. Luka Dončić’s availability will be crucial here.
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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. ET): A classic matchup, it will be interesting to see if the 76ers can handle the pressure against the defending champions.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (8 p.m. ET): The star power is undeniable, with LeBron James and Stephen Curry set to duel again.
- Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns (10:30 p.m. ET): A late-night showdown that might hinge on Devin Booker’s status, with potential fireworks from Nikola Jokić.
Injury Updates to Consider
As teams approach the holiday games, injuries can significantly impact lineups. Noteworthy injuries include Mo Wagner (Orlando Magic), who is out for the season, and Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks), who is questionable for the upcoming match. Monitoring these situations can provide an edge in fantasy scoring.
In conclusion, as the Christmas festivities draw near, fantasy basketball managers have the opportunity to enhance their lineups with strategic pickups and informed start/sit decisions. With exciting games and standout player performances on the horizon, this holiday season could be one to remember in the world of fantasy basketball.
