In head-to-head fantasy basketball leagues, the weekend is crucial. You might be leading comfortably in several categories or amassing a lot of points, but if you don’t capitalize on the weekend games, you could still lose.
This weekend, teams like the Warriors, Rockets, Heat, Magic, Trail Blazers, and Wizards will only play once. To boost your chances of winning, it’s best to avoid players from these teams when choosing between multiple options.
Must-Start Player: Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
DeMar DeRozan called the Kings Murray’s team, and through four games, he’s posted career highs in every category except 3-point shooting. The Jazz and Grizzlies, who face each other and rank in the top five for three-pointers made this November, are prime matchups. Murray is proving to be more than a deep-range specialist, standing out as Sacramento’s top shooting threat. Owned by 54% of Yahoo! players, if he’s still available on waivers, it’s time to pick him up for a big weekend.
Guards
- Benedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers: Mathurin has been quiet lately but has a favorable weekend schedule against the Wizards and Bulls, who both rank highly in pace. Indiana also plays fast, creating lots of shot opportunities. Mathurin has scored at least 20 points in his last two games and is expected to bounce back.
- Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies: While Ja Morant (calf) is out, Williams has started five games averaging solid all-around stats. Though both teams they’ll face this weekend rank low defensively, Williams’s assists and steals keep him valuable whether or not his shot falls.
- Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks: Rollins is a must-have player currently. He’ll face the Knicks, who allow the third-most 3-pointers, and the Nets, who have the league’s worst defensive rating. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s questionable status could give Rollins even more playing time.
Forwards
- Josh Hart, New York Knicks: Hart stepped up immediately when OG Anunoby was injured and only recently joined the starting lineup. He’s been producing strong all-around numbers, and while upcoming matchups aren’t ideal, his form makes him valuable regardless.
- Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons: Detroit plays the Magic and Heat this weekend. Miami’s top-ranked pace often leads to big stats for both teams. Harris has been solid since returning from an ankle injury, and if he misses a game, Isaiah Stewart will likely fill in well.
- Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets: With key players out, Watson has started six games, delivering impressive scoring, rebounding, and defensive stats. Though the Spurs and Suns aren’t great matchups, Watson’s talent should make him a strong contributor.
Centers
- Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers: Drummond should be rostered unless Joel Embiid is available. This weekend gives him a great chance to excel, facing teams in the bottom five for rebounding. He’s had at least 10 rebounds in seven of eight starts this year, limited only once by foul trouble.
- Isiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers: Jackson has flown under the radar but has a great weekend opportunity against teams with strong inside scoring and rebounding. Both the Wizards and Bulls rank top three in rebounds per game, potentially boosting Jackson’s fantasy output.
- Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers: Ayton missed a recent game due to a knee contusion but is expected back Friday. He faces the Mavericks and Pelicans, both vulnerable inside. Notably, Ayton had a dominant game against New Orleans just two weeks ago.
Fan Take: Fantasy basketball hinges on smart weekend strategies because one slip can cost a matchup. Players with favorable schedules or increased roles, like Keegan Murray and Ryan Rollins, can be game-changers, reminding fans how matchups and health can reshape the fantasy landscape—and real NBA outcomes too.
