As fantasy basketball managers head into a pivotal weekend, Donovan Clingan stands out as a critical fantasy must-start for those looking to capitalize on matchups, especially against the Memphis Grizzlies. This weekend features several teams playing twice, including the Portland Trail Blazers, which further bolsters Clingan’s value in leagues prioritizing games played and overall production.
With the trade deadline shaking up rosters, fantasy owners need to stay vigilant monitoring lineups, as player availability can change rapidly leading up to the games. Clingan’s recent performance and the Grizzlies’ depleted roster make him a prime candidate for maximizing fantasy output this weekend.
Donovan Clingan’s Dominance Amid Team Struggles
Despite Portland’s current six-game losing skid, Donovan Clingan has been a formidable presence on the boards and in fantasy scoring categories. Over this stretch, he has averaged 10.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.2 three-pointers per game, even though his shooting percentage has dipped to 41.3 percent, well below his season norm.
This weekend, the Trail Blazers face the Memphis Grizzlies in back-to-back home games on Friday and Saturday. Following Memphis’ recent trades, including the departures of Jock Landale and Jaren Jackson Jr., and with Santi Aldama ruled out for the first game, the Grizzlies will field a smaller lineup primarily featuring GG Jackson and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. If Kyle Anderson and Taylor Hendricks are activated, the frontcourt remains undersized, creating an ideal environment for Clingan to dominate the glass and produce fantasy points.
Guards Poised for Impact Performances
Ryan Rollins of the Milwaukee Bucks should not be overlooked despite the Bucks playing only once this weekend. Rollins has been exceptionally productive lately, putting up averages of 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.3 three-pointers per game over the last two weeks. Milwaukee’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers, who have a middling defensive rating recently, plus potential roster shifts from recent trades, may grant Rollins more playing time and scoring opportunities.
Aaron Nesmith of the Indiana Pacers enters the weekend on a strong streak, scoring double digits in five consecutive games while shooting a robust 56.1 percent in that span. The Pacers face both the Bucks and Raptors, with Milwaukee’s defense ranking near the bottom in the last 10 games and the Pacers adjusting after Bennedict Mathurin’s move to Los Angeles — opening additional shot opportunities for Nesmith.
For the Washington Wizards, Bilal Coulibaly is expected to thrive amid uncertainty until the Anthony Davis trade is finalized. The Wizards will contend with the Brooklyn Nets, known for a shaky defense, and the fast-paced Miami Heat. Coulibaly’s recent 36-minute outing against the Detroit Pistons highlighted his all-around potential, contributing 11 points, five boards, four assists, a steal, and a block, evidencing his capability to produce even against strong defenses.
Forwards Ready to Excel This Weekend
Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been one of the most efficient wings, averaging 22.3 points on 67.3 percent shooting, along with 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.5 threes over recent games. With matchups against the New Orleans Pelicans—who have been defensively porous this season—and the Clippers, McDaniels could see increased offensive opportunities, especially if the Pelicans’ Julius Randle is sidelined due to a thumb injury.
Memphis’ GG Jackson will have increased responsibilities, especially with Santi Aldama out Friday and uncertain for Saturday. Jackson has averaged 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last three games. The Grizzlies’ depleted frontcourt after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. makes him a vital rotation player, with potential for performance reminiscent of his late rookie season.
Will Riley of the Washington Wizards has quickly developed into a significant contributor, averaging 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and nearly three three-pointers per game over his last four contests. Fresh off a career-high 20-point game versus Detroit on Thursday, Riley will look to sustain his form during Washington’s back-to-back against Brooklyn and Miami.
Centers Set for Key Roles and Rebounding Advantages
Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert is positioned to dominate the boards over the weekend’s contests against the Pelicans and Clippers. The Pelicans have struggled with rebounding, and the Clippers recently traded Ivica Zubac, who could potentially make his debut this Sunday against Toronto but remains uncertain. Brook Lopez will likely continue starting at center, reinforcing Gobert’s edge in controlling the glass.
Moussa Diabate of the Charlotte Hornets, who only plays once this weekend against the Atlanta Hawks, should be counted on as well. The Hawks rank poorly in rebounding, and Diabate has averaged an impressive 10.3 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting over 70 percent in the past fortnight. Charlotte aims to extend its winning streak to nine games, with Diabate playing a central role.
Indiana’s Jay Huff is expected to absorb more minutes and responsibility at center with Isaiah Jackson traded and Ivica Zubac’s debut status uncertain. Facing teams like the Bucks, weakened without Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Toronto Raptors, both with rebounding challenges recently, Huff could find opportunities to impact the glass and bolster his fantasy value as he is granted more playing time than usual.
