As fantasy basketball heats up this weekend, managers are under intense pressure to optimize their rosters, particularly with the limited chances some teams have to play. Ryan Rollins fantasy must-start status gains urgency, as the Milwaukee Bucks rely heavily on him in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence during their back-to-back games on Friday and Sunday. Securing players from teams with multiple games this weekend is crucial for maximizing opportunities to accumulate points and categories.
Key Teams Playing Twice This Weekend to Watch
Only 13 NBA teams have two games scheduled this weekend, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Portland Trail Blazers. Given this limited slate, fantasy owners should prioritize players from these squads. Notably, the Phoenix Suns have no games this weekend, removing their players from consideration.
Ryan Rollins Emerges as an Indispensable Asset for the Bucks
Without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee has leaned heavily on emerging talent Ryan Rollins, whose performances have been a bright spot this season. Across 25 games without Giannis, Rollins has posted averages of 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.8 three-pointers per game. His breakout has accelerated after the All-Star break, and he is expected to extend this momentum into this weekend’s challenging matchups against the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. While New York provides a tougher defensive assignment, Chicago’s recent struggles offer a favorable opportunity for Rollins to shine again.
Guard Options to Consider This Weekend
Javon Small, Memphis Grizzlies: With Ty Jerome sidelined due to a thigh injury, Small looks set for another start on Friday. He has been consistently impressive since the All-Star break, averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.8 triples per game. Facing the Mavericks and Pacers, both vulnerable defensively in recent weeks, Small should continue to deliver solid fantasy output.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder: Even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s return potentially reducing his role, Wallace remains a must-start after an exceptional recent stretch. He has averaged 23.3 points, 7.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.7 three-pointers per game over his last three outings. His matchups against Denver and Dallas are promising, especially as Dallas ranks among the worst defenses over its last ten games. With other key Thunder players like Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell out, Wallace should retain significant playing time.
Dennis Schroder, Cleveland Cavaliers: Schroder stepped up with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden sidelined, scoring 26 points in a recent start. Mitchell is confirmed out for Friday’s game, and Harden’s status remains uncertain due to a fractured thumb. Cleveland faces the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets this weekend; Brooklyn presents a more favorable matchup. Although Schroder has an ankle injury that puts his availability in doubt, if he cannot play, Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr. emerge as strong substitution options.
Forwards Worth Starting in Critical Matchups
GG Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies: Since becoming a full-time starter on February 4, Jackson has anchored the Grizzlies’ offense, producing averages of 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 2.2 triples per contest. With back-to-back games against two defensively struggling teams, he is well-positioned to maintain his impact.
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans: Fresh off a season-high 42-point game against Utah, Bey should be prioritized for the Pelicans’ Saturday rematch with the Jazz and Sunday’s challenging clash against the Clippers. Though replicating that scoring feat may be tough, having two games this weekend makes him a compelling fantasy choice.
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors: Despite Golden State having only one game against the Lakers this weekend, Santos has been too productive to bench. The Lakers’ recent defensive struggles complement Santos’s strong month, which includes averages of 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers per game. With Stephen Curry sidelined by a knee injury, Santos should receive significant minutes and opportunities.
Centers with High Upside for the Weekend
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics: After the team acquired Nikola Vucevic, few expected Queta to maintain his production, but he has stayed effective. With games against the Nets and 76ers, two mid-level rebounding teams, Queta should dominate the boards. Brooklyn’s recent defensive issues provide additional upside.
Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks: Dallas faces the Grizzlies and Thunder this weekend, and both teams have struggled on the glass. Specifically, Memphis has been one of the poorest rebounding teams in February. With Marvin Bagley out on Friday due to a neck injury, Gafford is likely to receive increased playing time and board opportunities.
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz: Injuries to Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jusuf Nurkic have created a prime window for Filipowski to assert himself. He has averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and 1.3 triples per game in his recent starting role. This weekend’s rematch against the Pelicans presents a great chance for continued production, especially given New Orleans’s poor rebounding numbers in February.
