2021 Fantasy Basketball Playoffs: Players To Target Down the Stretch

April 18, 2021

Adam Koffler looks at players to target down the stretch for the fantasy basketball players. These are NBA players with favorable playoff schedules who can help you bring home a championship.

My last article provided a look at some strategies you should consider using throughout the fantasy basketball playoffs.

This article will go into more detail, as I’ll run through each team and provide a quick analysis of the roster and what to expect moving forward. What key players are injured, who could be rested, and who has the most upside-down the stretch? Let’s dive right in!

Note: for the purposes of this article, we’ll assume the fantasy playoffs are Weeks 17 - 19 (April 19 - May 9) to calculate total games. Additionally, we’ll use Yahoo! % rostered for Waiver Wire Adds to Consider.

Fantasy Basketball Playoffs: Players To Target

Atlanta Hawks (Total Games: 11)

John Collins and Danilo Gallinari continue to miss games. Bogdan Bogdanovic has been the biggest beneficiary of those two being out. In his last 10 games, he’s averaging 22.4 points, 4.6 assists, and a whopping 4.5 three-pointers per game as a starter. Trae Young has missed a couple of games of late, but with the Hawks in the thick of the playoff race, don’t expect that to be a recurring theme.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Boston Celtics (Total Games: 11)

In real life and for fantasy purposes, this team runs through Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, and Marcus Smart. Walker continues to sit in the second game of back-to-back sets and Boston has two back-to-back sets during the playoffs, so expect Walker to sit at least two games down the stretch. Tatum, Brown, and Smart all see increased opportunities with Walker out of the lineup.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Brooklyn Nets (Total Games: 11)

Kevin Durant is back from his hamstring injury while James Harden continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury of his own. All three guys figure to rest alternating games down the stretch, which opens up opportunities for a couple of guys, including Landry Shamet, who has averaged 3.5 three-pointers made per game in his last six games, and Joe Harris, who continues to be a sniper from deep with high shooting percentages

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Landry Shamet (2%)

Charlotte Hornets (Total Games: 12)

Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball are out for the foreseeable future, so it’s time to look at the guys with the most opportunity in Weeks 17 - 19. Miles Bridges has been the biggest winner with Hayward out. He’s rostered in 70% of leagues, but that number should be closer to 80-90% given his recent performance. Jalen McDaniels has also been vaulted into a starting role. He’s averaging 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and two steals in 33 minutes per game. He’s also shooting 50.8% from the field and hitting two three-pointers per game. He should be rostered in most leagues, at least until Hayward returns, as he seems to have solidified his role as a starter with 30+ minutes per game and the Hornets play 12 games over the course of the next three weeks.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Jalen McDaniels (40%)

Chicago Bulls (Total Games: 12)

Zach LaVine is out for 10-14 days due to health and safety protocols, which opens the door for Coby White, who was seemingly in the doghouse for a long stretch of time. In LaVine’s first game out, White got the start and went for 27 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and four three-pointers made in 33 minutes. He’s not a high-percentage shooter and is turnover-prone, but he should be rostered while LaVine is out. Daniel Theis is another intriguing guy to target, as he stepped into the starting lineup alongside Nikola Vucevic Friday night. He’s been getting minutes over both Thaddeus Young and Lauri Markkanen.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Daniel Theis (45%)

Cleveland Cavaliers (Total Games: 12)

For some reason, Kevin Love continues to play (even in back-to-backs), which limits the upside of guys like Larry Nance Jr. and Isaiah Hartenstein. As the Cavs fall further out of the playoff race, Love is a guy who could rest every other game or even become a shut-down candidate. Nance Jr. is likely already rostered due to his ability to rack up stats across the board, but keep a close eye on Hartenstein, who has been very productive when given the opportunity.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Isaiah Hartenstein (7%)

Dallas Mavericks (Total Games: 12)

Congratulations if you have Luka Doncic, as the Mavericks play 12 games in the next three weeks. If you have Kristaps Porzingis, it could be a little different. The Mavs aren’t afraid to sit him one of the games during a back-to-back set, of which Dallas has four between Weeks 17 - 19. That opens the door for a guy like Jalen Brunson, who sees a 2.1% usage increase with Porzingis off the floor. Brunson shoots a high percentage and can rack up stats across the board. In his last game playing without Porzingis, he went for 20 points (53.3% FG), four rebounds, three assists, and zero turnovers in 30 minutes. Keep an eye on him down the stretch.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Jalen Brunson (27%)

Denver Nuggets (Total Games: 12)

Jamal Murray is out for the season, which means Facundo Campazzo will be the starting point guard moving forward. With a team full of offensive juggernauts, Campazzo isn’t likely going to light it up, but he’s a fine source of assist and steals. He also doesn’t turn the ball over much, which adds to his appeal.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Facundo Campazzo (12%)

Detroit Pistons (Total Games: 12)

The Pistons are a tough team to figure out. They’re out of the playoff hunt, so expect a multitude of guys to get run throughout the next three weeks. Mason Plumlee and Jerami Grant have been out multiple games recently, and that could continue as the Pistons look to find out which other guys are part of their long-term future. That being said, Saddiq Bey, Josh Jackson, and Isaiah Stewart all look like guys with a ton of potential in the fantasy playoffs. Killian Hayes as well, but he’s been sitting every other game as he works his way back from an injury.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Saddiq Bey (43%), Josh Jackson (29%), Isaiah Stewart (24%)

Golden State Warriors (Total Games: 11)

Kent Bazemore’s time as a starter is ending with Kelly Oubre Jr. expected back. But it’s been Stephen Curry really carrying this team to a 5-1 record between April 6 - 15. Kevon Looney has moved into the starting lineup for the injured James Wiseman but is only good for rebounds. He’s only a recommended add in deep leagues or for those in need of rebounds.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Houston Rockets (Total Games: 11)

I keep thinking John Wall will be shut down for the season given the Rockets are out of playoff contention and with his history of knee issues. But they keep trotting him out there (at least for now). Kevin Porter Jr. continues to start alongside Wall, and while his field goal percentage and turnovers can be frustrating, his counting stats are still there and he still deserves to be rostered, especially given Wall could be shut down (or rest) at any time. The Rockets play three back-to-back sets, so figure Wall sits a minimum of three games the next three weeks. Kelly Olynyk has become a fantasy stud since joining the Rockets, averaging 18.1 points (60.3% FG), 7.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 12 games. Both he and Jae’Sean Tate, a fantasy star in his own right this season, should be rostered in almost all leagues.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Indiana Pacers (Total Games: 11)

Myles Turner remains out for the Pacers, which has only increased the production of the star players (Caris Levert, Malcolm Brogdon, and Domantas Sabonis). T.J. McConnell remains an incredible source of assists and steals and deserves to be rostered in most leagues as a result.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: T.J. McConnell (58%)

Los Angeles Clippers (Total Games: 9)

The Clippers play just nine games the next three weeks, the least of any team in the league. The good news though is that they have just one back-to-back set, meaning Paul George and Kawhi Leonard may not sit very often. Leonard has been out the last four games nursing a foot injury, and it’s been George leading the charge offensively. Reggie Jackson has been starting but has been very up and down in his last five games. In one game he went for 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting in 30 minutes, another game he went for just six points on 1-of-7 shooting in 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a sneaky source of assists, Rajon Rondo could be your guy with Patrick Beverley on the shelf. Also, look at Marcus Morris (when Leonard and/or George sit) who has averaged 23.3 points and 3.7 three-pointers made per game in his last three games.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Reggie Jackson (29%), Rajon Rondo (4%), Marcus Morris (32%)

Los Angeles Lakers (Total Games: 11)

Anthony Davis has been cleared to return, so we should see him return in the next few games. His minutes will be limited at first, but you likely are still playing him even if he gets just 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, LeBron James isn’t expected back until closer to the end of the month (at the earliest). Any real fantasy value Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker had likely vanishes once AD and LeBron are back on the floor. Until then, both are viable fantasy assets but understand they could be drop candidates soon.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Memphis Grizzlies (Total Games: 12)

The Grizzlies rotation is pretty set in stone, as is their starting five. Ja Morant, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson, and Jonas Valanciunas continue to start. If Allen is healthy, he’s worthy of a pickup as a source of scoring and three-pointers. Brooks has also been playing really well of late, and deserves to be rostered as well, especially given the Grizzlies play 12 games the next three weeks.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Dillon Brooks (58%), Grayson Allen (24%)

Miami Heat (Total Games: 11)

Trevor Ariza has been starting for the Heat since joining them in March. He’s always been a solid source of steals, but he’s more of a role player at this point. He’s only a recommended add in deep leagues. Otherwise, this team runs through Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Tyler Herro hasn’t improved on his rookie season and isn’t playing well of late. It’s understandable why you’d want to hold onto a guy who could drop 30 points in the blink of an eye, but it’s also understandable if you need to drop him for one of the hot waiver wire pickups mentioned in this article.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Milwaukee Bucks (Total Games: 11)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is back after missing six games, but you have to figure the Bucks take it easy on him down the stretch. They’ve also shown a tendency to sit all their starters in games against sub-par opponents, so keep an eye on that as we move forward. Bobby Portis is the pickup here, as he starts when Giannis sits, and he’s been dominant when given the opportunity. In his most recent six starts, he averaged 15 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The Bucks play three back-to-back sets in Weeks 17 - 19, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility Antetokounmpo sits at least three of the next 11 games.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Bobby Portis (55%)

Minnesota Timberwolves (Total Games: 10)

The Timberwolves play just 10 games in the next three weeks, which isn’t great if you’re looking at some of the young guys who are being given opportunities. Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell, and Karl-Anthony Towns will continue to be the focal points on offense but don’t sleep on Jarred Vanderbilt. He’s averaging 9.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 20 minutes per game in his last three games. Head coach Chris Finch said he’s earned a spot in the rotation moving forward. Just beware Minnesota plays just three games in Week 17 (April 19 - 25) and Week 19 (May 3 - 9).

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Jarred Vanderbilt (3%)

New Orleans Pelicans (Total Games: 11)

Lonzo Ball made his return to the Pelicans’ lineup Friday night but played just 19 minutes in his return. He’s been in and out of the lineup recently due to injury, so it’s likely he won’t play every game down the stretch. The guy to keep an eye on in New Orleans is an undrafted rookie out of Xavier Naji Marshall. In his last four games, he’s averaging 11.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. If New Orleans gets knocked out of playoff contention, we could see Lonzo’s reps limited, meaning more time for Marshall when you need him for the fantasy playoffs. Another plus, the Pelicans play four games in both Week 18 (April 26 - May 2) and Week 19 (May 3 - May 9). Guillermo “Willy” Hernangomez becomes another guy to keep an eye on should the Pelicans decide to limit veteran Steven Adams’ reps late in the season.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Naji Marshall (3%), Guillermo Hernangomez (1%)

New York Knicks (Total Games: 10)

The Knicks run one of the tightest rotations in the league. This team revolves around Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, and there’s no denying that. Nerlens Noel continues to be a stat-stuffing machine, especially on the defensive end. He’s averaging 1.0 steals and 2.1 blocks per game this season and deserves to be rostered in most leagues down the stretch with Mitchell Robinson out.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Nerlens Noel (58%)

Oklahoma City Thunder (Total Games: 12)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out at least another two weeks according to the team, which gives way to Luguentz Dort for the remainder of the season. It looks like Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has given Dort the greenest of lights, as he’s taken 51 shots the last two games he’s played. His potential as a scorer and as a menace on the defensive end makes him an attractive option with 12 games in the next three weeks. Darius Bazley looks like another guy who stands to benefit from multiple Thunder injuries down the stretch. Both Dort and Bazley are rostered in fewer than 51% of leagues right now, a number that is certain to tick higher in the coming days. Moses Brown continues to start at center for OKC, but he’s been splitting minutes with Tony Bradley. While frustrating, continue to ride with Brown until his starting job is taken from him as that gives him the upside over Bradley.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Lu Dort (50%), Darius Bazley (41%)

Orlando Magic (Total Games: 11)

The Magic are squarely out of playoff contention, so they’re giving run to as many players as possible on a nightly basis, which isn’t great from a fantasy perspective. Wendell Carter Jr. and Cole Anthony are the only two “must-haves” on this team right now (especially when Michael Carter-Williams sits). Chuma Okeke was a stud in late March, early April, but his minutes have taken a hit and he’s now playing just south of 30 minutes per contest. Keep an eye on the Carter-Williams injury, as if he’s out for an extended period of time, Anthony becomes a must-add. Mo Bamba is another guy I like if he can stay on the floor. He’s missed the last two games due to injury but is a per-minute machine if he can get even just 20 minutes a night. He helps in both threes and blocks, which is rare for a center.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Cole Anthony (29%)

Philadelphia 76ers (Total Games: 12)

This Sixers team lives and dies by Joel Embiid. He’s healthy now and playing a dominant brand of basketball, averaging 37 points and 11.3 rebounds in his last three games. The Sixers play three back-to-back sets down the stretch, so don’t be surprised if Embiid sits a game or two. When he does, Dwight Howard becomes a fantastic play. Howard has missed the last two games, however, so keep an eye on that situation. Tobias Harris may also sit a game or so, but there’s not much fantasy managers can do to manage that.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Dwight Howard (18%)

Phoenix Suns (Total Games: 12)

Here’s another team that isn’t very exciting from a fantasy perspective. Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Mikal Bridges are all rostered in over 84% of leagues. None of the Suns’ reserves offer much from a fantasy perspective. While it’s possible Paul could rest a game or so with three back-to-back sets, that just means more production out of Mr. Booker. There’s not really much of an edge to be had when looking at this Phoenix roster.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Portland Trail Blazers (Total Games: 12)

Damian Lillard is sitting out his second consecutive game Sunday due to hamstring tightness. It’s unclear if the Blazers are just being cautious with their superstar or if this is a bigger concern. Either way, the fantasy implications are likely already rostered. CJ McCollum and Norman Powell stand to benefit the most if Lillard misses an extended period of time. With Portland having four back-to-backs in the next three weeks, we can realistically expect Lillard to miss a few more games down the stretch. Additionally, Jusuf Nurkic, whose minutes have hovered in the low-to-mid 20s, might also sit a game or two, leaving the door wide open for Enes Kanter. At this point, both Nurkic and Kanter deserve to be rostered in most formats.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: None

Sacramento Kings (Total Games: 11)

The Kings likely aren’t making the playoffs, but their rotation continues to be pretty tight regardless. De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, and Harrison Barnes will continue to perform as starters. Tyrese Haliburton should be rostered in all formats even though he’s now coming off the bench in favor of Moe Harkless. Harkless offers little in terms of fantasy value, so he’s not someone I’d be looking at. Richaun Holmes is out currently with a hamstring injury, and if he were to miss an extended period of time, Hassan Whiteside would be the add, but he’s rostered in 63% of leagues already.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Hassan Whiteside (63%)

San Antonio Spurs (Total Games: 12)

Believe it or not, the Spurs actually haven’t played the rest game very often this season, until now. Saturday night they sat DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl on the second night of a back-to-back. This was the first game Poeltl missed all season long, so don’t expect this to be a reoccurrence, especially as the Spurs look to clinch a play-in game berth. Keldon Johnson has been hit or miss recently, but he’s a guy that could heat up down the stretch. If he does, he would be a guy worth adding as the Spurs play 12 games the next three weeks.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Keldon Johnson (42%)

Toronto Raptors (Total Games: 10)

According to Shams Charania, the Raptors were fined $25,000 by the NBA for league policies on player rest and injury reporting. They’ve been playing the rest game a ton recently, and oftentimes not letting the public know until just before tip-off. We’ll have to wait and see if this influences Nick Nurse’s decision to rest his guys, but it’s safe to say that’s what the Raptors want to do. Malachi Flynn has benefited the most from Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet missing games. He’s sort of a VanVleet clone, hitting threes, shooting a low percentage, dishing out assists, and swiping a few steals per game. The issue for Toronto Players is that they only play 10 games in the next three weeks. They only play a grand total of two games the first week of the playoffs (Week 17, April 19 - 25). However, they play five games the following week (Week 18, April 26 - May 2). Keep this information in mind as you make lineup decisions. Another guy who has found a home in the starting lineup for the Raptors is Khem Birch. He’s a solid source of rebounds and blocks and has a good chance to play in all the games down the stretch as the team figures out if he has a future in Toronto.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Malachi Flynn (36%), Khem Birch (15%)

Utah Jazz (Total Games: 11)

With Donovan Mitchell out for at least a week, and likely longer, with a sprained ankle, there is room for a few Utah players to step up big. Joe Ingles should enter the starting lineup and should be rostered everywhere while Mitchell is on the sidelines. It goes without saying that Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley should also be rostered everywhere as well. Royce O’Neale continues to see 35+ minutes as a starter and does a little bit of everything. With 11 games on tap the next three weeks, O’Neale deserves to be on your radar as well.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Joe Ingles (59%), Royce O’Neale (23%)

Washington Wizards (Total Games: 12)

The Wizards are in the playoff hunt, crazy I know. But that means Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal should play in most games down the stretch. Beal is more likely to sit in back-to-backs, of which the Wizards have three in the next three weeks. When he sits, Westbrook just sees insane usage, so there’s not a direct pickup as a replacement for Beal. Let’s move over to the center position in Washington. There’s a new man in town, and that’s Daniel Gafford. He’s not starting yet, but his minutes are on the rise and he played all five minutes of the overtime session vs. the Pelicans Friday night.

Waiver Wire Adds to Consider: Daniel Gafford (22%)

Conclusion

The most important takeaway here is to be flexible and agile. It’s the playoffs, it’s win-or-go-home. If you must drop a player that’s 75% rostered because they’re not getting the job done or they’ve fallen out of the rotation, make the move. In head-to-head leagues, focus on those categories that are scarcer by nature. Grab the Nerlens Noel’s and Lu Dort’s of the world, they’re sure to pay dividends down the stretch.

Good luck to you all, if you have any questions for me throughout the playoffs you can find me on Twitter @AdamKoffler. I’m more than happy to answer all of your questions in your quest to win a fantasy basketball championship!

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