Week 15 was absolutely devastating to some owners, as the biggest news this week was the season-ending injury to New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins (torn Achilles tendon). It's a crushing blow for owners who own Boogie, one of the most dominant players in fantasy hoops. There's just no silver living at all whatsoever, as it's impossible to replace the level of consistency and production from the Pelicans big man. The Achilles tendon injury is one of the worst, if not the worst possible injury that can happen to a basketball player. It will take a miracle for a player of Cousin's size to recover from the severity of this type of injury. We can only hope him a speedy and successful recovery, as we likely won't see Cousins take the court until 2019.

Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies also announced Mike Conley (Achilles) will also have season-ending injury to fix his ailing heel. He's expected to be 100 percent come training camp, but I'm going to warn owners that he's officially a Do-Not-Draft type of player. My condolences to you if you burned a third or fourth-round pick on him this past season, as I myself was also a victim of this Conley news.

As a reminder for most leagues, fantasy playoffs will begin on Week 21 which begins March 12th. Drop the dead weight, make an effort to improve your team via trades / waiver wire. Don't be attached to short-term pick ups when there is a hot player with a better outlook. Be wary of weekly streaming options and stay ahead of your opponents. Owners should try to do anything in their power to squeeze their way into the playoffs, as it's a completely different ball game. Our staff at RotoBaller has great insight and daily columns how to improve your squad and tips to make your team successful, so be sure to check them out! Now let's look back on Week 15 and get prepared for Week 16.

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Week 16 Schedule

4 Games – Raptors, Trail Blazers, Suns, Sixers, Thunder, Knicks, Timberwolves, Bucks, Heat, Grizzlies, Pacers, Nuggets, Hornets, Nets, Celtics, Hawks

3 Games – Wizards, Jazz, Spurs, Kings, Magic, Pelicans, Lakers, Rockets, Warriors, Pistons, Mavericks, Cavaliers

2 Games – Bulls, Clippers

 

Week 15 Breakout Performers

Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF/PF, Milwakuee Bucks

Week 15 averages: 34.0 PPG 11.0 RPG 7.5 APG 1.5 SPG 1.5 BPG 1.53PM 64% FG 71% FT 2.0 TO

Antetokounmpo was out for two games due to knee soreness, and he came back in a big way on Friday, scoring 41 points with 13 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, two blocks and three 3-pointers. The Greek freak was efficient as always, hitting 14-of-20 shots and 10-of-11 free throws. He was the No.1 player this week heading into Sunday, but he wasn't quite as impressive in a 110-96 win over the Bulls. However, he still dropped 27 points, nine boards, and eight assists, but also connected on just 5-for-10 from the line. With the Bucks fighting for the playoffs, Giannis will continue to be busy on a nightly basis. He's a lock to finish within the top-5 this season.

Stephen Curry, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors

Week 15 averages: 35.3 PPG 5.0 RPG 7.0 APG 1.7 SPG 0.0 BPG 7.0 3PM 60% FG 90% FT 1.3 TO

Curry was cooking busy cooking all week, as he's a clear example of what a bonafide first-round pick should do on a nightly basis. He's been the No.1 overall play ALL season in 9-category leagues and shows no signs of slowing down. The Warriors do have a back-to-back set Friday and Saturday, and there's certainly a risk in one of the All-Stars from the Dubs getting a night off. Curry posted a season-high 49 points in a possible Finals preview against the Celtics on Saturday, draining eight triples. SC30 is a special type of player.

Anthony Davis, PF/C, New Orleans Pelicans

Week 15 averages: 26.3 PPG 10.8 RPG 5.0 APG 1.8 SPG 2.3 BPG 0.0 3PM 50% FG 81% FT 2.0 TO

With DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) done for the year, Davis is about to get a massive boost in fantasy value. It's unfortunate for the team though, because the Pelicans was starting to figure it out. Anytime Davis is healthy and playing, he's a virtual lock to put up top-3 numbers. He's going to have to put on a superman cape in order for the Pelicans to secure a playoff spot. Anyone looking to gamble can look to trade for the Brow, as he's likely to go bonkers from this point on. The Pelicans do only have 10 games combined from Week 21-23 though. For the record, AD is currently having a better fantasy season than Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and James Harden in 9-category leagues.

Kyrie Irving, PG/SG, Boston Celtics

Week 15 averages: 30.0 PPG 4.3 RPG 5.0 APG 0.7 SPG 0.0 BPG 3.7 3PM 57% FG 87% FT 1.7 TO

Kyrie was ballin' this week, as the Celtics went into Oakland on Saturday and put up 37 points with two rebounds, four assists, one steal and five 3-pointers. Uncle Drew was a first-round play this week and isn't going to give you double-digit assists very often, but he's going to anchor your points and 3-pointers. He's very similar to Curry, except that he's not nearly as efficient and his 3-pointers made per game isn't going to surpass Curry's. However, Irving will continue to get buckets while he continues his exceptional season. He'll likely finish top-15 this season when it's all said and done. Kyrie's Celtics are now five games ahead of LeBron Jame's Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings.

Victor Oladipo, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers

Week 15 averages: 23.3 PPG 5.0 RPG 7.3 APG 1.7 SPG 0.0 BPG 2.3 3PM 50% FG 86% FT 3.0 TO

One of the biggest draft steals this season has been playing terrific basketball ever since overcoming knee soreness back in late December. The first-time All-Star has been stellar and consistent as they come, and we're looking at a late first-round pick next season. Oladipo does it all, as he's one of the handful of players who can consistently fill it up across the board. The 2013 No.2 pick is finally living up to the hype. Congratulations if you were able to snatch him on draft day.

Buddy Hield, SG, Sacramento Kings

Week 15 averages: 18.3 PPG 5.0 RPG 1.7 APG 1.3 SPG 0.3 BPG 3.7 3PM 55% FG 100% FT 1.7 TO (Before Sunday's dud)

Hield has quietly put together a great week, as he was a sneaky top-25 play heading into Sunday. The Kings was one of the first teams to switch their focus towards youth development, and Hield is a good example of why taking gambles on young players on bad teams can bring fantasy success. He should continue to log 30+ minutes on a nightly basis, and his outlook for the second-half of the season is extremely encouraging. Make sure he's not available on your waiver wire. EDIT: Hield would of course go scoreless on Sunday, going scoreless on 0 for 5 shooting. Stick with him though.

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Toronto Raptors

Week 15 averages: 19.0 PPG 12.3 RPG 2.3 APG 0.7 SPG 2.3 BPG 1.0 3PM 63% FG 80% FT 1.3 TO

Valanciunas has been great, flirting with top-35 numbers over the past two weeks. He's even added a 3-pointer to his repertoire this season, which can really boost his fantasy value. However, he still plays under coach Dwayne Casey, who still refuses to unleash Valanciunas for over 30 minutes. He'll have some games where he'll put up monster numbers, but he's still due for some duds along the way as well. This is probably a good chance to sell high on Valanciunas, as the Raptors has one of the worst playoff schedules from Week 21 to Week 23.

*Shout out to DeMarcus Cousins for putting up a massive line on Monday, as he notched only the 10th 40-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist game in NBA history. According to EliasSports, he joins only Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, and Oscar Robertson as the only ones in history to put together such performance.

 

Week 16 Standard Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

Trey Burke, PG, New York Kings (5% Ownership)

Burke is coming off two straight double-digit outings, including an 18-point, 11-assist performance on Thursday. He's starting to make some noise and he could eventually overtake Jarret Jack's starting role if he continues to play like this. Coach Jeff Hornacek did say he will need to "find time" for Trey Burke if Burke continues to play well, so take that for what you will. He's worth a look if you have someone you want to drop, just hold off on expectations. The New York media will hype up just about anyone on the Knicks.

Dejounte Murray, PG, San Antonio Spurs (51% Ownership)

Perhaps the hottest pick up this week was Murray, promoted to be the starting point guard role going forward for the Spurs. He's coming off three-straight double-digit scoring games heading into Sunday, including a monster 19-point, 10-rebound, seven-steals performance on Tuesday. He's up to 8.0 boards per game over the last five and he's a fine point guard to own. He's not going to hit many 3-pointers or give you much dimes, but his rebounding and steals upside makes him worthy of a roster spot in all 12-team leagues. Murray went 6 for 6 from the field Sunday, scoring 14 points while pulling down 10 boards to go along with six assists. Get him!

Ed Davis, PF/C, Portland Trail Blazers (10% Ownership)

Davis has been a reliable source of rebounding lately, averaging 9.8 points and 10.2 rebounds over the last five. Davis has some late-round value potential, as he can help anchor your field-goal percentage while giving you a consistent source of rebounds and blocks. He's only playing about 20-23 minutes per game, so that caps his upside. He's still worth a look right now while he's hot.

Mason Plumlee, PF/C, Denver Nuggets (26% Ownership)

Plumlee will have some value until Paul Millsap (wrist surgery) returns after the All-Star break, as he's currently starting as the power forward next to Nikola Jokic. He can help contribute across-the-board stats, but will also hurt you in turnovers and free-throw shooting from a center position. However, he's been playing well lately, and deserves a long look with the Nuggets off to a back-to-back set on Monday and Tuesday.

Denzel Valentine, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls (20% Ownership)

Valentine has been on and off this entire season, thanks to him getting promoted and demoted back and fourth between the starting line up and the bench. Kris Dunn (concussion/mouth) is still a couple games away from returning, so that could explain the extra minutes lately. Valentine has appealing upside, given that he can average 2.5 treys if given the opportunity. He's logged 30 minutes in the previous two games and scored 16 and 18 points apiece. The Bulls do only play twice this week, so this limits his appeal this week. But if the Bulls trade away some rotation players before the trading deadline or continue to play Lauri Markkanen more at the center position, Valentine could find a way to squeeze out 25-28 minutes going forward.

Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Boston Celtics (38% Ownership)

Morris may finally be over his knee issues, as he's now scored double-figures in seven straight contests. He's not going to do much outside of points and 3-pointers, but he is certainly worth using while he's hot.

 

Week 16 Deep Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

Tomas Satoransky, PG/SG, Washington Wizards (1% Ownership)

John Wall (knee) is still not completely over his knee troubles, as coach Scott Brooks said that Wall is considered "day-to-day" with soreness. Satoransky started for Wall on Saturday and put up 11 points and seven dimes. He's not quite a standard league add because of the limited offensive upside, but he can give you a cheap source of assists, which is useful in most formats.

Terry Rozier, PG/SG, Boston Celtics (19% Ownership)

Marcus Smart (hand) is expected to miss another week, and that could mean Rozier will see a bump in minutes. He's not much of a deep league flier because of inconsistency issues, but has top-75 upside if he's hitting his shots. Give him some consideration as the Celtics play four times this week.

Dante Cunningham, SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans (4% Ownership)

The injury to DeMarcus Cousins (torn Achilles tendon) will send Cunningham to the starting lineup, and he was able to log 28 minutes on Sunday. He finished the game with a rather boring eight points, but did pull down seven boards. He's a hustle player who coaches value in real life, so he's much better off in deeper formats.

Tristan Thompson, PF/C, Cleveland Cavaliers (42% Ownership)

Thompson is who he is, a big man with size who can rebound the ball. He's never going to average a double-double, but he's been promoted back into the starting lineup which has helped his value thus far. Playing next to LeBron James will likely earn him a few easy buckets per game, so he's only for the desperate people out there who needs rebounds. Thompson is still allergic to blocking shots, which is why we're not too excited about his recent promotion.

Buy Low

Myles Turner, PF/C, Indiana Pacers

Turner (elbow) finally returned on Saturday, scoring four points with three rebounds, one steal and five fouls in 11 minutes off the bench against the Magic. It wasn't quite the welcoming party owners expected, but he's only going to get better from this point on. This is a great time to send an offer to see how patient his owner, as his value is probably at an all-time low right now. Don't forget he's still one of the league's best shot-blockers (2.2 per game) and he's certainly due for a bounce-back sooner rather than later.

D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG, Brooklyn Nets

Russell has been flat-out terrible, and he hasn't logged single steal in the four games he's appeared in since returning from his knee injury. After all, Russell was out for 11 weeks. Russell was averaging 20.4 points per game prior to his injury, so the upside is obvious. If you're looking to get Russell, now is the time.

 

Sell High

Lou Williams, PG/SG, Los Angeles Clippers

Williams has seen his usage spike with all the injuries over the past month, but has finally fallen back down to earth just a bit outside of the 40-point eruption on Friday. There's still a very good chance that Williams continue to put up monster numbers, but I'd seriously consider moving him still. If you're able to package him with another player for players like Nikola Jokic, Hassan Whiteside, or Myles Turner, it makes a lot of sense.

Dario Saric, SF/PF/C, Philadelphia 76ers

With Markelle Fultz (shoulder) closer to a return, I would bet Saric is a candidate to head to a bench role. Saric has been outstanding lately, as he's been flirting with top-35 value the past month. I just don't see him averaging more than 30 minutes per game when the team is fully healthy, so I would sell everywhere I had the chance.

Tyreke Evans, PG/SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies

The rumors are getting stronger by the day, and the a lot of teams will be calling Memphis in the upcoming weeks for the veteran Evans, as he's been absolutely crushing it this season. Evans has been a steady early-round player for the season and a trade to a contender will probably bump him down a few rounds. I'd look to sell now before he's traded to a team like Cleveland.

Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C, New York Kings

There's no doubt the first-time All-Star is a stud, but whether or not he's a true franchise star is still very much in question. The unicorn is still posting top-15 numbers thanks to his contributions in points (23.1 per game) and league-leading blocks (2.3 per game). However, the Knicks are not going to make the playoffs, so his outlook isn't as promising as it sounds. If you can put a package him in a trade after a few nice games for someone like Damian Lillard or Kyrie Irving, it's not not a bad idea at all.

 

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