This 14 game scheduling quirk leads to what I call the “last day of school” effect. Teams start to get creative with their rotations, players suddenly develop mysterious ailments, and we see pop-off performances from the most unlikely sources. It’s a fantasy manager’s nightmare
Take the Boston Celtics game, for instance. Jayson Tatum was ruled out at halftime due to an illness. While it’s entirely possible he was genuinely sick, the timing is suspicious at best. These last-minute changes wreak havoc on fantasy lineups and highlight the need for more stringent reporting rules in the NBA.
On the flip side, we saw some incredible performances that could shape fantasy strategies moving forward. Victor Wembanyama put on a show with 26 points, nine rebounds, and an astounding eight blocks. This kind of stat line is why he was such a coveted fantasy pick, and it’s becoming clear that he could potentially challenge for the top spot in fantasy rankings sooner rather than later.
The Orlando Magic pulled off an impressive upset against the Celtics, showcasing the depth of their roster. With several key players out, including Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, the Magic relied on unexpected contributors. Jalen Suggs returned to action with a solid 16-point performance, while Trevelin Queen stepped up with 17 points and four assists.
As we navigate this chaotic slate, it’s crucial to remember that these games are not indicative of long-term trends. While it’s tempting to overreact to standout performances or concerning duds, the context of this unique scheduling situation must be considered when making fantasy decisions.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the NBA’s 14-game slate, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Waiver wire analysis: Most added and dropped players
• Injury updates and their fantasy implications
• Standout performances from unexpected players
• Discussion on the NBA’s scheduling decisions and their impact on fantasy
