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Fantasy Hoops Schedule: Breaking Down Week 19

Fantasy fringe players of interest in Week 19 (Monday, February 27 through Sunday, March 5)

T.J. Warren, Pho, SF (4 games – 52% owned in Y! leagues) – With P.J. Tucker traded to Toronto, Warren is going to see a huge boost in his Usage Rate (he saw 37:59 minutes during his first game without Tucker, albeit the matchup went into overtime). The Suns get four games in Week 19, and Warren’s ownership should skyrocket soon.

Willy Cauley-Stein, Sac, PF/C (3 games – 60% owned) – Few saw their fantasy value rise more thanks to the trade deadline, as Cauley-Stein is going to be a fantasy difference maker with DeMarcus Cousins shipped to New Orleans. Cauley-Stein actually didn’t start during the team’s first game without Boogie, but he led Sacramento in minutes (35:03) and scored a career-high 29 points. His per-36 minute production this season is more than solid (16.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.3 spg, 1.3 bpg), and while the Kings play three games this week and not four, Cauley-Stein will be worth thanks to his new role.

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Michael Beasley, Mil, F (4 games – 24% owned) – He continues to benefit from Jabari Parker’s injury, averaging 19.7 points over the past three games. Khris Middleton’s return could cut into Beasley’s usage, but Milwaukee has a highly favorable schedule in Week 19, as three of its four opponents rank in the bottom half in Defensive Efficiency (and the fourth ranks bottom 20), including a matchup against the league-worst Nuggets.

Yogi Ferrell, Dal, PG (4 games – 42%) – The Mavs bought out Deron Williams’ contract, and Ferrell has been moved back into the starting lineup. He’s shot poorly over the last couple of games (4-of-17), but he’s averaged 14.0 points, 1.8 steals and 2.3 threes when in the starting five this season.

Down and out: Players to avoid in Week 19

Thaddeus Young, Ind, F (3 games) – He’s still dealing with soreness in his wrist, and the Pacers have a tough upcoming schedule. Indiana plays three games in Week 16, with one of them coming against the Spurs, whose Defensive Efficiency is an absurdly low 95.3 over the last 10 games (the next lowest over this span is Houston at 102.1, whom the Pacers also face this week).

Eric Gordon, Hou, SG (3 games) – He’s struggled with his shot of late and is looking at a lower Usage Rate after Houston traded for Lou Williams. Moreover, the Rockets play just three games in Week 19, with only one of them coming at home.

Jordan Clarkson, LAL, G (3 games) – Clarkson’s fantasy value is on the rise after the team traded away Lou Williams, but the Lakers schedule does him no favors this week, as Los Angeles has three tough matchups with none of them at home.

Notable injuries

Kyle Lowry, Tor, PG (4 games – wrist) – He’s dealing with a wrist injury that’s being called “not a one-day thing.” Lowry has been the No. 11 fantasy player this season, so any time lost would be an obvious big blow to owners. He’s expected to be reevaluated over the weekend so keep a close eye on this situation. Corey Joseph makes for a decent fill-in for as long as Lowry is sidelined.

Kristaps Porzingis, NY, PF/C (4 games – ankle) – He turned his ankle Thursday, and Porzingis’ status for the upcoming week is in question as a result. The Knicks have zero reason to push him, but at least New York gets four games in Week 19.

Joel Embiid, Phi, F/C (4 games – knee) – A best-case scenario has him returning March 3, which would likely result in just one game played in Week 19 (he’d almost certainly sit out one of the back-to-backs over the weekend), making him someone to plant firmly on your bench.

Kevin Durant, GS, F (4 games – hand) – He missed Saturday’s game, but Golden State was facing a Nets team with the worst record in the NBA, so it was likely precautionary and more so about rest. Durant was able to play through the contusion after he first suffered it Thursday against the Clippers, so he should be good to go for Week 19.

Avery Bradley, Bos, G (4 games – Achilles) – He’s been sidelined since Jan 6 with a sore Achilles, but it sounds like Bradley is close to returning. The safe move would be to bench him one more week, but Boston plays four times, and Bradley has quietly been the No. 41 fantasy player when on the courts this season, so this decision will come down to your team’s depth (assuming he gets cleared).

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