NBA Fantasy: Week 16 Start/Sit Guide | 2024 Picks

Navigating the fantasy basketball landscape in Week 16 presents unique challenges due to an uneven NBA schedule. While some teams will play four games, others are limited to just two, demanding strategic roster adjustments. Despite this imbalance, opportunities exist to identify valuable players, even those with limited mainstream attention. This analysis highlights potential “Start” and “Sit” candidates across guard, forward and center positions, focusing on players rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.

Guard Play

Start: Ryan Rollins, Bucks

Despite playing only three games this week, Ryan Rollins warrants consideration. The Bucks’ situation, with Kevin Porter’s oblique injury and the potential trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo, positions Rollins to continue as the starting point guard and see increased usage. He’s recently scored 21 or more points in three of his last four games, and recorded multiple steals in two of those contests.

Start: Andrew Nembhard, Pacers

Andrew Nembhard is thriving as the Pacers’ starting point guard. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 18.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, shooting 47.8% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. As the team’s second option behind Pascal Siakam, Nembhard offers consistent production across multiple statistical categories, especially with a four-game week ahead.

Did You Know? Nine teams will play four games in Week 16, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team with just two games scheduled.

Sit: Josh Giddey

Josh Giddey’s participation in Week 16 is uncertain. Limited to three games due to a hamstring strain, his availability is questionable. Given the nature of soft-tissue injuries and the potential for re-aggravation, rostering Giddey carries a significant risk.

Forward Focus

Start: Josh Hart, Knicks

Josh Hart has been consistently productive, posting three consecutive 20-point games. He’s averaging 21.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.0 steals over his last two games, shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. Hart’s role as a starting shooting guard benefits from the attention drawn by teammates like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Start: Saddiq Bey, Pelicans

Saddiq Bey is experiencing a resurgence since returning from a hip injury on January 13th. In his first 10 games back, he’s averaging 21.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals, shooting 44.4% from distance. Despite sharing the floor with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy, Bey is seeing a career-high 12.6 field goal attempts per game.

Expert Insight: The unbalanced Week 16 schedule necessitates a careful evaluation of player availability and game counts. Prioritizing players on teams with four games, or those demonstrating strong recent performance despite a lighter schedule, is a key strategic consideration.

Sit: Evan Mobley, Cavaliers

Evan Mobley is currently sidelined with a left calf strain and is projected to miss at least a week. With the Cavaliers playing only two games this week, the risk of aggravating the injury outweighs the potential reward, making him a candidate to sit.

Center Stage

Start: Naz Reid, Timberwolves

Naz Reid is hitting his stride at the right time, with a four-game schedule in Week 16. Over his last 12 games, he’s averaging 16.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals, shooting 52.9% from the field and 48.1% from three-point range. His well-rounded stat line and efficiency make him a valuable fantasy asset.

Start: Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets

Jabari Smith Jr. Has been consistently trending in the right direction. In his last 11 games, he’s averaging 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks. He’s poised for a usage boost in his first game of the week, as Kevin Durant will be sitting out Monday’s matchup against the Pacers due to an ankle injury.

Sit: Jarrett Allen, Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen’s recent 40-point, 17-rebound performance was an outlier. His previous 10 games saw him average 11.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, numbers more representative of his typical output. Given the Cavaliers’ limited two-game schedule, benching Allen this week may be a prudent move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest challenge for fantasy players in Week 16?

The biggest challenge is the unbalanced schedule, with some teams playing four games and others only two, requiring careful consideration of player game counts.

Are there any players who are exceptions to the rule of prioritizing four-game players?

Yes, Ryan Rollins and Saddiq Bey are exceptions due to their recent strong performances and favorable circumstances, despite only having three games scheduled.

What should fantasy players consider when deciding whether to sit a player?

Players should consider injuries, limited game schedules, and recent performance trends when deciding whether to sit a player, especially those with a higher risk of re-injury or limited opportunity for production.

Considering the varying schedules and player situations, how will you adjust your fantasy basketball strategy this week to maximize your team’s potential?