As we reach the second half of week 21, some leagues will be wrapping up their playoffs, while others will be entering. Wednesday’s games featured plenty of stars putting fantasy teams on their back, such as Joel Embiid (36/18), Domantas Sabonis (14/17/10) and Stephen Curry (50 pts, 8 3pts). While those players are consistently dominant, there are more widely available players that don’t produce consistently. However, with the randomness of the NBA schedule and the injuries that players face, opportunities are always presenting themselves. Here are the players that can step right in and make a difference in your fantasy matchup.
Jonathan Kuminga- 24%, JaMychal Green- 3%
Games left this week: 2
Draymond Green picked up his 16th technical foul on Wednesday, which means he will be suspended for Friday’s matchup with Atlanta. One of these two should get the start in his place, but both should play over 20 minutes. Kuminga had provided top-50 value over the past two weeks before Wednesday’s game, while Green has contributed sixth round value over the past week before their matchup with the Clippers. Neither player contributed much on Wednesday, but they should benefit from the increased workload.
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Austin Reaves- 41%
Games left this week: 2
Reaves has been a consistent contributor this season, but his role has often adapted to the opportunity in front of him. When he was playing alongside both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he was more passive. With both sidelined on Wednesday, he contributed a 24/4/7 line off the bench. AD should be back for their next game, so he may not dominate offensively, but he has still been inside the top-150 over the past two weeks.
Josh Green- 23%, Jaden Hardy- 14%
Games left this week: 1
They only play one more game this week, and it’s in Los Angeles on national TV, which could be the perfect game for Kyrie Irving to return to the lineup. However, if Kyrie remains sidelined, both guys should continue to be streamed everywhere.
Eugene Omoruyi- 4%, R.J. Hampton- 1%
Games left this week: 2
It’s officially silly season in Detroit. They have six rotation players ruled out for Thursday’s matchup with Denver already, which doesn’t include Cade Cunningham. Jaden Ivey is probable, so he should be back after a stint in league protocols. However, everyone that is available for the Pistons should play big minutes. Omoruyi and Hampton are two examples that could take advantage of the opportunity and started in their last game, but they’re not the only ones that will benefit from Detroit’s desire for Victor Wembanyama.
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Aaron Nesmith- 5%, Jordan Nwora- 7%
Games left this week: 2
The Pacers have been without Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell for their last two games. All three are questionable to play against the Bucks on Thursday, and Buddy Hield has joined them on that list. Chris Duarte has been ruled out after exiting early from their last game. We may not know whether the four questionable guys will play or not until closer to tipoff, though their availability at shootaround on Thursday should be an indicator. Haliburton, Turner and McConnell all practiced on Wednesday, which should be a good sign for them to return. However, if the stars align and all four are ruled out, Nwora and Nesmith are two guys that should put up big numbers.