The calendar flipping to February means two things. One, the All-Star break is right around the corner. Two, and most importantly, the trade deadline is even closer. This season\u2019s deadline falls on February 5, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo being the focus of the most impactful rumors, it\u2019s fair to wonder if he \u2014 or another big name \u2014 will be on the move between now and Thursday.<\/p>\n
Obviously, such moves will have a significant effect on fantasy basketball. And what happens at the deadline will reveal how teams will approach the rest of the season. Are teams in the mix for a play-in spot willing to continue that fight? Or will they pivot toward prioritizing their draft lottery odds? The \u201csilly season\u201d is already underway in some places (hello, Utah and Brooklyn), but the play-in tournament has kept some teams from being outright \u201csellers\u201d at the trade deadline since it was instituted.<\/p>\n
While we wait to see if there will be a seismic Luka Don\u010di\u0107-like trade, fantasy managers also have to navigate the final full week of basketball before the All-Star break. And a loss can do severe damage to a team\u2019s chances of reaching the fantasy playoffs. Let\u2019s look at the Week 16 schedule and some of its key storylines.<\/p>\n
Week 16 Games Played<\/p>\n
4 Games: BOS, HOU, IND, LAC, MEM, MIN, NYK, PHI, WAS<\/p>\n
3 Games: ATL, BKN, CHA, CHI, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, LAL, MIA, MIL, NOR, OKC, ORL, PHX, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR, UTA<\/p>\n
2 Games: CLE<\/p>\n
Week 16 Back-to-backs<\/p>\n
Sunday (Week 15)-Monday: LAC<\/p>\n
Monday-Tuesday: IND, PHI<\/p>\n
Tuesday-Wednesday: BOS, DEN, MIL, NYK, OKC<\/p>\n
Wednesday-Thursday: HOU, SAS, TOR<\/p>\n
Thursday-Friday: DET<\/p>\n
Friday-Saturday: MEM, POR, SAC<\/p>\n
Saturday-Sunday: WAS<\/p>\n
Sunday-Monday (Week 17): MIA, MIN<\/p>\n
Week 16 Storylines of Note<\/p>\n
– All nine teams that play four games in Week 16 have a back-to-back.<\/p>\n
At first glance, the teams that play four games during Week 16 have a slight edge in fantasy basketball. However, some of those teams have fantasy-relevant players whose availability for back-to-backs has been an issue this season. Philadelphia, which will be without Paul George due to a 25-game suspension, opens its west coast trip with a back-to-back against the Clippers and Warriors. Will Joel Embiid be available for both games? Or are fantasy managers looking at a three-game week for the former MVP? <\/p>\n
Houston is another team to be mindful of, mainly because of Tari Eason. He hasn\u2019t played both games of a back-to-back this season, so fantasy managers have to plan for him sitting either on Wednesday (vs. Boston) or Thursday (vs. Charlotte). Dorian Finney-Smith is in the same boat, but his availability does not affect fantasy basketball. Also, the Wizards end their week with a back-to-back. Obviously, this likely limits Khris Middleton to three games, but how will Tre Johnson\u2018s availability be managed if he can return from the sprained ankle he suffered during Thursday\u2019s win over the Bucks? Given how close the playoff weeks are in some fantasy leagues, managing availability and the waiver wire will be crucial during Week 16. <\/p>\n
– The 76ers continue without the suspended Paul George.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, the NBA announced that Paul George has been suspended 25 games for a violation of the league\u2019s anti-drug policy. Obviously, his absence leaves a sizable hole in the 76ers\u2019 rotation, and it opens up questions as to how the front office will approach the trade deadline. Do they look to make a move that would help the team avoid the luxury tax, gambling on the idea that what they have once George returns will be enough? Or, do the 76ers look to strengthen the bench, likely by adding another shooter to the mix? <\/p>\n
In the short term, Dominick Barlow returned to the starting lineup on Saturday, but he\u2019s still on a two-way contract, and that should change, given his contributions this season. As for who can pick up the slack offensively<\/a> with George out, VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. are at the top of the list. And with the 76ers playing four games in Week 16, there may be the added boost of Embiid missing a game due to injury management if the 76ers decide to sit him for one game of their back-to-back. <\/p>\n – How will the players traded late Saturday night fit in their new homes?<\/p>\n