NBA Fantasy Week 18: The Ultimate Start/Sit Guide to Boost Your Lineup and Dominate the Competition!
4 min read
As we hit Week 18 of the NBA season, fantasy basketball managers are gearing up for the post-All-Star break action. With three games scheduled for many teams this week, there’s a lot of opportunity for savvy fantasy managers to optimize their lineups. But beware—some tough calls lie ahead, particularly for players with limited game opportunities, like the Sacramento Kings, who only have one game on the slate.
To help you navigate these tricky start/sit decisions, we’ve broken down the best fantasy options for each position, focusing on players who may be under the radar or available in your leagues. Whether you’re pushing for a playoff spot or simply trying to stay ahead, these picks could be the key to a successful week.
Teams to Watch: Who’s Playing and Who’s Resting?
TEAMS WITH THREE GAMES: Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs
TEAMS WITH TWO GAMES: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards
TEAMS WITH ONE GAME: Sacramento Kings
Guards: Who’s Ready to Shine?
Start: Nick Smith Jr., Hornets (13% roster rate)
With LaMelo Ball sidelined and the Hornets looking for playmakers, Nick Smith Jr. has stepped up, averaging 19.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds across his last five games. His shooting percentage is impressive—54.4% from the field, including 45.7% from beyond the arc. With more opportunity in a three-game week, Smith is primed for a breakout.
Start: Stephon Castle, Spurs (20% roster rate)
Fresh off a standout All-Star Weekend, where he won the Rising Stars MVP and placed second in the Slam Dunk contest, Castle is rolling. Averaging 18.3 points and contributing across the board, Castle is a strong option for your roster. His hot streak continues as the Spurs take the court for three games.
Sit: Malik Monk, Kings (77% start rate)
With just one game scheduled this week for the Kings, it’s time to park Malik Monk on your bench. Although he’s been solid in a starting role, his recent shooting struggles (38.0% from the field) and limited game time make him a risk this week.
Forwards: The Rising Stars and the Bench Warmers
Start: Kyle Kuzma, Bucks (48% roster rate)
After a solid start with the Bucks, Kuzma’s stock is on the rise. Averaging 20.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and shooting 50% in his last two games before the break, he’s now settled into his new role. Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return, Kuzma will benefit from the extra attention on his superstar teammate.
Start: Max Strus, Cavaliers (10% roster rate)
Strus has found his groove, averaging 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his last nine games before the break. As a reliable 3-point shooter, Strus is primed for strong fantasy production, particularly with favorable matchups against teams ranked near the bottom in 3-point defense.
Sit: Keegan Murray, Kings (77% start rate)
Murray has been in a scoring slump this season, with a career-low 12.0 points per game and a drop in shooting efficiency. With Sacramento’s one-game schedule, he’s better off sitting on your bench this week.
Centers: Who’s Ready to Dominate the Paint?
Start: Jaxson Hayes, Lakers (26% roster rate)
Hayes has stepped into the starting center role following Anthony Davis’ trade to the Mavericks. Despite a recent facial contusion, he’s expected to be good to go for the Lakers’ three-game slate. Averaging 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals, Hayes checks all the boxes as a potential fantasy contributor.
Start: Santi Aldama, Grizzlies (44% roster rate)
Aldama is coming off a strong stretch of games, averaging 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his last 12 contests. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him an intriguing option for your lineup this week, especially as the Grizzlies have three games on their schedule.
Sit: Deandre Ayton, Trail Blazers (53% start rate)
With a calf strain sidelining Ayton for at least one week, he’s an obvious Sit for Week 18. Even when healthy, Ayton had been inconsistent, and the Trail Blazers’ two-game schedule gives you more than enough reason to bench him.
Conclusion: Make the Right Moves for Week 18
Week 18 brings some interesting fantasy basketball decisions, especially with teams like Sacramento, which only has one game, and others like the Lakers and Spurs with favorable three-game slates. By focusing on players with solid production and favorable matchups, you can set your fantasy lineup up for success. Remember, it’s all about finding those hidden gems like Nick Smith Jr. or Jaxson Hayes, while also being cautious with players like Malik Monk and Keegan Murray who have limited opportunities this week.
Stay sharp, make your moves wisely, and let’s finish this week strong!
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