Alright, another week in the books. We’re in mid-March now, which means fantasy playoffs are either kicking off or right around the corner for most of you. Every decision from here on out carries serious weight. No more coasting. You gotta be ruthless with your roster.
**Waiver Wire Gold and Deep League Digs**
First things first: check your wire. If you’re in a shallower league, the pickings might be slim, but there’s always someone. In deeper formats, this is where you win or lose.
Let's talk about **Jaden Ivey**. He’s been on a tear. Over the last two weeks, he’s averaging 20 points, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham’s been in and out of the lineup, sure, but Ivey’s usage has spiked regardless. He had 28 points and 7 dimes against the Hornets last Tuesday. The Pistons have a decent schedule upcoming, and they're playing loose. He’s a must-add if he’s still out there.
Then there’s **Drew Eubanks**. Jusuf Nurkic is battling that nagging ankle issue again, and Eubanks has stepped right in for the Suns. He put up a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Spurs on Thursday. He’s not going to win you blocks, but for boards and decent scoring on good efficiency, he’s a solid stream. If Nurkic misses another week, Eubanks is a strong play, especially in categories like FG% and rebounds.
Here's one for the deep leaguers: **Jordan Goodwin** in Memphis. With Ja Morant out for the season, and Desmond Bane still recovering, Goodwin has seen his minutes jump. He’s not going to light up the box score every night, but he’s averaging 8 points, 4 assists, and 1.2 steals over his last five games. The Grizzlies are decimated by injuries, and someone has to handle the ball. He’s a low-end points and assists streamer, maybe even for steals if you’re desperate. Think 14-team leagues or deeper.
And don’t forget about **Pat Connaughton** in Milwaukee. With Khris Middleton nursing that hamstring, Connaughton has seen his minutes jump to over 30 a night. He’s a 3-point specialist who can grab a few boards and steals. He hit four threes against the Celtics on Wednesday and added two steals. If you need threes and some defensive stats without hurting your percentages, he’s a viable short-term option.
**Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: The Tough Calls**
This is where it gets tricky. You’ve got guys on your roster who might be trending up or down, and you need to make the right call for your matchup.
**Start: Paolo Banchero**. I know, I know, he’s a stud. But he’s been on an absolute tear lately, averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists over his last six games. The Magic are pushing for playoff seeding, and Banchero is playing like a man possessed. He had 34 points and 8 assists against the Knicks on Monday. He’s a locked-in multi-category monster, and you absolutely ride the hot hand.
**Sit: Brandon Miller**. Rookies hit walls, and Miller looks like he’s hitting one. His efficiency has plummeted, shooting just 38% from the field over the last two weeks. He’s still getting shots up, but he had a dreadful 4-for-17 performance against the Pistons last Friday. Unless you’re in a points league and can stomach the poor percentages, I’d look for safer options if you have them. The Hornets’ offense is a mess, and Miller is feeling the strain.
**Start: De’Anthony Melton**. He’s finally healthy for the Sixers and getting consistent minutes off the bench. He’s a steals machine, averaging 2.3 steals over his last three games, and he can knock down threes. He’s providing instant defensive energy and some much-needed perimeter shooting. He’s a solid play for defensive stats and a few points and threes.
**Sit: Kevin Huerter**. The beam is off. Huerter has been ice cold. He’s averaging under 10 points over his last five games and his assists and rebounds are non-existent. The Kings have also been experimenting with different lineup combinations, and Huerter's minutes aren't as secure as they once were. There are better streaming options for threes out there.
**Trade Talk: Who to Buy Low, Who to Sell High**
This late in the season, trades are tough, but not impossible. If you can swing a deal to get an edge, do it.
**Buy Low: Zach LaVine**. Yeah, I said it. He’s been out with that knee injury, and his value is probably at an all-time low. But he’s expected back in early April, just in time for most fantasy championship weeks. The Bulls will want to shows him for a potential offseason trade, which means he'll get plenty of usage. If you can afford to stash him for a week or two, he could be a league winner. Try offering a consistent but lower-ceiling player for him. He averaged 23 points and 4 assists before his injury.
**Sell High: Domantas Sabonis**. He’s been fantastic, a triple-double machine for the Kings, but his schedule gets brutal in the fantasy playoffs. They face some of the league's best defenses and big men, and there's a real chance for some regression. He put up 15 points, 12 boards, and 9 assists against the Bucks on Tuesday, but he still feels like a slight sell-high candidate given the upcoming matchups. See if you can package him for a top-tier guard who has a softer playoff schedule.
**Buy Low: Keldon Johnson**. He’s had an up-and-down season, but the Spurs are still trying to figure things out. With Victor Wembanyama drawing so much attention, Johnson is quietly putting up solid numbers, averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds over his last two weeks. His percentages are usually decent, and the Spurs will keep giving him minutes. He’s someone you can acquire without breaking the bank, and he could provide consistent scoring.
Look, this is it. No more messing around. Every acquisition, every start/sit decision, every trade. It all matters. Don't be afraid to drop a player you've held all season if they're not producing. It's about winning *now*.
My bold prediction for the week: Jalen Green is going to put up at least two 30-point games. The Rockets are desperate, and he’s due for a few explosion games.