The fantasy basketball season is almost a month old and no doubt your fantasy roster may have undergone a few changes since draft day. Streaming can be an important part of any matchup, be it head to head or roto. Ensuring you are selective with your streaming can mean the difference between winning or losing, and subsequently, gloating or conceding. My fantasy basketball streaming guide will make both your decisions and bragging capacity much easier.
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Streaming Points
Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic (4 games)
After an inconsistent start to the season, Ross has found some rhythm on the offensive end over the past week. His last five games have him scoring 16.2 points per game including 2.8 triples. His most recent outing against the Knicks saw him produce a season-best 22 points in just 22 minutes. Despite coming off the bench, Ross appears to be a regular part of the rotation on a team that is certainly somewhat bereft of scoring depth.
Ross is available in about 60% of leagues although that number is quickly rising. The Magic do not have a lot to play for outside of draft picks and therefore his role is far from a lock. He is hot right now and with four games on the slate, this week should be a nice source of scoring.
Other streaming options
Shelvin Mack, Memphis Grizzlies (4 games)
Antonio Blakeney, Chicago Bulls (4 games)
Streaming Rebounds
Tyson Chandler, Los Angeles Lakers (3 games)
Chandler is basically a one-trick pony, delivering rebounds on a nightly basis despite limited playing time. In his three games since being signed by the Lakers, Chandler is averaging 8.3 rebounds in just 22 minutes per game. He also provides the defense needed by the Lakers and so, should carve out a regular spot in the rotation.
Chandler is available in over 80% of all leagues, with that number sure to increase over the coming days. His fantasy basketball ceiling is very limited but he epitomizes what streaming is all about, so give him a look if you need some boards.
Other streaming options
Ed Davis, Brooklyn Nets (4 games)
Omari Spellman, Atlanta Hawks (3 games)
Streaming Assists
J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks (3 games)
I feel like we go through this every season with Barea. Despite the addition of Dennis Smith and Luka Doncic over the past two seasons, Barea keeps finding a way to produce in limited minutes. Assists are one of the more difficult categories to come across in fantasy basketball, making Barea all that more unique. He currently ranks as the 25th best player when it comes to handing out dimes at 5.9 per game.
Owned in just 35% of leagues, Barea is likely going to be floating around on a waiver wire somewhere. He is certainly worth a look as a set and forget option, especially if you are in a deeper format.
Other streaming options
Jerian Grant, Orlando Magic (4 games)
Shelvin Mack, Memphis Grizzlies (4 games)
Streaming Steals
Shaq Harrison, Chicago Bulls (4 games)
Harrison is a streaming option that certainly comes with an element of risk given the small sample size. He has played just four games for the Bulls with his most recent coming in a victory over the Cavaliers on Saturday. During that contest, he secured three steals in 18 minutes on the court. With Kris Dunn (knee) set to miss at least another two weeks, the Bulls guard rotation is questionable at best. Cameron Payne, who was starting, was out of the rotation Saturday and this could open the door for Harrison.
Harrison is basically available everywhere and with the Bulls playing four times this week, he could provide sneaky value in deeper formats. Streaming him in for the week is going to be difficult given the uncertainty but he is worth a look if your league has daily moves.
Other streaming options
Jerian Grant, Orlando Magic (4 games)
Shelvin Mack, Memphis Grizzlies (4 games)
Streaming Blocks
Nerlens Noel, Oklahoma City Thunder (3 games)
Noel is one of the most frustrating fantasy basketball players to own. His per minute production has always been exemplary with the only issue being the lack of consistent playing time. That is the case once again this season, playing just 13.9 minutes per game. He has blocked at least one shot in all but one game, currently averaging 1.3 per contest. Over his previous three games that average is up to 2.6.
Owned in 39% of leagues, Noel is likely going to be available somewhere. His lack of opportunities remains a constant source of wonder given his defensive upside. With blocks commonly being decided by single digits, Noel could provide the bump you need to edge out your opponent.
Other streaming options
Gary Clark, Houston Rockets (3 games)
Omari Spellman, Atlanta Hawks (3 games)
Streaming Three-Pointers
Wayne Ellington, Miami Heat (4 games)
Five games returned from an ankle injury, Ellington is slowly ramping up his production. He has played at least 30 minutes in two of his past three games, connecting on 11 triples over that period. 2017-18 was a breakout year for Ellington where he averaged almost 12 points per game including 2.9 triples. He was one of the more elite streaming options, even maintaining season-long value in some formats.
Ellington’s ownership is still hovering around 25% but that could spike as he continues to work his way back from injury. Dwyane Wade (personal) looks set to miss the week and with the Heat playing four games, Ellington makes sense as a speculative add.
Other streaming options
Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs (4 games)
Landry Shamet, Philadelphia 76ers (4 games)
Got a question about this week’s fantasy basketball streaming guide? Hit Adam up on twitter @adamking91 or give a shout out to @Fantrax
For more great fantasy basketball analysis, check out JP Balladier’s take on the fantasy implications of the Jimmy Butler trade.