by Welcome to The Playlist: my weekly column that informs you of who and what to play in fantasy basketball in the coming week—when it comes to music or anything else in my rotation.
Each week you’ll see a breakdown of the pickups you need to make, a quick look at the schedule, and lineup notes (who’s in rotation and who’s not).
Press play and browse through the latest fantasy basketball information.
🏀 Completion of the 7th week
🚨 Appointment notice: The Emirates NBA Cup championship game will take place on Tuesday. The championship game does not count toward the Week 8 scoring period.
🥇Top Players for Week 7 (December 2-15)
▶️ “Iced Medallions” – Royal Flush
🎧 Who’s in my rotation: Waiver of pickups
Players who should be used under 50% in all leagues:
Tari Eason, Gradey Dick, Alex Sarr, Ayo Dosunmu, Goga Bitadze, TJ McConnell and De’Andre Hunter.
Players who should be used under 40%:
Yves Missi – C, New Orleans Pelicans (37% in squad)
With such a low fantasy roster, the Pelicans’ starting center is treated a bit disrespected. Those in leagues with 10 or fewer teams must pick it up. In his last 10 games, the Baylor graduate is averaging 13 points with 11 rebounds and 2.3 digs per game. He is at the top of my rookie list and given his minutes and production, he needs to be played in all leagues.
▶️ “A Little Soul” – Pete Rock
Kelly Oubre Jr. – SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers (35% on roster)
The Sixers play two of their three games this week against the fantasy-friendly Hornets. Oubre started the last nine games for the Sixers and provided value in 9-cat sixth-round pick leagues while recording 1.7 steals per game over that span. The Sixers won’t have Joel Embiid or Jared McCain for a while, so Oubre’s scoring, rebounding and defense are desperately needed for a team struggling to climb out of the bottom third of the Eastern Conference.
Lugentz Dort – SG/SF, Oklahoma City Thunder (25% in squad)
There, he averaged 33 fantasy points in his last three games, scoring a solid 14.7 points with 6.7 rebounds, 4.0 3s and 2.7 stocks. He plays 30 minutes a night and his defense will keep him on the field as a key player for the best team in the Western Conference. There will be ups and downs, but Dort is a top 100 prospect in 9-cat leagues and should be on the roster in all 12+ team leagues.
Jaden McDaniels – SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves (24% on roster)
In 12-team leagues, McDaniels is a player who has trended upward over the last week. He has been more aggressive on both ends of the court, scoring 13 points per game with seven rebounds and 12 steals over the last five games. The Wolves have tough matchups against the Knicks and Warriors this week, but McDaniels’ improved defense and rebounding have been crucial for Minnesota and fantasy managers.
Donovan Clingan – C, Portland Trail Blazers (24% on roster)
The big rookie started on Sunday and put in a decent performance with 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 20 minutes of play. Clingan filled in for Deandre Ayton (illness) and shared time with Robert Williams. Clingan is a long-term hold as he has a knack for blocking shots and rebounding at a high rate whenever he sees 20+ minutes. In the five games he played at least 20 minutes, he averaged 7.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.
Kevin Huerter – SF/SF, Sacramento Kings (8% on roster)
Huerter has a shoulder injury and is questionable for Monday’s game, but the Kings have three additional games this week, making him a good option on a short week. His numbers weren’t worth keeping long-term, but he was useful for 3s and steals most nights. The Kings play three favorable matchups the rest of the week against the Lakers twice and the Pacers.
▶️ “Gingerly” – Dusty Decks
Justin Champagnie – SG/SF, Washington Wizards (20% of squad)
With so many injuries in Washington, the other Champagnie brother is taking advantage of the opportunity and giving fantasy managers some ridiculous numbers as of late. In his last four games, Champagnie is averaging 16.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.8 3s, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks in 36.6 minutes per game. That’s over 40 fantasy points per game type of production. Keep an eye on the injury report, but if Kyle Kuzma, Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert stay out, Champagnie is worth streaming while he’s hot.
Other streamers: Obi Toppin (16%), Andrew Nembhard (12%), Brandon Boston Jr. (19%), Cason Wallace (14%), Dorian Finney-Smith (16%) and Caris LeVert (21%)
🗓️ Schedule highlights
It’s a shortened week in the Yahoo Leagues with: technicallyno games on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the Emirates NBA Cup championship. Another reminder that the NBA Cup Championship Game does not count toward Week 8 fantasy standings.
With these two days off, we have 17 teams playing two games and 12 teams playing three. The Kings are the only team to have played four games.
Here is the list of total games played this week:
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Daily schedule: Monday (6), Tuesday (0), Wednesday (0), Thursday (13), Friday (3), Saturday (12) and Sunday (3)
Monday, Friday and Sunday are the best days for streaming. The Kings, Nuggets and Raptors play on Monday and Sunday, while the Heat, Cavs, 76ers and Hornets play on Monday and Friday. Also, here are the eight teams playing back-to-back in Week 8.
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Thursday/Friday: Hornets and Thunder
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Friday/Saturday: 76ers, Bucks, Cavaliers and Heat
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Saturday/Sunday: Kings and Pelicans
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🚑 Injury news
Notable Week 7 Injuries (Beyond Daily Life)
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Raptors F Scottie Barnes (ankle) is out indefinitely but participated in a light practice on Sunday. This could be a good opportunity to buy cheap since his ankle sprain doesn’t look like a long-term injury
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Sixers C Joel Embiid is out indefinitely after suffering a ruptured sinus in Week 7 against the Pacers.
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Sixers G Jared McCain is out indefinitely and will require surgery to repair his torn left meniscus.
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Hornets G LaMelo Ball (calf) was upgraded to questionable on Monday. Gigantic!
Latest injury reports for all NBA teams
NBA Injury Report – Monday, December 16th
▶️ “Grateful” – Mecca:83
🔁 Rotation Notes
Golden State Warriors
The piece: The Warriors’ trade for Dennis Schröder will undoubtedly impact Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield. Both players got minutes at shooting guard, and with Schröder in town, the Warriors landed another scoring and game-playing threat in the backcourt. Schröder is expected to make his debut on Thursday, drawing attention from Podz and Hield.
▶️“Travellin’ Man” – DJ Honda
Detroit Pistons
The piece: Jalen Duren (wrist) is not on the injury report for Monday’s contest, while Tobias Harris is out day-to-day with a hand injury. He won’t play on Monday, so fantasy managers will have to wait for a possible return date. Meanwhile, Ron Holland and Simone Fontecchio are getting more playing time.
Memphis Grizzlies
The piece: Zach Edey returned from his 12-game absence on Sunday night, posting 13 points, 10 rebounds and two digs in 24 minutes. It was a welcome return to the lineup for the big rookie, and now that he’s active, Brandon Clarke can be dropped.
Phoenix Suns
The piece: Royce O’Neale (26%) continues to start in place of Bradley Beal (knee). He has played through the last five games, giving fantasy managers a mix of points, threes and boards. He’s usually good for some stocks too, but if Beal is still out, stream O’Neale vs. the Pacers and Pistons this week.
Philadelphia 76ers
The piece: As mentioned, Embiid is out indefinitely with a sinus fracture, which reopens the door for Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele. I’m not particularly interested in using either player, but if you need rebounds and steals, go with Drummond.
▶️ “The Séance” – SoulChef
