It’s that time of the season in fantasy basketball. Every category matters as teams fight for playoff positioning ahead of the final stretch. While those leading the way in the standings may be able to take a flier or two in hopes it pays off come playoffs, the majority of players are battling for seeding or the chance to just get into the playoffs.
Most leagues run a two-week matchup for week 11 to compensate for the all-star break taking place in the NBA. That means it’s just past the midway point of the week but there’s plenty of time left to make up ground. Both players who are short-term helpers to contribute this week and long-term adds will be highlighted.
We’ll limit the player pool to players owned in less than 40 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs (24% Rostered)
Games this Week: 3
Another player with three games remaining this week, which is the most any team has left, Mills has been playing very well since returning from a four-game absence. In five games since returning Mills is scoring 13.8 points per contest. He does little else category-wise outside of scoring and shooting well, but if that’s a need for your team, take a look at the Spurs guard.
Mills is averaging a career-best 13.2 points per game this season while shooting an impressive 40.9 percent from behind the arc. Since returning from injury he has made at least three three-pointers in all five games and is a vital part of the Spurs’ success.
Although he is a specialist, he’s as good of a specialist as one will find in free agency this deep into the season. Add Mills if you have a need in scoring and hang on to him at least until his hot shooting comes to an end.
Jae’Sean Tate, Houston Rockets (23% Rostered)
Games this Week: 3
Tate has been a bright spot for the Rockets in a season that hasn’t gone as fans once hoped. There’s a clear and logical path to minutes for Tate, as the Rockets are focused on the future and will continue to see what the 25-year-old can do from here on out.
Although a bit undersized, Tate is a strong rebounder that is capable of contributing in several categories given the minutes he’s going to get down the stretch. His scoring average of 9.9 should increase the rest of the way as the Rockets move into full-blown sell mode ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
In a frontcourt lacking any dominant rebounder, his boards should also increase. Tate doesn’t offer much in terms of assists but will occasionally chip in some defensive stats. Most importantly, he isn’t going to tank any of your fantasy team’s percentages.
He’s shooting 53.6 percent from the field, 31.9 percent from deep and 75.4 percent from the line this season. The three-point percentage is not ideal but is not bad enough to overlook his contributions. With an increase of minutes expected moving forward, now is the time to add Tate. It could pay off quickly as well, as he plays three games over the remainder of this week.
Shake Milton, Philadelphia 76ers (21% Rostered)
Games this Week: 3
Barring something unexpected, Milton is strictly a short-term addition to your fantasy squad. He’s too inconsistent to own when the 76ers are healthy despite the obvious talent he possesses.
What makes him an intriguing pickup is the three games his team plays and who they will be without for (at least) some of those games. Ben Simmons has been ruled out for the 76er’s next two games before he could return when they wrap up the week on Sunday. Joel Embiid will miss Thursday’s game but could return as early as Friday.
Not only are those the two best 76ers, but they’re also the perfect combination to lead to Milton getting extended run being featured offensively. Simmons opens up the minutes at guard for Milton to be a candidate to step in. Embiid’s absence makes Milton needed offensively, as the team will be without their offensive motor.
Even if both players return as early as possible, Milton has the potential to swing offensive categories in your favor as the week comes to an end. If you’re looking for immediate points specifically, Milton is the highest upside you’ll find in free agency.
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