The fantasy basketball playoffs are practically here — or just close enough that your margin for error is now zero. As you head toward the stretch run, you’ll want to roster the following 10 players; their production and opportunity are real, stable and trustworthy.
If you’ve already got them, continue holding on — because they could lead you to a fantasy championship.
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Isaiah Collier, PG/SG — Utah Jazz
Keyonte George is back and starting. However, Collier has been the most productive reserve on the Jazz in both games since George’s return. While George was out, though, Collier became one of the best facilitators in fantasy — averaging 8.6 assists per game along with 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 15 starts.
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As a backup this season, he’s averaging 9.3 points, 6.7 assists and 0.9 steals in 23.3 minutes. The Jazz are tanking, so it’s very possible Utah decides to rest George under the guise of injury, like Lauri Markkanen. That’s why I’d continue to hold Collier because his high-assist floor keeps him relevant in any format. He closed Wednesday’s game with George, but if he gets more chances to start, though, it’ll be a game-changer.
Reed Sheppard, PG/SG — Houston Rockets
Sheppard, the third overall pick in 2024, is thriving while Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) sits. Over his last four games, he averaged 20.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 5.0 3s in 35+ minutes. In real life, his defense has kept him in a reserve role. But do we care for fantasy? Ime Udoka should’ve gone to Sheppard at PG earlier because he gives Houston an actual perimeter threat who can still generate offense.
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It’s funny what happens when someone gets an opportunity to shine.
Now, Sheppard’s been racking up the stocks like Derrick White. Even with Smith returning, Amen Thompson is banged up, leaving it difficult for Udoka to move away from Shep. He’s been a top-15 player in 9-cat over the past two weeks and top-50 in High Score. Keep him rostered.
Gui Santos, SF/PF — Golden State Warriors
February was a career month for the Brazilian wing: 15.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.9 3s, and 1.5 steals in 30.0 minutes per game. Those numbers made him a top-50 player in 9-cat, averaging over 35 fantasy points per game.
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Sometimes you have to follow the money as well. The Warriors rewarded Santos with a 3-year, $15M extension just a few days ago. A minor ankle concern exists, but, as I said recently, he’s been the Warriors’ best player and it’s not particularly close. He’s been doing it all for GS on both sides of the ball.
Maxime Raynaud, C — Sacramento Kings
Sabonis is done for the season, which means Raynaud now has the keys to the frontcourt. He’s averaged a double-double over his last six starts — 16.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
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Nobody’s taking this starting job from a 22-year-old they’re building around. He’s been an efficient revelation for 9-cat formats and is a beast in standard points leagues as well. With more blocks, Raynaud could evolve into a young Brook Lopez-type fantasy player.
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Nique Clifford, SG/SF — Sacramento Kings
Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder are gone, De’Andre Hunter and Zach LaVine are done for the year. What’s left is Clifford and a couple of vets in Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk. The latter isn’t getting much playing time and the former, well — he’s just out there.
Clifford’s started the past three games, piling up a ton of minutes and counting stats. Over his past 11 games, though, he’s averaging 14-5-4 with 2 steals per game. His efficiency will dip some nights, but in High Score and standard points formats, the volume and multi-cat contributions make him a reliable rest-of-season asset.
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Precious Achiuwa, PF/C — Sacramento Kings
That’s right, another Kings’ player. With no Sabonis, Dylan Cardwell shelved and Keegan Murray still dealing with an ankle injury, Achiuwa steps into a cleared-out frontcourt with Raynaud. He’s been so impressive across formats, sprinkling in contributions across all categories, barely turning over the ball and remaining pretty efficient. He even notched 61 fantasy points against Dallas a few games ago. The Sacramento frontcourt remains open for him, leaving his path looking extra bright.
Kyle Filipowski, PF/C — Utah Jazz
Flip owns one of the steadier frontcourt roles here. Walker Kessler and Jusuf Nurkić are out for the season. Lauri Markkanen is trending that way too — leaving Filipowski as the lone big man who will help fantasy managers late in the season.
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Flip is a good source of points, rebounds and, surprisingly, steals. He’s registered at least one steal in six of his last seven games, with two games swiping at least five. He’s been a top-65 player in High Score the past two weeks and has the upside to be a consistent, double-double threat.
GG Jackson, SF/PF/C — Memphis Grizzlies
Since the Grizzlies traded JJJ to rebuild, GG has dominated touches. From Feb. 2, he’s averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 55% shooting and 48% from 3. He also had a 24% usage rate during that time, indicating he’ll remain a focal point for the Grizz offensively, even if his minutes are capped at 30.
Despite Memphis’ best efforts in resting players, GG hasn’t missed a game since Dec 22, so I have more faith in him than some of the other guys like Santi Aldama, Jaylen Wells and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
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Will Riley, SF/PF — Washington Wizards
Kyshawn George will miss at least three weeks (partial UCL tear). In his absence, Riley has averaged 18-4-3, including 50% from the field, over his last four games. The Wizards are focused on development, and with George being a crucial piece of that equation, Riley has a chance to fill a void, potentially playing 28-30 minutes per night at SF, PF and small-ball center. The versatile rookie comes with some volatility, but I think he’ll be worth holding more than other Wizards players during the late-season tank.
Oso Ighodaro, C — Phoenix Suns
A deep league cut, Ighodaro has put up three double-doubles since February 10 while seeing his minutes rise. Ighodaro is carving out some merit in fantasy, providing a mix of rebounds, assists and steals in a reserve capacity.
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Meanwhile, his recent play has elevated him into a full-blown timeshare with Mark Williams. Oso is on the rise and available in 96% of leagues right now.
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