Fantasy Basketball Week 9 Start Em’ & Sit Em’ (Dec. 13 - Dec. 19)
In Week 9 of the fantasy basketball season, the majority of NBA teams are playing four games. There are a handful of teams that will only suit up three times, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the lone team that has just two games on the schedule this week. For those of you who have to set your lineup once per week rather than daily, you will likely want to bench all members of the Thunder. With that in mind, let's take a look at who to start and sit in Week 9 of the fantasy basketball season.
Teams Playing 2 Games in Week 9: Oklahoma City Thunder
Teams Playing 3 Games in Week 9: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz.
Teams Playing 4 Games in Week 9: Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards.
Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Guards to Start:
PG Monte Morris, Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are playing four games this week. Morris is the starting point guard for the Nuggets and is playing big-time minutes this season with Jamal Murray still sidelined. He's also seen a slight uptick in offensive production since Michael Porter Jr. suffered a season-ending injury. This week, Morris will play two games against teams that really struggle against opposing point guards (Washington and Minnesota). The atrocious defenses the Nuggets face this week and his recent increase in production makes Morris and even other guards on the Nuggets must-starts in Week 9.
PG Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey is due to have another good week. The 76ers will take on the Grizzlies and Nets this week, two of the worst NBA defenses against opposing guards. He’s produced considerably less over his last 10 games than he did the 10 before that. However, I think Maxey gets going again this week and starts having 20-point games as he did back in November. As Philadelphia plays four games this week and Maxey is due for a few big games, he should get the starting nod on your fantasy basketball roster in Week 9.
Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Guard to Sit
PG Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are only playing two games this week. The sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft has been playing well in his rookie season, averaging 10.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game. He is coming off of a six-point scoring night after converting just three of his 14 attempts from the field against the Mavericks on Sunday. As the Thunder are only playing two games this week, Josh Giddey should be benched over other average NBA guards in Week 9.
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Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Wings to Start
SF/PF Kelly Oubre Jr., Charlotte Hornets
While the Charlotte Hornets have been short-staffed over the last few games, Kelly Oubre Jr. has stepped up in an enormous way. Over the last nine games, Oubre Jr. has scored a minimum of 18 points. He’s scored at least 22 points in five consecutive games. As the Hornets are playing four games this week and a large part of the team’s roster remains inactive, Oubre Jr., who is absolutely on fire, is a must-start in Week 9.
SG/SF Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
Desmond Bane has played very well for the Grizzlies this season. Since Ja Morant has been sidelined, Bane has seen more shots and been especially efficient. He’s scored approximately 20 points per game over the Grizzlies' last five games and is averaging an impressive 1.67 steals per game in the month of December, which boosts his fantasy basketball production significantly. In his second NBA season, Bane has already scored at least 20 points in eight separate contests. As a result, he should be activated this week as the Grizzlies play four games and have a reasonably favorable schedule.
Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Wing To Sit
SG/SF Alec Burks, New York Knicks
The Knicks are in a state of disarray. Altogether, they are simply playing terribly. The only highlights of their last 10 games have been the consistently efficient production of Derrick Rose. Once Thibedeau removed Kemba Walker from the rotation, Alec Burks was promoted as the starting point guard. Burks played so badly on Friday that Thibedeau completely took him out of the rotation for Sunday’s game against the Bucks. Burks scored only one point (0-7 FG) on Dec. 10, and was subsequently benched for Sunday's game against the Bucks. I'd avoid starting him this week despite the fact that Thibedeau made him a starter when he chose to bench Kemba.
Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Big To Start
PF/C Bobby Portis Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the most reliable players in the NBA. He was also an integral part of the Bucks' championship run in last season's NBA playoffs. Portis Jr. is averaging 15.6 points per game on 47.4% shooting from the field and grabbing 9.1 rebounds, one block, and one steal per contest as well. He’s had four double-doubles in his last six games and has scored in double figures in every game he’s played since Nov. 5. Portis is a must-start in Week 9, as the red-hot Milwaukee Bucks play four games and have a relatively comfortable schedule this week. Portis' efficiency should continue in Week 9 and fantasy basketball owners should give him the starting nod.
Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Big To Sit
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
Mitchell Robinson has played less than twenty minutes in each of his last five contests. In this time, his role as the starting center for the Knicks has at least temporarily been given to Nerlens Noel. Furthermore, the coach's frustration with the team’s current lack of cohesion, efficiency, and inspiration has pushed him to make serious roster changes, including reducing Robinson’s minutes. Robinson is averaging 6.9 points and 7.9 rebounds so far this season. His offensive production has not improved this season and seems to be relatively stagnant. In addition to the Knicks' current state of disarray, you should keep Mitchell Robinson on your bench this week.
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