Forgotten Players Ready to Explode in Playoffs || Fantasy Basketball Week 21
Watch Here - Forgotten Players Ready to Explode in Playoffs || Fantasy Basketball Week 21
If you are reading this, chances are you have made it to the most exciting part of the fantasy basketball season. The playoffs are underway, and for many managers that means the finals or at least the semi finals are staring you right in the face.
This is the moment when every roster move matters. One streaming pickup, one defensive stat, or one unexpected breakout performance can swing an entire matchup. In this episode of the BLEAV in Fantasy Basketball podcast, host Robbin Marx breaks down several under the radar players who could give your team that extra push toward a fantasy championship.
From defensive stat machines to players with favorable weekly schedules, here are some names worth paying close attention to as you navigate the most important week of the fantasy season.
Keon Ellis Emerging as a Defensive Stat Contributor
Let’s start with a player who has quietly produced over the past couple of weeks: Keon Ellis.
Ellis previously developed a reputation as a useful waiver wire option during his time with the Sacramento Kings. Known for his defensive activity, he often provided fantasy managers with valuable steals along with some supplementary scoring and assists.
Recently, he has been carving out a stronger role while seeing increased minutes. Over the last seven days, Ellis has averaged 27.6 minutes per game. That represents a significant jump compared with his season average of just 19.4 minutes.
With that extra playing time has come noticeable production. Over the past week, Ellis has averaged:
11.4 points per game
3.4 rebounds per game
1 assist per game
0.8 steals per game
1 block per game
While the assist numbers may not jump off the page, the defensive categories certainly do. Ellis has recorded at least one block in each of his last three games, including a two block performance against the Dallas Mavericks on March 13. He has also recorded at least one steal in four of his last five games.
That kind of defensive production is gold in fantasy basketball, especially during playoff matchups where every stat counts.
One note to keep in mind is that Ellis was not starting in Monday’s game this week. Because of that, he may be better suited as a streaming option later in the week depending on your roster needs.
Royce O’Neale and the Value of a Five Game Week
Next up is a player whose value is boosted by one very important factor: volume.
The Phoenix Suns have five games scheduled this week, and that alone makes their role players incredibly intriguing for fantasy managers.
One name that stands out is Royce O’Neale.
Over the last seven days, O’Neale has been logging serious minutes, averaging 30 minutes per game. During that stretch he has contributed:
11.3 points per game
5.3 rebounds per game
2.5 assists per game
1.5 steals per game
0.8 blocks per game
Those numbers represent well rounded production across several categories. Defensive stats are again a big highlight, with O’Neale averaging one and a half steals per game over the past week.
What makes this pickup even more appealing is his availability. O’Neale is currently rostered in only about 15.6 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues.
The Suns also begin the week with a back to back set of games on Monday and Tuesday. If he is sitting on your waiver wire, he can immediately help fill lineup spots early in the matchup.
Sometimes fantasy success is simply about maximizing games played. O’Neale offers a perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
Cameron Johnson Trending Up at the Right Time
Another intriguing option comes from veteran forward Cameron Johnson.
Marx admits that he was very high on Johnson during the offseason and even drafted him on several teams. Early struggles eventually forced many fantasy managers to drop him, leaving him floating around waiver wires for much of the season.
However, Johnson is beginning to show signs of life just as fantasy playoffs arrive.
Over the last seven days he has averaged:
30.5 minutes per game
14 points per game
3.5 rebounds per game
2.3 assists per game
0.8 steals per game
0.8 blocks per game
Johnson may not be the flashiest name available, but he contributes across multiple categories and is currently rostered in only about 20.6 percent of ESPN leagues.
The real appeal here is scheduling. Johnson’s team plays on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday this week. Those days are extremely valuable in fantasy because they often have fewer NBA games scheduled, meaning managers are more likely to have open roster spots.
Saturday slates are usually packed, but Sunday and Friday frequently require streaming help. Johnson fits perfectly into that schedule strategy.
Robert Williams III Providing Elite Block Production
If you are looking for a player who can dominate a single category, look no further than Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Williams has been on a tear lately, particularly in the shot blocking department.
Over the last week, he has averaged:
20.3 minutes per game
8 points per game
9.7 rebounds per game
0.7 assists per game
2.3 blocks per game
That block production alone can swing a weekly matchup.
There are some risks involved with Williams. His injury history means he occasionally sits out games unexpectedly. Even so, the recent trend is encouraging. Over his last five games he has missed only one and has played at least 20 minutes in each appearance.
For fantasy managers in need of rebounds and blocks, Williams is an extremely appealing option.
Baylor Scheierman Flying Under the Radar
Finally, there is a name that many fantasy managers might not have considered yet: Baylor Scheierman of the Boston Celtics.
Scheierman is currently rostered in just 6 percent of ESPN leagues, which means he is widely available.
Marx recently watched him play and came away impressed. Scheierman passes the eye test and appears comfortable contributing in multiple ways.
Over the last seven days he has averaged:
30 minutes per game
9 points per game
8 rebounds per game
2.5 assists per game
0.5 steals per game
One fun fact about Scheierman is that he was also an outstanding high school quarterback at Aurora High School in Nebraska. During his senior season in 2018 he threw for 3,924 yards and an incredible 59 touchdowns.
That athletic versatility has carried over to basketball, where he has begun carving out meaningful minutes.
There is also an opportunity factor at play. As the Celtics manage minutes for stars like Jayson Tatum, players like Scheierman may see additional playing time. Even when Tatum is active, Scheierman appears capable of providing useful depth production.
Final Thoughts: Winning the Margins in Fantasy Playoffs
Fantasy basketball championships are rarely won by the biggest stars alone. During the playoff weeks, success often comes from winning the margins.
Streaming the right player for an extra game. Picking up someone who can deliver defensive stats. Finding a contributor with a favorable schedule.
Players like Keon Ellis, Royce O’Neale, Cameron Johnson, Robert Williams III, and Baylor Scheierman may not dominate headlines, but they can absolutely swing a matchup when used at the right time.
As you prepare for your finals or semi finals matchup, keep these names in mind. A timely waiver claim could be the move that brings home your fantasy basketball championship.
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