Hey everyone. We’re almost at the start of Week 8 of Fantasy Basketball, and this one is a bit special because it’s the Cup Late Stages Week. If I remember correctly, they’re doing it in Vegas again, like the past two years of this experiment. I guess the league sees it as a success, even though not everyone is fully enthusiastic about it yet. But you can definitely feel in some games that players give a bit more effort, especially in the final minutes, because the point gaps matter. Anyway, since it’s a Cup Week, a lot of teams that didn’t make it will have four or five full days off, and the Cup final games don’t count for fantasy, which means the amount of games played this week has even more significance than usual.
Dylan Harper, Spurs
The second pick in this year’s draft, has such a high ceiling. Big guard, talented, and honestly looked great before the early injury slowed him down. Took him a bit to get going again, but this past week he’s averaged almost 13 points, over 4 assists, and almost a steal, and I expect all of that to grow. The Spurs actually do have playoff aspirations, so it’s not like they’re handing the rookie the keys like a tanking team would, but at the same time, he’s really good. He’s going to get his chances. And important to mention, Castle is injured, so Harper’s path right now is wide open. If he’s out there, I’d grab him.
T.J. McConnell, Pacers
Yeah, this might sound like a surprise because he’s not your typical “waiver swing” guy. But the Pacers are one of only three teams playing three games this week, and that makes him extremely relevant. The past two weeks he’s averaging almost 11 points, 3 boards, and over 5 assists, and the crazy part, 1.7 steals a game. He doesn’t turn the ball over, and his field-goal percentage has been almost 60% in that stretch. It’s remarkable. And we saw last playoffs, he’s got the heart of a champion. If you need assists or steals, he’s honestly a must-stream this week.
Maxime Raynaud, Kings
Another team playing three times this week. And I guarantee you 90% of NBA fans have no idea who Maxime Raynaud even is. But with Sabonis injured, Maxime has stepped up big time: over 15 points, more than 7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks a game this past week. I mean… take him. Don’t be a fool. Three games this week, major opportunity, and the Kings trust him more every night. For Week 8 specifically, he’s a must add.
Jordan Walsh, Celtics
Yeah, I know I had him in my last list. But how can I ignore a guy playing this well? He’s the pure definition of a good role player. He’s been getting over 20 minutes consistently, even had a 38-minute game in the win over the Cavs and a 30-minute one in the win over the Wizards. Last week he averaged over 15 points, 7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks. That’s elite stock production. And you can tell Mazulla really trusts him, he does all the glue-guy work. If he’s available, grab him. Simple as that.
Pat Spencer, Warriors
Did you know he was a professional lacrosse player? I didn’t until recently. I watched him spark that comeback against the Sixers a few days ago. Even though they lost at the buzzer basically, he was unreal. He just doesn’t give up. And fantasy-wise this past week he’s averaging over 17 points, 2 threes, almost 6 assists and a steal. Podziemski isn’t living up to expectations, he’s injured, and the Warriors need energy, and Spencer brings it. I’m not saying he’s a rest-of-season hold, but for Week 8, where a lot of teams play only once, and he plays two? Absolutely pick him up.
Before You Go…
Happy Cup Week, everyone. I’m personally betting on the Thunder, boring, I know, but they’re just that good. Hope you’re winning your Week 7 matchups; after my rough start, I’m finally heading to a 50% record at 3-3-1. After all the injuries I had early, I’ll take it.
If you found this helpful, drop a comment below and tell me which of these Cup-Week pickups you’re adding, or who else you’re targeting before Week 8 begins.
Recommended Reads:
Week 7 Midweek Fantasy Basketball Pickups
How to Dominate the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Basketball
