Fantasy Basketball Week 15 Lineup decisions: Start/sit calls for all leagues and formats
With the NBA Trade Deadline looming on February 5, Fantasy Basketball Week 15 arrives amidst a flurry of roster uncertainty and "silly season" speculation. Managers must navigate not only the standard injury reports but also the potential for sudden shutdowns or showcase minutes for players on the block. This week (Jan. 26 – Feb. 1) offers a rare schedule quirk that savvy managers must exploit: a five-game slate for the Chicago Bulls.
Schedule Analysis: The Bull Market
The Chicago Bulls are the undisputed kings of Week 15, playing five times in seven days, including a heavy back-end schedule with three games against the Miami Heat. In weekly formats, volume is king, making almost any rotation player in Chicago a viable streamer. Conversely, managers should be wary of the nine teams stuck on three-game weeks, including the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, whose stars might see reduced overall output compared to their peers.
Start: Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
The second-year forward is the primary beneficiary of Chicago’s dense schedule. Matas Buzelis has been enjoying a breakout campaign since New Year’s Eve, averaging over 17 points and 5 rebounds. With the Bulls playing five games, Buzelis is a mathematical must-start. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—blocks, threes, and points—makes him a league-winner this week, especially with the Heat defense showing vulnerability to athletic wings recently.
Start: CJ McCollum, Atlanta Hawks
The blockbuster trade that sent Trae Young packing has completely revitalized CJ McCollum’s fantasy value. Now the primary perimeter option in Atlanta, McCollum has averaged 18.2 points since the deal. With Dyson Daniels handling the defensive dirty work, McCollum has the green light to shoot. The Hawks play four times this week, giving McCollum ample opportunity to torch defenses that are still adjusting to Atlanta’s new look.
Sit: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard has missed five consecutive games with a toe sprain, and with the team comfortably seeded, there is zero incentive to rush him back before the deadline. Even if Darius Garland returns late in the week, he will likely face a minutes restriction. In a crucial fantasy week, you cannot afford a zero in your guard spot. Pivot to high-floor streamers like Cam Spencer, who is filling in admirably for the injured Ja Morant in Memphis.
Sit: Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
After aggravating an ankle injury during the Magic's European trip, Franz Wagner looks doubtful for the start of Week 15. With Orlando managing a delicate rotation and Paolo Banchero shouldering the load, Wagner’s volatility makes him a risky play. Until he logs a full practice without setbacks, keep him on the bench.
Schedule Analysis: The Bull Market
The Chicago Bulls are the undisputed kings of Week 15, playing five times in seven days, including a heavy back-end schedule with three games against the Miami Heat. In weekly formats, volume is king, making almost any rotation player in Chicago a viable streamer. Conversely, managers should be wary of the nine teams stuck on three-game weeks, including the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, whose stars might see reduced overall output compared to their peers.
Start: Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
The second-year forward is the primary beneficiary of Chicago’s dense schedule. Matas Buzelis has been enjoying a breakout campaign since New Year’s Eve, averaging over 17 points and 5 rebounds. With the Bulls playing five games, Buzelis is a mathematical must-start. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—blocks, threes, and points—makes him a league-winner this week, especially with the Heat defense showing vulnerability to athletic wings recently.
Start: CJ McCollum, Atlanta Hawks
The blockbuster trade that sent Trae Young packing has completely revitalized CJ McCollum’s fantasy value. Now the primary perimeter option in Atlanta, McCollum has averaged 18.2 points since the deal. With Dyson Daniels handling the defensive dirty work, McCollum has the green light to shoot. The Hawks play four times this week, giving McCollum ample opportunity to torch defenses that are still adjusting to Atlanta’s new look.
Sit: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard has missed five consecutive games with a toe sprain, and with the team comfortably seeded, there is zero incentive to rush him back before the deadline. Even if Darius Garland returns late in the week, he will likely face a minutes restriction. In a crucial fantasy week, you cannot afford a zero in your guard spot. Pivot to high-floor streamers like Cam Spencer, who is filling in admirably for the injured Ja Morant in Memphis.
Sit: Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
After aggravating an ankle injury during the Magic's European trip, Franz Wagner looks doubtful for the start of Week 15. With Orlando managing a delicate rotation and Paolo Banchero shouldering the load, Wagner’s volatility makes him a risky play. Until he logs a full practice without setbacks, keep him on the bench.
