Fantasy Basketball Week 13 Schedule Breakdown: Maximize Games & Matchups

Maximizing games played is one of the simplest ways to gain an edge in fantasy basketball, and that starts with understanding the weekly schedule. In this article, we break down the upcoming slate to help you plan smarter roster moves, from identifying heavy-volume teams to spotting squads worth streaming around. We'll outline which teams play four or more times, which clubs have light weeks that may warrant temporary replacements, and which matchups offer the most fantasy-friendly environments. Whether you're setting weekly lineups, hunting for short-term adds or looking to squeeze out extra production, this schedule breakdown will help guide your roster management decisions.

Days with fewer than six games

These are dates to target players for streaming options from the following teams: 

Every day this week features at least six games.

Teams with more than three games this week

Make sure to activate players and target weekly pickups from the following teams:

Nets (4), Hornets (4), Bulls (4), Mavericks (4), Nuggets (4), Rockets (4), Pacers (4), Lakers (5), Pelicans (4), Trail Blazers (4), Kings (4), Raptors (4), Jazz (4)

Teams with fewer than three games this week

Consider looking for streaming options if your roster includes players from these teams:

Pistons (2), Grizzlies (2), Bucks (2), Magic (2)

Top teams to target based on favorable matchups

Nets at Mavericks, at Pelicans, vs. Bulls, at Bulls

The Nets enter the week on a three-game slide but have a good chance to turn things around with four favorable matchups ahead. First up are the Mavericks, who give up the league's most points in the paint and the second-most rebounds, including the third-most offensive rebounds per game. Next, they meet the Pelicans, who are giving up the league's third-most points, including the third-most points in the paint and third-highest field-goal percentage. Moving ahead, the Nets see the Bulls for back-to-back meetings. The Bulls are giving up the league's fifth-most points, including the sixth-most points in the paint, along with the ninth-most rebounds per game. Day'Ron Sharpe and Danny Wolf, who are both playing well off the bench, are good candidates to be difference-makers through the week. Additionally, Egor Demin and Noah Clowney are also likely to pad their stats across the board against the porous defenses. 

Bulls at Rockets, vs. Jazz, at Nets, vs. Nets 

The Bulls hang on to the 10th spot in the East entering the week and should be able to bolster their position with a positive record over their next four games. They first take on the Rockets, who will likely pose their toughest challenge of the week but are on a three-game slide. The Rockets also give up the league's 11th-most turnovers per game, which could be an area where the Bulls look to take advantage, as they are averaging the league's fifth-most steals per game, led by Tre Jones, with a team-high 1.3 per game. Jones will also continue to handle an increased role as Josh Giddey is expected to remain out at least through the week. Up next, the Bulls encounter the Jazz, who are giving up the league's most points, along with the third-most free throws and third-most turnovers per game. The Bulls then close the week with back-to-back games against the Nets, who give up the league's 10th-most turnovers per game. They also give up the league's sixth-highest three-point shooting percentage, along with the league's second-highest field-goal percentage to opposing shooting guards. 

Mavericks vs. Nets, vs. Nuggets, vs. Jazz, vs. Jazz

The Mavericks are 3-7 in their last 10 games, and the outlook is not great after losing Anthony Davis to another injury. However, they are likely to enjoy a competitive week, where they may still be able to nab a win or two against a couple of struggling defenses. First, they clash with the Nets, who give up the league's third-highest field-goal percentage, which is a great opportunity for Cooper Flagg to get his week off to a good start and bounce back from a dud in the last game. Up next, the Mavs have a showdown with the hobbled Nuggets, who will remain without Nikola Jokic until at least February. The Nuggets also give up the league's sixth-most three-pointers per game to opposing shooting guards, which provides a good chance for Klay Thompson and Max Christie to help tilt the scale from the perimeter. To close the week, the Mavs are looking at consecutive meetings with the Jazz, who give up the league's most three-pointers per game, including the fourth-highest three-point shooting percentage. Once again, a great chance for the Mavs' perimeter scorers to shine, but the Jazz also give up the league's third-highest field-goal percentage to opposing centers, giving way for Daniel Gafford to get rolling. 

Nuggets at Pelicans, at Mavericks, vs. Wizards, vs. Hornets

The Nuggets are without their star player, Nikola Jokic, for at least the rest of the month. On the other hand, Aaron Gordon is back from his lengthy absence and should be able to help keep the squad afloat. The Nuggets open their week against the Pelicans, who are giving up the league's second-most three-pointers per game and fourth-most offensive rebounds per game, which coincidentally complements Gordon's game and provides a great chance for him to stand out. Up next, they clash with the injury-riddled Mavericks, who are specifically shorthanded in the frontcourt, favoring DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji during Jokic's absence. The Mavs also give up the league's sixth-most turnovers per game. Moving ahead, the Nuggets meet the Wizards, who are giving up the league's second-most points, including the fifth-most points in the paint per game. They also give up the sixth-most free throws and most rebounds per game, providing another ideal chance for the aforementioned bigs to thrive. Finally, the Nuggets close the week against the Hornets, who are giving up the league's second-highest three-point shooting percentage and eighth-most turnovers per game. Peyton Watson should prosper in the matchup, as he is averaging 1.4 steals and 2.0 made three-pointers over the last 10 games.  

Lakers at Kings, vs. Hawks, vs. Hornets, at Trail Blazers, vs. Raptors 

The Lakers face a rare five-game week. However, to their favor, they look ahead to a slate of mostly winnable matchups. They begin against the Kings, who are giving up the league's fourth-most points, including the second-most points in the paint per game and the highest field-goal percentage. Up next, a clash with the Hawks, who are giving up the league's eighth-most points in the paint and sixth-most rebounds per game. Their next opponent, the Hornets, also struggle to guard the interior, as they are giving up the league's seventh-most points in the paint per game. During the three-game stretch to begin the week, it will be critical for Deandre Ayton to bounce back from a bit of a slump, and for LeBron James to help make the most of the advantageous area in the paint. Jaxson Hayes is averaging 19.0 minutes over the last five games and can also step up as an X-factor. Moving ahead, the Lakers take on the Trail Blazers, who are giving up the league's seventh-most points and most turnovers per game, which should allow Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura to pad their stats. The Lakers close the week with what will likely be their toughest challenge of the bunch, as they encounter the Raptors, who are giving up the league's sixth-fewest points per game. However, the Raptors give up the league's seventh-most points per game to opposing point guards, which means Luka Doncic must look to set the pace.