Week 8 Start/Sit: Why Raynaud belongs in your lineups

The NBA Cup Finals are approaching, which means we have a busy week of rest for many teams. Unlike recent weeks, deciding who to sit and who to start may be dictated by the schedule, with very few players worthy of a starting spot, if they only dress once.

Week 8 sees a multitude of players with a very light schedule, with 14 teams only dressing once and 12 teams with only two games. That leaves four teams to focus on schedule-wise, taking the court three times each, namely the Pacers, Timberwolves, Pelicans and Kings.

Sitting players who only go two or three times have their advantages, but fantasy managers still need to make smart decisions about who to play, regardless of the number of games. Being aware of back-to-back sets is also a key factor, especially with so many teams now having players down the stretch.

Four games: N/A

Three games: IND, MIN, NOP, SAC

Two games: ATL, BKN, CHA, CHI, CLE, GSW, MIL, PHI, PHO, POR, SAS, WAS

One set: BOS, DAL, DEN, DET, HOU, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, NYK, OKC, ORL, TOR, UTA

Here are four potential starters and four potential seats for Week 8 of the NBA season. Just keep in mind that this is based on games played during the week. If you play in a rotisserie league, the number of games played each week may not matter in your format.

Guards

Consider getting started: TJ McConnell, IND

Opponents: SAC, @PHI, WAS

Arguably the best example of quantity over quality this week, McConnell having three games makes him at least a starting candidate. His recent production has been adequate at best. That said, he was able to contribute in the categories we need, which are assists and steals. In seven games over the past two weeks, McConnell averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 assists and 1.7 steals in 18.2 minutes per game. If his playing time can reach 20 minutes per game, we could be looking at a player who could rack up 25 assists and eight steals over the next seven days. More than useful given how many players only suit up once.

Consider sitting down: Ryan Nembhard, DAL

Opponents: BKN

Despite his recent rise through the ranks, one game this week simply isn’t enough to secure a starting spot for a largely unproven player. Since taking over the starting role in Dallas, Nembhard has certainly made the most of his opportunity. He scored in double figures in five of six games, averaging 6.8 assists and 2.5 three-pointers. However, with Brandon Williams nipping at his heels and head coach Jason Kidd likely to change his mind at any time, there’s probably too much risk in starting Nembhard this week.

Consider sitting down: Reed Sheppard, HOU

Opponents: BAC

A player who is on the opposite trajectory, Sheppard has seen his role and production diminish over the past week, with head coach Ime Udoka seemingly not on board with having him as a permanent starter. In four appearances over the past week, Sheppard averaged 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and two 3-pointers in just 23 minutes per game. As a player who could very well give you 20 minutes off the bench for his only game this week, moving Sheppard to your bench seems like a wise move as well.

Attackers

Consider getting started: Saddiq Bey, NOP

Opponents: SAS, POR, @CHI

Another injury to Zion Williamson seemingly gave Bey the best opportunity of his career. He has now started eight straight games, recording three double-doubles in that span. In seven games over the past two weeks, he averaged 20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and two 3-pointers in 35 minutes per game. While Herb Jones could return as early as Monday against the Spurs, Bey has likely done enough to maintain a significant role in the rotation. Managers are certainly allowed to have a little hesitation when it comes to Bey, although given this week’s lopsided schedule, even two good games from Bey would probably be enough to secure a starting spot.

Consider getting started: Noah Clowney, BKN

Opponents: @DAL, MIL

After years of teasing us with its perks, it looks like Clowney has finally figured things out. Although it was a slow start to the season, Clowney has thrived since joining the starting lineup in early November. In 15 games over the past month, he averaged 16.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 three-pointers and 1.8 combined steals and blocks, logging 31 minutes per game. Although the Nets aren’t leading anywhere, Clowney seems to have carved out a consistent role for himself, something that has eluded him in the past. Two games makes him a borderline starting candidate, but he should definitely be in the discussion given his recent play.

Consider sitting down: Tobias Harris, DET

Opponents: ATL

A player with very little upside, one game for Harris simply isn’t enough to give him a starting role this week. He’s well outside the top 150 this season despite averaging 29.7 minutes per game. In 14 appearances, he is averaging 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 3-pointers, with a shooting rate of 45.3 percent. Detroit is a team that’s looking to win, which means Harris will likely keep his starting spot, which is actually a negative when it comes to his overall fantasy appeal. Don’t think too much about this one just because of who he is. Move him to the bench.

Centers

Consider getting started: Maxime Raynaud, SAC

Opponents: @IND, DEN, @MIN

In a season full of weird and strange decisions, Sacramento finally did the right thing by putting Raynaud in the starting lineup. With Domantas Sabonis likely to miss at least two more weeks, the starting center spot is open for business. Drew Eubanks was the first to take this position, although he failed miserably, unsurprisingly. Raynaud quietly put up numbers off the bench before being inserted into the starting lineup in a win over the Heat. In his last four games, the rookie averaged 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Assuming he takes the starting job, Raynaud should not only be everywhere, but he also deserves to start this week with a favorable three-game schedule.

Consider sitting down: Kel’el Ware, MIA

Opponents: @ORL

Despite starting the last two games, Ware’s production continues to be a source of frustration for managers. His role usually fluctuates depending on the opposition, meaning he has no guarantee of starting this week against the Magic. In four games over the past week, Ware averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game. However, he didn’t score more than five points in three of those four games, while blocking multiple shots just once. Given the uncertainty regarding his role and production, a spot on the bench seems like the easy and correct decision.