Fantasy basketball pickups: Look to Melton, Wallace and Raynaud for the homestretch - ESPN

ESPN

by Andre Snellings

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The fantasy basketball season is entering its final stretch, with the playoffs just around the corner. With only six weeks left in the regular season, teams are beginning to shut down injured players, creating opportunities for young and undervalued talent to shine. This article highlights several lightly rostered players who could make a significant impact in your lineup as you push toward the fantasy postseason. One standout option is De'Anthony Melton of the Golden State Warriors, who has been thriving since Stephen Curry went out with an injury. Melton has started six straight games and averaged impressive numbers across the board, including 14.5 points, 2.2 steals, and 2.0三分球 per game. His ability to step up in a starting role makes him a valuable pickup for teams in need of reliable point guard production. For shooting guards, Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder is worth considering. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, Wallace has been a consistent performer, averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.4三分球 per game over the last nine games. His recent double-double against the Cavaliers, where he recorded 20 points and a career-high 10 assists, is a strong indicator of his growing potential. At small forward, Bilal Coulibaly of the Washington Wizards has emerged as a key player in their youth movement. With Anthony Davis sidelined for the season, Coulibaly has been a standout performer, averaging 13.8 points, 1.8 steals, and solid three-point shooting in his last four games. His combination of scoring and perimeter defense makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their lineup. Looking ahead, fantasy managers should also keep an eye on Kyle Filipowski of the Utah Jazz, who has been a reliable presence off the bench when Jusuf Nurkic is out. Filipowski’s ability to contribute in multiple areas, including rebounds and solid scoring, makes him a valuable addition for teams looking to fill

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026