Stephen Defries
NBA Fantasy expert, Supercoach veteran
Final Word | NBA Supercoach Week 16, Trades, Skippers, Strategy
Supercoach veteran Stephen Defries reveals his trades, captains and point of difference players to consider for NBA Supercoach week 16
NBA
February 9, 2026
The NBA trade deadline wreaked havoc for coaches in week 15.
Movement, role changes, restings, and of course, injuries to key players, headlined by hamstring and abdominal concerns for Doncic and SGA.
‘The Closers’ managed a mediocre score of 812.
This moved us back 115 spots to 691 overall, which all things considered, isn’t too bad.
If you were one of the 3% of coaches who captained Kawhi and also traded in The Joker, I’d imagine you saw big green arrows.
Kawhi continues to buck the injury trend of his last 5 seasons to be both reliably available and a consistent scorer.
The Joker rewarded those who brought him in with the second-best score of the week.
JJ, Sengun, Edwards, and Maxey rounded out the best scorers of the week.
Week 16 sees games counted over a two week period.
This means there are 16 teams on a 5-game week and 12 teams on a 4-game week.
Navigating who is likely to play all 5 will be key to a huge week of scoring.
Guns
With both SGA and Doncic sidelined, coaches will have plenty of cash to go around.
The Joker, JJ, Kawhi, and Maxey are all slated for 5 games, making all just about must-owns.
Despite a 4-game week, Wemby and Cade are holds/buys.
That leaves decisions to be made around Edwards, Murray, and Mitchell, with the latter probably the pick with 5 games.
How about Joel Embiid? He posted 101pts in just 3 games.
Philly has 5 games this week, with 1 back-to-back which you can likely scratch the big man for.
If he plays 4, it’s probably worth the purchase.
Midrange
The Houston brigade of Thompson, Durant, and Sengun all have 4 games this week, and depending on team needs, are all probably a hold.
Players with injury concerns/management and players from tanking teams are an avoid in my opinion.
This means I would stay away from Reaves, Avdija, Giddey, MPJ, Siakam, and Booker.
Chet Holmgren is an intriguing buy this week.
With Jalen Williams slated to return and SGA out, there should be a bump in usage and output. I think I’ll buy.
Cheapies
GG Jackson looks like a great pick up with minutes looking assured and a low breakeven.
With Washington in full tank mode, Will Riley is the best downgrade option this week.
POD’s and Super POD’s
Paolo Banchero ORL – 5.2% owned
The forgotten midrange target, Banchero scored big 2 weeks ago, and with 5 games this week, he could be the point of difference you need.
Lebron James LAL – 4.4% owned
The last time we doubted The King on a 5-game week, he punished us with a huge score.
With no Doncic, he will take more on ball responsibility.
Still a risk with 3 games coming up in 4 nights before the All-Star break.
Brandon Miller CHA – 1.6% owned
You would be taking an absolute flyer on this one, but with Charlotte riding a 9-game win streak, it may be the play.
An absolute shocker last week, however, Miller averaged 28.4 points over his previous 5 games before that.
Schedule
Best (5 games this week, 4 games next week)
BKN, CLE, LAL, MIL, OKC, POR
Good (5 games this week)
ATL, CHA, CHI, DEN, IND, LAC, NYK, ORL, PHI, PHX
Bad (3 games this week)
BOS, TOR
Trade & Skipper Plans
Doncic to Wemby
SGA to Mitchell
Watson to Banchero
Boost – Brown to Edwards
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