Stephen Defries
NBA Fantasy expert, Supercoach veteran
Final Word | NBA Supercoach Week 18, Trades, Skippers, Strategy
Supercoach veteran Stephen Defries reveals his trades, captains and point of difference players to consider for NBA Supercoach week 18
NBA
March 2, 2026
As is the case every week, Game Week 17 provided plenty of injury landmines for coaches.
Jalen Johnson got the ball rolling, exiting action early and only playing essentially one game for the week.
It was then compounded with injuries to Mitchell, Harden, and Thompson.
To make things worse for me, my POD play of Zion backfired as the newly durable New Orleans forward rolled his ankle.
Anyway, let’s move on to the positives.
For the 18 coaches who traded in Jalen Duren, we salute you.
150 points was comfortably the top score of the week.
Luka Doncic was next on the list and won the captaincy debate with 143.
That was followed by KD 131, Jarrett Allen 126, Cade 122, and Wemby 121.
Kevin Porter Jr continued his hot form in the absence of Giannis.
In hindsight, this was an obvious trade-in.
‘The Closers’ once again move nowhere. Let’s take another swing this week.
Guns
SGA made his return from injury this week, but with 3 x 3 game weeks in a row, he isn’t a must-have.
Luka, Wemby, and Cade all remain must-haves with 4 games this week.
Kawhi Leonard is back to 4 games and can be traded straight back in.
Despite being on 3-game weeks, both Maxey and Edwards can be held if it suits.
Particularly Maxey, who has 5 games next week.
Jalen Johnson has 2 games this week and must be traded.
Midrange
Jalen Duren is a very viable option this week, however, he’s only available at centre.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are sells as they enter a 2-game week.
Mitchell is injured anyway, and Harden is carrying a thumb concern for the rest of the season.
Durant, Sengun, and Thompson remain hold/buys.
The Sengun ceiling makes him the play if you have to choose.
Unfortunately, I’ll have to dump Zion despite a 4-game week.
It just isn’t meant to be.
Jalen Brown will be a popular option this week, but plays the 2nd leg of a back-to-back in his opening game of the week.
He hasn’t played many back-to-backs so keep an eye on the injury report.
Kevin Porter Jr is still a purchase, while you could take a swing on Banchero or Miller.
I’m not interested in any of the Knicks. The lows are just too low.
That leaves a punt on the likes of Bam, Trey Murphy, and Derrick White. Not overly appealing.
Cheapies
Cheapie options keep emerging.
That’s highlighted this week by Precious Achiuwa, Nique Clifford, and Jonathan Kuminga, who seems to have found a home with the Hawks.
Micah Potter and Taylor Hendricks headline the bottom-dollar options.
POD’s and Super POD’s
Jalen Brunson NYK – 6.7% owned
I said none of the Knicks appealed; however, if I were to choose one, it would be Brunson.
The ceiling is mid 40’s, but the floor is very low. It’s time to make moves, so why not?
Isaiah Collier UTA – 1.6% owned
I keep telling you to stay away from tanking teams, but Collier has had an increased role due to mass restings.
An absolute flier, especially if George sits.
Desmond Bane – 1.4% owned
This is the one I like.
Scores of 18, 20, 36, 35, 39, 25, 34, 24, 16, 28 across his last 10 games for an average of 27.5 is enough for me to pull the trigger.
Schedule
Best (4 games this week and 4 games next week)
DAL, DET, LAC, MIL, NYK, UTA
Good (4 games this week)
BOS, CHA, HOU, LAL, MIA, NOP, ORL, PHX, SAS, WSH
Bad (2 games this week)
ATL, CLE
Trade & Skipper Plans
Mitchell to Bane
Zion to Leonard
Captain Doncic
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