The All-Star break signals a pivotal time for fantasy basketball, with teams gearing up for a strong finish to the season. Week 18 brings exciting matchups, and several players are primed to make an impact, particularly those from the Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks, who each have three games scheduled. Nick Smith Jr. of the Hornets is emerging as a must-start option with LaMelo Ball's injury woes, while Stephon Castle's recent All-Star success boosts his value for the Spurs. Conversely, Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings is a sit candidate due to a limited one-game schedule, making him a tough choice for fantasy lineups.

For those managing forwards, Kyle Kuzma is starting to settle into his role with the Bucks, and Max Strus is proving to be a solid contributor for the Cavaliers. Both players come at affordable roster rates and have favorable matchups on the horizon. Meanwhile, Keegan Murray's declining performance and reduced opportunities make him a candidate for your bench. The upcoming week poses challenging roster decisions for fantasy owners, emphasizing the importance of strategic starts and sits to maximize production.

Nick Smith Jr. has stepped up for the Charlotte Hornets amid injuries, notably taking on a starting role. After playing just 729 minutes last season without any starts, he's logged 617 minutes in 14 starts this season, primarily due to the absences of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Smith's stats show promise, averaging 7.9 points with a 40.3% field goal percentage, complemented by solid three-point shooting at 34.1%. However, advanced metrics indicate he ranks low in offensive and defensive efficiency among his teammates, suggesting his current role might be temporary.

Despite his youth and limited experience, questions arise about his long-term viability as a starter. With his numbers trailing behind other Hornets, the franchise may reconsider their future plans, especially if they contemplate trading Ball. For now, Smith's growth is vital for a team navigating through significant roster challenges.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Week at the Chase Center in San Francisco is set to highlight basketball's elite, but for players on the fringes, this time is essential for securing their future roles. The Charlotte Hornets, focusing on youth development, have two rookies vying for recognition: Nick Smith Jr. and Tidjane Salaün. Smith, the 20-year-old guard, has shown promise with a scoring uptick, averaging 16.7 points in February. Meanwhile, Salaün, despite struggling offensively, has been capitalizing on increased playing time due to injuries. As the season progresses, both players have the opportunity to solidify their spots on the roster.

The Charlotte Hornets' recent struggles continued as they slipped into the All-Star break with a disappointing 102-86 loss to the Orlando Magic. The team, missing key player LaMelo Ball along with others, found it tough to penetrate the Magic's formidable defense. However, Jusuf Nurkić made a notable debut, showcasing skills that could significantly benefit the Hornets moving forward, with nine points and eight rebounds in just 16 minutes.

In contrast, Nick Smith Jr. faced a setback, being ejected for seemingly minor conduct, leaving fans puzzled. Taj Gibson stepped up off the bench, notching a double-double, providing a glimmer of hope for the post-All-Star run. With the All-Star break upon them, the Hornets' focus shifts to recovery and assessing the status of Mark Williams as they prepare for their next matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.