As Week 16 of the NBA season kicks off, notable trade activity has reshaped the landscape, impacting Start/Sit decisions for fantasy players. With a favorable schedule featuring the Houston Rockets playing five games, managers have a unique opportunity to capitalize on player performances. This week highlights key candidates for starting roles, such as Kelly Oubre from the 76ers, thriving due to injuries on the roster, and Stephon Castle of the Spurs, who benefits from a new teammate in De'Aaron Fox. Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday's diminished role with the Celtics makes him a candidate to sit.

Other notable starts include Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason from the Rockets, both poised to leverage the busy schedule. However, Julius Randle's injury makes him a risky starting option for the Timberwolves. Centers like Wendell Carter Jr. and Guerschon Yabusele from the 76ers are also in the spotlight, while Anthony Davis’s ongoing injury leaves uncertainty for his debut with the Mavericks.

In a thrilling contest, Jayson Tatum sealed the victory for the Boston Celtics with a clutch game-winner against the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing the match with 27 points and 10 assists. As the Celtics trailed at the end of the first quarter, their starters displayed determination to avoid an upset against the struggling Pelicans. Jaylen Brown led the scoring for Boston with 28 points, while Kristaps Porzingis contributed significantly defensively with four blocks. The Celtics improved their record to 34-15, maintaining second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Pelicans faced a grim fate with Dejounte Murray suffering a season-ending injury.

The Boston Celtics faced a challenging January with a 10-6 record, marred by injuries impacting their starting lineup, particularly Kristaps Porzingis, who has played in only 24 games this season. As they approach the trade deadline, speculation surrounds potential trades, including a move to reacquire Marcus Smart, which would signal that the acquisition of Jrue Holiday hasn't met expectations. The Memphis Grizzlies, viewing themselves as contenders, might resist such a deal unless it aligns with their goals of maintaining competitiveness.

Trade discussions are complicated by the Celtics’ position in the league's financial structure, making trades with significant impact difficult without including one of their valuable starters. Despite the challenges, the Celtics have a championship-winning roster that might be deemed sufficient for another title run.

The Boston Celtics are gearing up for a pivotal away game against the New Orleans Pelicans as they aim to solidify their second seed position in the Eastern Conference. Currently just one game ahead of the New York Knicks, the Celtics recognize the necessity of every victory, particularly given their inconsistent performance this season. With a nearly intact roster, featuring all five starters—Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis—Boston enters the game with a significant advantage against a struggling Pelicans team.

The Pelicans, burdened with injuries and a dismal 12-36 record, have faced major losses, including stars such as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. While Dejounte Murray's potential return from injury offers a glimmer of hope, the Pelicans are still heavily depleted. The Celtics need to maintain their focus to capitalize on these circumstances, treating the game as a must-win as playoff positioning grows more critical by the day.

As fantasy basketball managers prepare for a busy Week 15, injuries are making impacts on player availability and performance. The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and several other teams will participate in four games, providing opportunities for lesser-known players to shine. Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers is highlighted as a strong start option given his recent performances, especially in the absence of Joel Embiid. Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz has also stepped up, showcasing solid stats despite occasional inefficiencies.

Conversely, Jrue Holiday of the Celtics finds himself as a sit candidate during this high-volume week. His role within a star-studded lineup has diminished, making it likely that other players in three-game situations can outproduce him. Additionally, Vít Krejčí from the Hawks is poised for a significant role as injuries open up playing time, while Jalen Johnson faces uncertainty due to his ongoing shoulder issues. In the centers, Nick Richards is rapidly adapting to his new role with the Suns and is averaging impressive numbers, whereas Deandre Ayton's absence raises questions about his availability.