Fantasy Basketball Week 11 Start/Sit: Maxime Raynaud continues to impress with Sabonis missing in action
Fantasy managers looking for frontcourt stability in Week 11 are suddenly circling Maxime Raynaud’s name. With Domantas Sabonis sidelined, Raynaud has stepped into a larger role and is quickly becoming one of the more intriguing short-term big-man options in fantasy basketball.
What makes Raynaud compelling is how cleanly his game translates to standard fantasy formats. He offers size, touch around the rim, and enough mobility to stay on the floor, which is half the battle for emerging bigs. With Sabonis missing in action, Raynaud has been entrusted with more minutes, more screening responsibilities, and a bigger share of the rebounding load. Even without gaudy box-score explosions, the combination of boards, efficient scoring, and a few bonus defensive stats can quietly swing weekly matchups.
In Week 11, Raynaud profiles as a strong “start” in 12-team and deeper leagues, especially for managers needing help in field-goal percentage and rebounds. His usage doesn’t have to spike dramatically for him to return value; the simple opportunity to play steady minutes in a fantasy-friendly role is enough. In points leagues, his rising workload alone makes him a viable flex option.
There are, however, reasons for caution. Sabonis is the established star and offensive hub, and his eventual return will cap Raynaud’s ceiling. In shallow 8–10 team formats, Raynaud is more of a streaming play than a locked-in starter. Managers loaded with proven bigs may be better off sitting him this week, stashing him on the bench, and seeing whether his role holds once the frontcourt is back at full strength.
The broader fantasy takeaway is clear: when a high-usage big like Sabonis is out, savvy managers should immediately scan the depth chart. Raynaud has answered that call so far, and as long as Sabonis remains sidelined, he deserves serious start consideration in Week 11 lineups.
What makes Raynaud compelling is how cleanly his game translates to standard fantasy formats. He offers size, touch around the rim, and enough mobility to stay on the floor, which is half the battle for emerging bigs. With Sabonis missing in action, Raynaud has been entrusted with more minutes, more screening responsibilities, and a bigger share of the rebounding load. Even without gaudy box-score explosions, the combination of boards, efficient scoring, and a few bonus defensive stats can quietly swing weekly matchups.
In Week 11, Raynaud profiles as a strong “start” in 12-team and deeper leagues, especially for managers needing help in field-goal percentage and rebounds. His usage doesn’t have to spike dramatically for him to return value; the simple opportunity to play steady minutes in a fantasy-friendly role is enough. In points leagues, his rising workload alone makes him a viable flex option.
There are, however, reasons for caution. Sabonis is the established star and offensive hub, and his eventual return will cap Raynaud’s ceiling. In shallow 8–10 team formats, Raynaud is more of a streaming play than a locked-in starter. Managers loaded with proven bigs may be better off sitting him this week, stashing him on the bench, and seeing whether his role holds once the frontcourt is back at full strength.
The broader fantasy takeaway is clear: when a high-usage big like Sabonis is out, savvy managers should immediately scan the depth chart. Raynaud has answered that call so far, and as long as Sabonis remains sidelined, he deserves serious start consideration in Week 11 lineups.
