Week 8 of the fantasy basketball season is upon us, bringing with it a very empty schedule as the NBA Cup draws to a close. That’s why our focus this week is on the teams that are guaranteed two games. Whether it’s targeting an offensive threat who can deliver points and 3s or a defensive-minded player who can help reinforce your blocks and steal numbers, tighter focus can make a difference in combat for the seedings prove to be crucial.

Let’s take a look at six players who play in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.

Gradey Dick, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors (41% on roster)

Dick returned from five games due to a calf injury, missing 23 minutes against the Thunder. While it was by no means a spectacular performance, he moved right back into the starting lineup and scored 15 points, two steals and four triples in 23 minutes. If the game had been anywhere near close, he might have found himself on the field, which would have put him closer to 30 minutes played.

It was a relatively strong season for Dick, who averaged 17.9 points and 2.4 three-pointers in 32.4 minutes per game. While much of his production took place on the sidelines with Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and/or RJ Barrett, it is clear that Dick has established himself as a key figure for the future. There’s no sign that Quickley will return in the next seven days, which gives Dick a little more leeway when it comes to the imagination.

Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans (33%)

After a slow start to his rookie season, Missi has established himself as a starter in New Orleans, scoring in double figures in six straight games before Thursday’s win over the Suns. Despite some pretty obvious fantasy deficiencies, Missi has delivered consistent averages of 14.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game over the last two weeks.

Although the Pelicans are slowly getting healthy bodies back on the floor, Missi’s role feels relatively secure considering his main competition for several minutes has been Daniel Theis. Based on what we’ve seen from him lately, he seems to be adjusting to the NBA’s speed quite well and should be a consistent source of rebounds and blocks while scoring the ball efficiently, albeit at a low volume.

Miles McBride, PG/SG, New York Knicks (18%)

Despite consistently coming off the bench, McBride has managed to carve out a meaningful role for himself, which typically translates to borderline 12-team fantasy value. The Knicks are a very top-heavy team, so playing time is limited for all non-starting players. However, McBride is in the fortunate position of being probably the only scoring option in the second unit. This means his floor is secure enough that he needs to be restrained while the ability to lift his ceiling is just an injury away.

He has played at least 25 minutes in three of the last four games and has averaged 13.7 points, 3.0 three-pointers and 3.5 assists in that time. He should continue to be a reasonably reliable but unsexy-looking asset, even more so considering the Knicks have at least two games left this week.

TJ McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers (17%)

McConnell continues to be an excellent producer per minute, making him a valuable fantasy player even in standard leagues. He has scored in double figures in four straight games and shot at least 50% from the field in all four games. His value largely depends on assists and steals, but he has long been an efficient, albeit low-volume, scorer.

Despite the recent return of Andrew Nembhard, McConnell has maintained a relatively consistent role, playing at least 22 minutes in all four recent contests. The fact that he comes off the bench poses some risk, as his role could potentially be reduced if the starters hit their stride. Still, McConnell has developed a knack for finding a way to contribute even when his playing time is in the mid-to-high teens.

Toumani Camara, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers (13%)

Camara was a bit of an unexpected find this season, having been a starter for the Trail Blazers since opening night. Even though his minutes fluctuate from night to night, Camara always finds a way to do just enough to stay on the standard league radar. He scored a season-high 17 points in a loss to Dallas earlier this week and recorded at least one steal in all but three games this season.

While there are no signs that his starting spot is in jeopardy, Camara’s chances appear to be limited based on what we’ve seen in his young career. With that in mind, it makes a lot of sense to bring in a player who typically plays around 30 minutes a night and can compete in multiple categories.

Carlton Carrington, PG/SG, Washington Wizards (9%)

Carrington opened the season as a starter, an encouraging start to his rookie season. Typically playing more than 30 minutes per game, Carrington showed some upside on offense while showcasing his playmaking ability. Carrington featured in most standard formats and proved to be a sophisticated fantasy player. However, Malcolm Brogdon’s return from injury sent Carrington to the bench, limiting him to around 20 minutes a night. As a result, he was later dropped in many leagues and managers opted to transfer his position instead.

Perhaps it won’t surprise anyone that Brogdon has struggled with a number of minor injuries in the last two games, most recently a hamstring issue. Both Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert are currently out with their own injuries, potentially giving Carrington more playing time. He has now played at least 28 minutes in two consecutive games, averaging 14.0 points, 2.5 3-pointers and 4.5 rebounds. Despite some risks, the favorable timing makes it worth taking a risk again.

Drop candidates

• Bilal Coulibaly, SG/SF, Washington Wizards (34%)

• Julian Champagnie, SF/PF, San Antonio Spurs (26%)

• Scotty Pippen Jr., PG/SG, Memphis Grizzlies (22%)