Before we get down to business, I would like to thank you, the readers, and members of our FantasyPros community. Your choice to read and engage with this article as a part of your fantasy basketball strategy means a lot. In a world packed with many options to satisfy your fantasy needs, including this article as part of your means to address them is humbling and immensely appreciated.

Now, let’s get into it.

This is your weekly dose of fantasy basketball possibilities as we explore and identify players who can help take your team to the next level in your quest for the championship crown of your league. It’s a long season, so it’s beneficial to maintain an “it’s-a-marathon-not-a-sprint” mindset as you strategize and tailor your weekly or season-long approach to maximize your team’s value and potential.

Each week, we will look at widely available players rostered in fewer than 65% of fantasy leagues on Yahoo. We will focus on building strategies in eight-category leagues with standard scoring (more details outlined below).

Insights about the highlighted players will concentrate on how they can contribute to the aligned category but also touch on how they can contribute to various other categories.

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Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis & Waiver Wire Pickups

(Statistics and data courtesy of nba.com)

Fantasy Format

Scoring Type:

Head-to-Head (Most Categories)

Player Stat Categories:

• Points Scored (PTS)
• Total Rebounds (REB)
• Assists (AST)
• Steals (ST)
• Block Shots (BLK)
• 3-Point Shots Made (3PTM)
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%)

Roster Positions:

• Point Guard (PG)
• Shooting Guard (SG)
• Guard (G)
• Small Forward (SF)
• Power Forward (PF)
• Center (C) x 2
• Utility (UTIL) x 2
• Bench (BN) x 2
• Injured List (IL) x 3

About the Upcoming Week Analysis

The analysis evaluates four key areas to determine the players’ and teams’ performance potential against weekly opponents. This analysis considers categories: Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, Blocks, Three-Pointers Made, and Field-Goal Percentage.

The analysis assesses the following:

About the Matchup Grades

Grades were developed by comparing players’ stats and team dynamics against opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

Points

Bennedict Mathurin (SG, SF – IND): Rostered 55%

Mathurin is on fire this New Year, averaging 19.7 points per game in January. He’s carving out a crucial role as a key offensive asset off the bench. Currently, he’s the third-highest scorer on the team, averaging 14.3 points per game (99th in the league) with a usage rate of 21.8%. While he may not contribute much in rebounds, steals, and blocks, Mathurin shines in shooting percentages and three-pointers made.

If you’re looking to boost your offense this week, he’s a top streaming option, and he could continue to be a valuable asset beyond this week.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers play four games this upcoming week, the week of Monday, Jan. 8, 2024:

Indiana leads the NBA in scoring at 126.8 points per game, showcasing their offensive strength. Their high pace of 103.61 and offensive rating of 122.4 highlight their efficiency. Mathurin plays a vital role with an offensive rating of 117.0, averaging 14.3 points per game with a 46.8% shooting accuracy. Facing Boston and Denver with defensive ratings of 109.9 and 112.8 will test Indiana’s offensive strategy, relying on Mathurin’s skills.

Matches against Washington and Atlanta (with defensive ratings above 120.0) present an opportunity for Mathurin to exploit defensive weaknesses. Indiana’s quick tempo aligns with these games, offering Mathurin a chance to exceed his scoring average. Indiana’s blend of fast-paced play and Mathurin’s scoring proficiency is crucial for maintaining the team’s offensive advantage and league-leading scoring position.

On the Radar

Brandon Miller (SG, SF – CHA): 51% Rostered – 14.7 PPG – Ranked: 93rd

Waiver Priority: Medium

Rebounds

Kevin Love (PF, C – MIA): 23% Rostered

When healthy, Love plays a consistent role in the rotation with a 20.3% usage rate. He’s had a strong start to the New Year, averaging 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this month. Despite limited minutes at 19.0 per game, his impact can’t be denied, boasting a PIE of 14.9, a team-high 119.2 offensive rating, and a low 109.6 defensive rating. While his scoring is improving, his value as a rebounder is key. Averaging 6.9 rebounds per game (51st in the league) with consistency, he can boost your rebound production strategically in week 11.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Heat play four games this upcoming week, the week of Monday, Jan. 8, 2024:

Love’s impressive rebounding, boasting a 17.90% total rebound percentage and a significant 30.20% on the defensive end, is poised to give Miami an edge. Miami currently ranks 26th in the NBA for rebounds per game, setting the stage for Love’s impact. Against Houston, a closely matched opponent with a 19th rank in rebound defense, Love’s consistent rebounding could be pivotal in maintaining or improving Miami’s rebounding average.

Charlotte’s 24th-ranked rebound defense provides Love with a favorable opportunity to leverage his defensive rebounding prowess and help Miami gain an advantage. In the game against high-scoring Oklahoma, Love’s defensive rebounding skill will be crucial to limit second-chance points and control the game pace. Orlando, known for its stifling defense, limiting opponents to 41.20 rebounds, poses a challenge. However, Love’s impressive metrics suggest he can perform well even in this tough matchup.

Despite Miami’s slower pace and defensive room for improvement, Love’s individual stats hint at his potential to boost Miami’s rebounding productivity across these varied matchups. His effective rebounding, especially on the defensive end, can mitigate defensive weaknesses and enhance offensive opportunities. Love’s role is pivotal, potentially determining Miami’s success in the upcoming games.

On the Radar

Nick Richards (C – CHA): 32% Rostered – 7.3 RPG – Ranked: 39th

Waiver Priority: Medium

Assists

Tre Jones (PG – SAS): 51% Rostered

Despite not getting the expected featured role following his breakout year, Jones has maintained his production as a skilled facilitator and playmaker this season. Averaging a team-high 4.9 assists per game (51st in the league), his recent standout performance against the Bucks, where he logged a season-high 35.0 minutes, further highlighted his promising potential.

Coach Popovich’s shift to a conventional rotation could hint at a possible role adjustment for Jones, allowing him to showcase his value as a multi-categorical contributor. Although the Spurs have only three games next week, investing in his versatility today could yield long-term benefits, especially if coach Popovich remains committed to deploying him as the primary ball handler in the starting rotation.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Spurs play three games this upcoming week, the week of Monday, Jan. 8, 2024:

San Antonio’s offense, ranked fourth in assists and third in pace, is primed for success with an average of 29.1 assists per game and a rapid tempo of 102.91. Jones, with his considerable 109.3 offensive rating, is central to this strategy, especially considering his assist ratio of 34.9. He will look to navigate Detroit’s capable 11th-ranked assist defense, where he can leverage his playmaking ability (27.3% assist percentage) to exploit the defense and maintain San Antonio’s healthy assist numbers.

The team’s opportunity widens against Charlotte, whose 26th-ranked defense allows an average of 28.00 assists, signaling a chance for Jones to exceed expectations. Chicago’s 22nd-ranked assist defense could slow the pace, yet San Antonio’s third-fastest game speed and Jones’s versatility suggest they can still outmaneuver the opposition. These rankings suggest that Jones is well-positioned to exploit the defensive gaps of San Antonio’s upcoming opponents, potentially leading to an impressive assist haul in their upcoming games.

On the Radar

T.J. McConnell (PG – IND): 10% Rostered – 5.0 APG – Ranked: 49th

Steals

Aaron Nesmith (SF, PF – IND): 33% Rostered

Nesmith is putting together one of his best seasons as a pro and has demonstrated his value as a two-way player. While he has had a solid year offensively, averaging 11.6 points per game while shooting 52.7% from the floor and 47.6% from beyond the arc, his defensive play is what landed him on the list this week.

This month, Nesmith is averaging 2.3 steals per game this month while sporting a healthy 1.2 steals per game (52nd in the league) for the year. On a team that ranks first points and ninth in steals production with an upcoming two-week schedule that lends itself to his contribution as an offensive and defensive asset, Nesmith could be an excellent streaming option for those looking to bolster their production across several key strategic categories this week and the next.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers play four games this upcoming week, the week of Monday, Jan. 8, 2024:

Nesmith and the Pacers face upcoming games that will test their defensive skills. Indiana ranks ninth in the NBA for steals and leads the league in pace, creating more steal opportunities. Nesmith, with a defensive rating of 118.6 and 1.2 steals per game, plays a crucial role. The Pacers look to capitalize on matchups against Washington and Atlanta, both ranking lower in steals allowed (23rd and 20th), potentially surpassing their steal average with Nesmith’s help.

Against Boston’s high-powered offense, strategic defensive execution will be crucial to create turnovers. Indiana’s fast-paced play can pressure Boston into mistakes that Nesmith can exploit. Facing Denver, a team known for ball security and ranked 6th in protecting against steals, will require creative defensive tactics from Indiana.

Despite their defensive rating of 119.8, Indiana’s ability to pressure opponents and force turnovers can make a difference, especially with Nesmith’s contributions. Success in these games depends on Nesmith’s quickness, anticipation, and reading of plays. Indiana’s collective defensive strategy aims to maximize their fast-paced style for more steals and exploit opponents’ vulnerabilities in ball security.

On the Radar

Alex Caruso (PG, SG – CHI): 39% Rostered – 1.3 SPG – Ranked: 33rd

Waiver Priority: Medium-Low

Blocks

Al Horford (PF, C – BOS): 51% Rostered

The sixteen-year vet benefits from sensational utilization by the team and has been positioned in the rotation to have the most impact while avoiding the diminishing return of his usage. This positioning has allowed him to tie the second-highest plus-minus of his career at 5.6. While his scoring is at a career low, he is still posting competitive numbers on the defensive side of the ball with 6.9 rebounds (52nd in the league) and 1.1 blocks (32nd in the league) per game.

While the team is set for eight games over the next two weeks, look for Horford to be deployed strategically to enhance his overall contribution and value as a multi-categorical contributor. Although the efficient leveraging of his skill in the rotation is an excellent thing for the team, it can undoubtedly diminish his fantasy appeal due to the risk of conservative play and underproduction; however, if you can maximize his utility by taking advantage of his dual position designation and playing him against exploitable offenses, his aggregate contribution could be enough to set you up strongly to compete.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Celtics play four games this upcoming week, the week of Monday, Jan. 8, 2024:

Boston’s impressive block production, ranking second in the league with 6.4 blocks per game, highlights their strong defense, particularly Horford’s contribution of 1.1 blocks per game and a stellar defensive rating of 107.2. As they face Indiana and Houston, teams with vulnerabilities in the blocks department, Boston has an opportunity to capitalize on these weaknesses. However, challenges await against Minnesota and Milwaukee, who excel at limiting block attempts, requiring extra defensive effort.

The pace of the game, especially against Indiana’s fast style, may create more block opportunities, providing a strategic advantage for Boston. Horford, when facing high-octane offenses, may encounter strategies aimed at reducing his shot-blocking impact. Nevertheless, Boston’s overall defensive strength, coupled with Horford’s outstanding performance, bodes well for potential success.

Their tactical approach to these upcoming games, leveraging their defensive prowess against varying offensive tempos, will be crucial in maintaining or even enhancing their impressive blocks production. In summary, Boston is poised to use their defensive capabilities, with Horford as a key disruptor, to address the offensive challenges presented by their next opponents.

On the Radar

Nick Richards (C – CHA): 32% Rostered – 1.2 BPG – Ranked: T-24th

Waiver Priority: Medium

Three-Pointers Made

Duncan Robinson (SG, SF – MIA): 43% Rostered

Robinson is quietly putting together the best offensive performance of his career since his sophomore season in 2019-2020. He is averaging 14.2 points (99th in the league) and 3.0 three-pointers made (21st in the league) per game while shooting 46.7% from the floor, 42.7% from beyond the arc, and 85.2% from the free-throw line. Robinson’s understated value as a multi-categorical contributor can be invaluable for those looking to increase the offensive utility of their lineups.

While he may be overshadowed by the electric play of Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and even rookie sensation Jaime Jaquez Jr., Robinson has carved out a sizable and meaningful role coming off the bench that allows him to be aggressive in his shot selection and playmaking. His game-to-game contribution may appear underwhelming at times; however, his aggregate contribution throughout the week may tell another story.

Although the Heat will have some tough matchups along the way, Robinson could be just the streaming asset you are looking for to complement or even drive production in key offensive categories, especially with the team slated to have eight games across the next two weeks.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Heat play four games this upcoming week, the week of Monday, Jan. 8, 2024:

Robinson, a pivotal offensive component for Miami with an impressive 114.6 rating, looks set to capitalize on the upcoming matchups. He’s consistently finding the net, with 3 three-pointers made on 7.1 attempts per game. His proficiency will be crucial as Miami faces varied defensive challenges. The matchup with Charlotte is particularly promising, given their defensive rating of 120.8, suggesting a significant advantage and the potential for a scoring surge from downtown. Houston and Orlando present tighter defenses, but the slight gap between their ratings and Miami’s offensive potency indicates that with strategic play, Robinson can still deliver from beyond the arc. Oklahoma’s quicker pace may offer additional shot opportunities, enhancing Robinson’s potential output.

Miami’s overall offensive competence and Robinson’s sharpshooting ability appear well-matched against the defensive profiles of their opponents. The key matchups against Houston and Orlando will necessitate astute playmaking and shot selection, while the game against Charlotte could be an opportunity for Robinson to excel, leveraging the disparity in defensive strength. Robinson’s prospects for maintaining or exceeding his three-point performance look favorable, anchored by his skillset and Miami’s strategic offensive execution.

On the Radar

Brandon Miller (SG, SF – CHA): 51% Rostered – 2.1 3PG – Ranked: 68th

Waiver Priority: Medium

Field-Goal Percentage

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF – MIA): 65% Rostered

Jaquez has been a popular name this year, and rightfully so. The rookie has been phenomenal since hitting the professional stage and has been able to sharpen his contribution to the team during their injury-riddled season. While he has seen some slight regression in the consistency of his offensive production with the return of Tyler Herro and the resurgence of Duncan Robinson, his impact on the floor and established trust amongst his teammates has positioned him well as a critical piece of the team’s rotation.

We are looking to leverage Jaquez’s scoring efficiency this week and next in hopes of catching him during one of his scoring tears to substantially bolster our lineup’s offensive production. He is averaging 13.7 points (ranked 109th in the league) per game and is shooting 50.8% from the floor and 85.2% from the free-throw line, providing us with solid categorical value across the board.

At 65% rostered, people understand and appreciate his value, but this could be too low given his potential moving forward, especially if he can tap into another gear during the backend of the season. This upcoming week will push and test his growth as he will be going up against some of the league’s best defenses, and if he can perform, this could bode well for his future value.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Heat play four games this upcoming week, the week of Monday, January 8th, 2024:

Jaquez’s standout field-goal percentage of 50.8% and Miami’s respectable offensive rating of 114.6 set an optimistic tone for their upcoming matchups. With Miami’s pace ranking towards the slower end of the spectrum, Jaquez’s opportunities to score will be predicated on the team’s strategic playmaking. The defensive strength of Houston and Oklahoma, who lead the league in restricting opponents’ field-goal percentages, poses a significant challenge, but Jaquez’s efficiency offers the potential to sustain his scoring performance against these formidable defenses. Orlando’s and Charlotte’s more exploitable defenses provide an advantageous backdrop, particularly Charlotte’s, which sits at a high 120.8 defensive rating. This environment could allow Jaquez to excel, amplifying his scoring impact and potentially lifting his field-goal percentage even higher.

The tempo set by Oklahoma could lead to increased possessions for Miami, further bolstering Jaquez’s chances to score. Conversely, matchups with closer paces to Miami’s, such as Orlando and Charlotte, may neutralize his scoring volume. While Jaquez may encounter resistance, the less competitive defenses of Orlando and Charlotte present viable opportunities for offensive production. With a combination of strategic play and Jaquez’s proven scoring ability, Miami is positioned to capitalize on these defensive weaknesses, suggesting promising prospects for Jaquez’s continued scoring success in the games ahead.

On the Radar

Malik Beasley (SG, SF – MIL): 39% Rostered – 49.0% FG% – Ranked: 162nd

Waiver Priority: Low-Medium

Free-Throw Percentage

Brandon Miller (SG, SF – CHA): 51% Rostered

Miller is having a solid season as he navigates and overcomes the nuances and obstacles of being a rookie and starter on an underperforming team. His value as an offensive asset has been on full display this year as he is averaging 14.7 points (93rd in the league) and 2.1 three-pointers made (69th in the league) per game while shooting 42.6% from the floor, 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 82.1% from the free-throw line.

Miller’s ability to strategically get to the line while successfully cashing in those free chips can greatly benefit your lineup production, allowing you to remain competitive in the, at times, overlooked niche categories that can be the pivotal difference between victory and defeat.

On the Radar

Norman Powell (SG, SF – LAC): 40% Rostered – 88.2% FT% – Ranked: 79th

Waiver Priority: Medium

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