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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

Cam Thomas (SG, SF – BKN): 65% Rostered

In December, Cam Thomas was on fire, averaging an impressive 19.7 points per game. However, as we ushered in the New Year, his scoring took a nosedive, plummeting by a staggering -41.12% to just 11.6 points per game. This decline certainly raises some eyebrows and warrants concern among managers, but before we hit the panic button, let’s put things into perspective.

Thomas has been a scoring machine this season, averaging 20.5 points per game, which ranks him 50th in the league. This represents a remarkable 93.4% increase from his average of 10.6 points per game in the previous season (2022-2023).

Admittedly, Thomas doesn’t offer much in terms of multi-categorical contributions, which might dampen his appeal. However, his ability to single-handedly provide you with 20.0-plus points on any given night can be invaluable for securing a competitive edge in your weekly matchups. What’s intriguing is that despite his potential upside, his roster rate is only at 65%. This seems surprisingly low, considering his scoring prowess. The second half of the season approaching presents an excellent opportunity to snatch him off waivers while his market value has cooled down. Remember, athletes are human, and they go through ups and downs. If Thomas can recapture the magic he displayed early in the season, he’ll undoubtedly become a hot commodity once again.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Nets have four games this upcoming week.

With an offensive rating of 115.3, Brooklyn will need to approach their upcoming matchups with a tailored strategy based on their opponents’ defensive weaknesses. Thomas, boasting an individual offensive rating of 111.5 and averaging 20.5 points per game, will play a pivotal role in the Nets’ scoring strategy.

His agility and shot-creation skills will be essential, particularly against the Heat, who possess an imposing defensive rating of 113.1, challenging the Nets to maximize efficiency in their scoring. Thomas’ opportunity to heavily impact the team’s scoring production is most evident against the Trail Blazers, whose defensive vulnerabilities are highlighted by a rating of 117.0. Here, he can exploit gaps and elevate the Nets’ point production.

Matchups against the Lakers and Clippers present a competitive, albeit balanced challenge, requiring the Nets to engage in tactical play. Thomas’ ability to maintain his efficiency will be tested by the Lakers’ fast pace and the Clippers’ slower, deliberate game tempo. Thomas and the Nets face diverse defensive challenges. Their success will depend on strategic adaptability and offensive execution. Thomas and the Nets have the potential to thrive if they navigate each game with precision and tactical awareness.

On the Radar

Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG, SF – DAL): 57% Rostered – 17.6 PPG – Ranked: 67th

Waiver Priority: Medium-High

Rebounds

Jeremy Sochan (PG, PF – SAS): 36% Rostered

Jeremy Sochan’s current season hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations set after his promising rookie campaign. However, his role as an unconventional point guard gave us a glimpse of his versatile skill set. Despite facing challenges, he has managed to maintain his previous year’s production level. Recent developments in the coaching strategy by the legendary Gregg Popovich have seen the team return to a more conventional playing style. This transition presents an opportunity for Sochan to build on the strong foundation he laid during the 2022-2023 season.

Drawing parallels to his time at Baylor, Sochan’s ability to crash the boards and his subtle offensive prowess makes him a unique asset for controlling the game’s tempo and executing the script. He currently averages 5.5 rebounds per game, ranking 87th in the league, and boasts a respectable 9.2% rebound percentage, placing him third among players on the team, averaging at least 25.0 minutes per game.

While it’s challenging to predict the mindset of the team and the franchise for the second half of the season, it’s difficult to ignore the untapped potential within this group. If the team can harness its latent talent, Sochan will likely play a pivotal role in their promising display.

Upcoming Week Analysis

Looking ahead, the Spurs have a series of advantageous matchups lined up for next week, which could significantly enhance Sochan’s fantasy appeal and prove beneficial for your lineup. It’s an opportune moment to once again consider Sochan as a valuable addition to your rotation.

Sochan is poised to take advantage of rebounding opportunities in the Spurs’ upcoming matchups. The Spurs’ overall pace and strategic play equip them to boost their rebounding stats, especially against teams like the Wizards, who allow the most rebounds in the league. Sochan’s defensive rating of 116.8 positions him as a critical rebounder, particularly against opponents with higher offensive outputs, where his role becomes pivotal in securing defensive boards. Sochan’s agility and positioning will be key in the evenly-matched rebounding battle against the Hawks, with both teams running a similar pace. The challenge intensifies against the Celtics, who boast a higher offensive rating. Here, Sochan must leverage his defensive capabilities to disrupt Boston’s shooters, creating valuable rebounding chances for the Spurs.

Given their lower offensive effectiveness, Charlotte’s matchup offers a more favorable rebounding environment. Sochan can potentially dominate the boards, making the most of the Hornets’ inefficiencies. The matchup against a quick-paced Wizards team could provide numerous rebounding chances. Sochan’s ability to impose his rebounding skills against the Wizards’ fast-paced offense could significantly impact the Spurs’ control of the game. His rebounding prowess is a source of opportunity for the Spurs to turn defensive efforts into rebounding successes in their upcoming games.

On the Radar

Goga Bitadze (C – ORL): 29% Rostered – 6.4 RPG – Ranked: 57th

Waiver Priority: Medium-High

Assists

Andrew Nembhard (PG, SG – IND): 17% Rostered

While many may have expected T.J. McConnell to be the standout choice in this category, it’s Andrew Nembhard who could have the most potential to truly shine. He has established himself as the team’s primary ball handler, and his return from injury couldn’t have come at a better time for the Pacers. Losing a talent like Tyrese Haliburton is undoubtedly a challenge to overcome, but Nembhard offers the best chance to sustain the team’s competitive position in the Eastern Conference until their superstar returns.

Nembhard’s skills have been on display since his college days at Gonzaga, where he averaged 5.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 11.8 points per game in his final year. His talent seemingly transitioned well into his rookie NBA season, where he turned heads in April, averaging an impressive 14.0 points, 9.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game. While Nembhard’s current season sees him averaging 4.1 assists per game, ranking 75th in the league, the team’s need for a dynamic playmaker combined with his offensive prowess places him in a prime position to enhance his value for the team and our fantasy lineups.

Considering the Pacers have four games on the horizon in Week 13, with exploitable matchups, investing in Nembhard this week could lead to significant dividends moving forward. Your early foresight as a manager could potentially reshape the trajectory and composition of your fantasy basketball rotation, especially if you catch him during one of his production tears. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to capitalize on Nembhard’s potential impact.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers have four games this upcoming week:

Indiana boasts a league-leading offensive rating of 122.0 and excels in assists, setting the stage for their upcoming matchups. Nembhard, with his impressive 4.1 assists per game and a solid offensive rating of 114.3, plays a pivotal role in their high-tempo offensive strategy. In matchups against the Jazz, Kings and Trail Blazers – teams known for their weaker defenses ≠ the Pacers’ quick ball movement and Nembhard’s exceptional vision are expected to shine. These opponents should struggle to defend against the assist generation of a Pacers team that thrives on creating open-shot opportunities. However, the Suns present a sterner test. Nembhard must adapt his playmaking strategy to navigate their tighter defense.

The Pacers’ efficiency in assists will be crucial in this game, as they face a Suns team that looks to control the game by slowing down the tempo and limiting assist opportunities. The Pacers’ upcoming games will present several opportunities for them to once again showcase their assist-centric offense, with Nembhard playing a key role.

On the Radar

Killian Hayes (PG, SG – DET): 11% Rostered – 4.7 APG – Ranked: 58th

Waiver Priority: Low

Steals

T.J. McConnell (PG – IND): 57% Rostered

T.J. McConnell’s emergence onto the scene has been a pleasant surprise, especially in light of Tyrese Haliburton’s absence. With an impressive average of 5.4 assists per game, ranking 34th in the league, McConnell has undoubtedly showcased his impressive playmaking skills, but it’s important to note that he isn’t the primary facilitator on the team. What truly sets McConnell apart is his defensive prowess. Sporting one of the team’s lowest defensive ratings at 115.4 and averaging 1.1 steals per game, ranking 71st in the league, he offers a unique value proposition, particularly in the steals category. This makes him a valuable asset, providing a significant competitive advantage in this more nuanced and specialized skill set.

While McConnell might not be a prolific scorer, his efficiency on the offensive end should not be overlooked. Although he may not be the centerpiece of your fantasy team, he possesses the potential to be an essential complementary asset, elevating the overall composition of your roster. So, when crafting your lineup, make sure to leverage McConnell’s defensive prowess as a valuable and distinctive aspect of his game, enhancing the overall composition of your roster.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers have four games this upcoming week.

The Pacers’ strategic prowess in steals is primed to be a game-changer in their upcoming matchups. Ranking 8th in steals production, Indiana possesses the tools to exploit defensive weaknesses in their opponents. The Jazz, who rank 28th in preventing steals, are particularly susceptible to McConnell’s disruptive defense. Against the Kings, the Pacers’ second-highest league pace, combined with McConnell’s anticipatory skills, could offset the Kings’ average ranking in steals allowed.

The most promising opportunity comes against the Trail Blazers, who are last in the league at limiting steals. McConnell’s agility and strategic positioning could substantially test their rhythm, leading to an uptick in steals for the Pacers. A similar advantage awaits against the Suns; despite their 23^rd opponent steal rank, the Pacers’ fast-paced approach is likely to create numerous steal opportunities for McConnell.

The team’s strategy of pushing the pace complements McConnell’s ability to create turnovers, turning defensive plays into points. This synergy of speed and precision positions the Pacers to successfully compete in their upcoming matchups.

On the Radar

Xavier Tillman Sr. (PF, C – MEM): 44% Rostered – 1.2 SPG – Ranked: 37th

Wavier Priority: Medium-High

Blocks

Goga Bitadze (C – ORL): 29% Rostered

Goga Bitadze has undeniably been a standout asset for the competitive Magic squad this season. With Wendell Carter Jr. dealing with injuries and the whirlwind of trade talks swirling around him, Bitadze is poised to solidify his breakout year as a prominent force in the frontcourt. Whether or not Carter Jr. stays, Orlando has witnessed success with Bitadze on the roster, making it prudent for the team to continue investing in his development.

His real value lies in his defensive skills, although he has the ability to contribute on the scoring front when given the chance. He boasts one of the team’s lowest defensive ratings at 109.5 while also averaging an impressive 6.4 rebounds per game, ranking 57th in the league and 1.7 blocks per game, ranking 14th in the league.

In his limited role, he has already shown glimpses of what he can achieve, and if given more opportunities, his production could reach new heights. While Moritz Wagner may be in the mix, Bitadze’s unique skill set sets him apart and should allow him to maintain his value in the frontcourt. Investing in Bitadze, even if just for this week, could prove to be a wise move. If he continues to stay healthy and effective on the floor, he may very well evolve into a must-roster player for the remainder of the season.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Magic have four games this upcoming week.

Bitadze’s defensive prowess should benefit the Magic as they navigate their upcoming matchups. The Magic, ranking 10th in blocks per game, coupled with Bitadze’s defensive upside, positions them well to capitalize on opportunities, especially against teams like the Knicks, who struggle to limit opponent blocks. Bitadze’s ability to anticipate plays and Orlando’s defensive strategy will be crucial in compromising the offensive rhythm of the high-scoring Hawks.

Against the Sixers, who have a lower ranking in preventing blocks, Bitadze can have a significant impact in disrupting their offensive flow. The matchup with the Heat presents a more complex challenge, but his ability to apply pressure and force turnovers can lead to crucial defensive stops.

Bitadze’s defensive advantage, complemented by the Magic’s tactical adaptability, has the potential to make a significant difference in these contests. By capitalizing on their strengths and exploiting their opponents’ weaknesses, the Magic should be able to assert control and dictate the pace to exploit weaknesses to transform defensive plays into offensive opportunities.

On the Radar

Xavier Tillman Sr. (PF, C – MEM): 44% Rostered – 0.9 BPG – Ranked: 43rd

Wavier Priority: Medium-High

Three-Pointers Made

Donte DiVincenzo (SG, SF – NYK): 59% Rostered

Donte DiVincenzo’s current season represents a career-best, and he’s poised to take on a more significant role as a primary scorer for the competitive Knicks. Averaging 11.1 points, ranking 155th in the league, and hitting 2.6 three-pointers per game, ranking 34th in the league, both being career highs, he’s showcasing his offensive prowess. What’s even more impressive is his efficiency, shooting 46.3% from the field and an impressive 43.4% from beyond the arc.

While he might not have replicated his explosive 38-point game against the Pacers from last December, his consistent performance underscores his potential as a crucial offensive asset. DiVincenzo is taking 8.3 field-goal attempts per game, ranking 158th in the league, and launching 6.0 three-pointers per game, ranking 48th in the league.

He has done a good job earning the trust and confidence of the coaching staff, allowing him to play and grow into his game. DiVincenzo’s versatility and talent as a multi-categorical contributor make him an intriguing fantasy prospect. Given the opportunities he’s receiving and his upward trajectory, DiVincenzo could emerge as one of the most valuable waiver acquisitions this season.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Knicks have four games this upcoming week.

Boasting a respectable 117.4 rating and making 2.6 three-pointers per game, DiVincenzo is poised to be a key offensive catalyst for the Knicks in their upcoming games, where pace and defensive matchups will be critical. His role becomes crucial when facing defensive powerhouses like the Magic and Rockets, with their stout ratings of 111.2 and 112.1, which will challenge his perimeter shooting. Fortunately, the Knicks have a formidable offense with a rating of 117.6, making them equipped to face these defenses. Their methodical pace allows for strategic shot choices, enhancing their ability to overcome defensive challenges.

In matchups against the Wizards and Raptors, DiVincenzo has a promising opportunity to showcase his three-point prowess. The Wizards’ league-worst defensive rating of 120.9 hints at a potentially high-scoring game, while the Raptors present a more balanced matchup. Navigating the defenses of the Magic and Rockets will test the Knicks’ game plan. Still, the matchups against the Wizards and Raptors provide viable opportunities for an impressive three-point performance. With DiVincenzo’s ability to exploit defensive gaps and the Knicks’ strategic offensive tempo, they are well-positioned to succeed against their opponents.

On the Radar

Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG, SF – DAL): 57% Rostered – 3.2 3PG – Ranked: 16th

Waiver Priority: Medium-High

Field-Goal Percentage

Bruce Brown Jr. (PG, SG, SF – IND): 65% Rostered

In the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers are searching for an offensive dynamo to uphold their high-scoring style. While replacing Haliburton’s contributions with a single player is daunting, Bruce Brown Jr. emerges as the most promising candidate to help sustain Indiana’s explosive offense.

He brings a unique blend of versatility and consistency that can complement the talented players in both the team’s front and backcourt. Brown Jr.’s value lies in his ability to contribute across multiple categories as he excels in scoring, rebounding, assisting and stealing. He’s averaging 12.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 47.5% from the field and 81.7% from the free-throw line.

These numbers could see an uptick as the team explores, finds and implements new offensive strategies, especially if Brown Jr. fully embraces his role as one of the team’s primary offensive forces.

While consistency has been a challenge for Brown Jr. in his career, recent glimpses of improvement since his breakout year with the Nuggets last season are encouraging. This trend suggests that Brown Jr. is on an upward trajectory, enhancing his fantasy appeal. As the Pacers navigate this transitional phase, keep a close eye on him. His potential to elevate the team’s offensive performance makes him a player with significant fantasy value. Adding Brown Jr. to your roster could prove to be a solid move as he continues to develop and contribute to Indiana’s offensive contingency plan.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers have four games this upcoming week:

Brown Jr., with an impressive offensive rating of 124.2, should be a vital part of Indiana’s offense as they prepare to face the Jazz, Kings, Trail Blazers and Suns. The Pacers already lead the league in offensive rating, and Brown Jr.’s contributions are expected to enhance their dominance.

Against the Jazz and Kings, Brown Jr.’s offensive prowess is likely to shine due to his ability to exploit the defensive gaps of his opponents. The Trail Blazers present a moderate challenge, but Brown jr. should be able to take advantage of their more vulnerable defense to boost his field-goal percentage and contribute to the Pacers’ scoring efficiency. Brown’s scoring skills and upside should prevail even against the Suns, who have a slightly tighter defense.

The Pacers’ fast-paced style will provide them with opportunities to maximize their field-goal attempts, capitalizing on their opponents’ slower defensive sets. While the Pacers are poised to excel in these matchups, Brown’s consistency and efficiency will be key to ensuring that the Pacers maintain their status as a scoring powerhouse in the league.

On the Radar

Moritz Wagner (C – ORL): 35% Rostered – 59.4% FG% – Ranked: 51st

Waiver Priority: Medium-Low

Free-Throw Percentage

Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG, SF – DAL): 57% Rostered

Tim Hardaway Jr. possesses a remarkable offensive skill set, and despite some production fluctuations tied to Kyrie Irving’s return, he has reasserted himself as a go-to scoring option off the bench. Surprisingly, his ownership rate lingers at just 57%, which seems quite low given his offensive abilities. Currently, Hardaway Jr. is averaging 17.6 points (ranked 67th in the league), sinking 3.2 three-pointers (ranked 16th in the league) and attempting 2.8 free throws per game. He’s doing this while shooting 41.9% from the floor, 35.9% from beyond the arc and 86.3% from the free-throw line.

Yes, he may have the occasional off night – OK, a couple of off nights – but when he’s in the zone, he can easily become one of the most prolific scorers on the floor. Don’t procrastinate any longer; add him to your lineup immediately. It’s a better strategy to have him underperform on your roster than to witness him excel in your opponent’s lineup or as an unclaimed waiver gem. Hardaway’s offensive prowess can be a game-changer for your lineup, so seize the opportunity while you can.

Upcoming Week Analysis

On the Radar

Josh Richardson (SG – MIA): 9% Rostered – 93.2% FT% – Ranked: 38th

Waiver Priority: Low

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