Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis & Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14 (2024)

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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

Caris LeVert (SG,SF – CLE): 47% Rostered

LeVert has had eight games this season where he has failed to score more than ten points; three of those eight games were against the Bucks. LeVert’s last three games were against the Bucks; he was finally able to score more than ten against them this past Friday, where he went for 12.0 points.

LeVert is averaging 16.4 points per game this month and 15.6 points per game this year (84th in the league). He is 2nd on the team in scoring, 3rd in field-goals made, and 2nd in field-goal attempts (amongst current active players); LeVert also has the second-highest usage percentage on the team at 23.8% amongst players, averaging more than 25.0 minutes per game.

LeVert’s appeal extends beyond scoring, as he’s a valuable multi-categorical contributor. He excels in areas like assists, steals, and three-pointers, making him a well-rounded asset for fantasy basketball managers. What makes him even more intriguing this week is the potential for him to be more aggressive in playmaking, given teammate Donovan Mitchell’s ongoing struggle with a sore groin. Considering LeVert’s production value, versatility, and upside, he emerges as an elite streaming option this week.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Cavaliers have four games this upcoming week. Cleveland, averaging 114.0 points per game (19th in the league), is poised to succeed in their upcoming games by leveraging a strategy focused on exploiting their opponents’ defensive weaknesses and adapting their pace of play. The Cavaliers face a significant opportunity against the Pistons and Spurs, both of whom are defensively weaker, 27th and 26th in OPP PTS points per game, respectively.

This scenario presents an ideal environment for the Cavaliers to push beyond their average scoring, especially by leveraging LeVert’s offensive prowess. Contrastingly, matchups against the Clippers and Grizzlies pose more of a challenge with their tighter defensive plays, 8th and 12th in OPP PTS, respectively. However, the Cavaliers can employ a balanced and strategic approach, focusing on LeVert’s efficient scoring to navigate through these robust defenses.

The Cavaliers’ slower pace of play, at 98.73 (21st in the league), could be a tactical advantage against these teams, aligning with a more controlled game strategy. The Cavaliers have a clear pathway to outscore the Pistons and Spurs by capitalizing on their defensive gaps and adapting to a faster-paced game.

Facing the Clippers and Grizzlies, a calculated offensive strategy centralizing around LeVert’s scoring capabilities will be crucial for maximizing points production. With careful game management and strategic utilization of LeVert’s talents, the Cavaliers can effectively navigate their upcoming games, taking advantage of their opponent’s weaknesses while mitigating their strengths.

On the Radar

Jonathan Kuminga (PF – GSW): 66% Rostered – 14.5 PPG – Ranked: 95th

Waiver Priority: Medium-High

Rebounds

Andre Drummond (C – CHI): 32% Rostered

Drummond’s role as a non-starter doesn’t deter him from making a significant impact for the Bulls, who are fighting to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. Despite not being in the starting lineup, Drummond shines with his remarkable rebounding prowess, averaging 8.3 rebounds per game (30th in the league).

Drummond quietly contributes across multiple categories, particularly on the defensive end, where he records 1.2 steals per game (42nd in the league). His efficiency stands out at 54.5% field-goal percentage, on 5.6 field-goal attempts per game. Though his playing time is limited to 15.9 minutes per game, his productivity remains consistent. Notably, in the eleven games this season where he saw between 15.0 and 20.0 minutes, Drummond still managed to average an impressive 8.5 rebounds per game, indicating his ability to make a substantial impact even in shorter stints.

Drummond’s stats tell a compelling story: a 20.7% usage rate (5th highest on the team), a commanding 25.8% rebound percentage (ranking 1st on the team), a notable 15.7 Player Impact Estimate (PIE) among players with over 15.0 minutes per game, and a solid 113.1 defensive rating (2nd lowest among those playing more than 15.0 minutes). Drummond has the potential to outperform expectations if game conditions allow, making him a savvy pick for those looking to enhance their roster’s rebounding performance.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Bulls have three games this upcoming week. Chicago, with an average of 43.4 rebounds per game (16th in the league), is preparing for matchups that should yield positive outcomes for their rebounding production, especially if opting to increase their leveraging of Drummond’s strengths. Their slower pace of play, the slowest in the league at 96.87, might impact the total rebounding opportunities but also allows for a more deliberate rebounding strategy.

In the upcoming games, the Bulls face varying levels of rebounding challenges. The game against the Hornets (26th in OPP REB) is a particularly advantageous matchup. The Hornets’ weaker rebounding defense provides an excellent opportunity for Drummond, who boasts a substantial rebound and defensive rebound percentage, to dominate under the boards. This matchup is ripe for exploiting the Hornets’ defensive gaps in rebounding.

Conversely, the matchups with the Raptors (18th in OPP REB) and Kings (12th in OPP REB) present moderate challenges. These teams have more competent rebounding defenses, requiring the Bulls to be more strategic and efficient in their rebounding efforts. Despite these challenges, Drummond’s presence and expertise in rebounding offer the Bulls a competitive edge.

Against the faster-paced Kings, the Bulls need to adapt their rebounding approach to match the increased pace while maintaining efficiency. Drummond’s skill in securing rebounds will be critical in these matchups, potentially tipping the scale in the Bulls’ favor. The Bulls, backed by Drummond’s rebounding acumen, have a significant opportunity to excel in rebounds, especially against the Hornets.

The games against the Raptors and Kings call for a tactful approach, blending robust rebounding tactics with adjustments to the opponents’ pace. Drummond’s significant impact on the court is a vital factor in boosting the Bulls’ chances in these rebounding encounters.

On the Radar

Nick Richards (C – CHA): 52% Rostered – 7.8 RPG – Ranked: 35th

Waiver Priority: High

On the Radar

Dereck Lively II (C – DAL): 61% Rostered – 7.8 RPG – Ranked: 35th

Waiver Priority: Medium-High

Assists

Andrew Nembhard (PG, SG – IND): 31% Rostered

With or without Tyrese Haliburton’s return, Nembhard’s role in the Pacers’ rotation appears promising. He’s a proficient playmaker, averaging 4.7 assists per game (59th in the league), and a capable defender with 0.9 steals per game (120th in the league) and an impressive defensive rating of 116.1 (3rd on the team among players with over 15.0 minutes per game). Nembhard’s value as a two-way player makes him a strong contender for the starting position, potentially edging out Buddy Hield.

If the Pacers opt to position and integrate him as a primary facilitator, freeing up Haliburton to occupy a hybrid guard role, his playmaking potential could significantly increase within the league’s top offense. Investing in Nembhard now holds long-term advantages, and as a viable streaming option for this week, he could provide immediate benefits. Keep a close eye on his role, as he has the potential to make a significant impact on both ends of the court and elevate your team’s production level.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers have four games this upcoming week. Indiana, leading the NBA with an outstanding average of 31.1 assists per game (1st in the league) and boasting a rapid pace of 102.9 (2nd in the league), is positioned competitively for their upcoming matchups. This potent combination of high assist production and fast gameplay sets them up favorably against varying defensive strengths.

Matchups with the Celtics (5th in OPP AST) and the Knicks (11th in OPP AST) will test the the Pacers’ proficiency. Despite these teams’ strong defensive records, the Pacers’ unmatched assist rate and pace suggest they can still effectively penetrate these defenses.

Nembhard, with his notable offensive rating of 116.5 and an average of 4.7 assists per game, is expected to play a pivotal role in these challenging encounters. In matchups against the Kings and Hornets, who are more lenient in assists allowed 21st and 27th in OPP AST, respectively, the Pacers find themselves in a particularly advantageous position. These games offer a prime opportunity for Nembhard’s playmaking skills to shine and for the team to potentially inflate their assist numbers.

With an offensive rating of 121.2, the Pacers are well-equipped to exploit the defensive vulnerabilities of their opponents. While they face stiffer competition against the Celtics and Knicks, their leading assist capability and Nembhard’s contributions could be the key to unlocking these defenses.

Matchups with the Kings and Hornets present a more straightforward opportunity for the Pacers to leverage their fast-paced offense and high assist rate. Overall, the Pacers, with their strategic playmaking and rapid pace, are in an excellent position to maximize their assist production across these games.

On the Radar

Caris LeVert (SG, SF – CLE): 47% Rostered – 4.2 APG – Ranked: 75th

Waiver Priority: High

Steals

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF – MIA): 59% Rostered

Jaquez’s return from injury and his 24.0-minute performance off the bench underscore his importance to the team’s strategy. While Terry Rozier’s arrival may suggest increased scoring potential, it’s possible that the team values Rozier’s playmaking abilities more than just his scoring, potentially preserving Jaquez’s role. He is much more than a scoring asset and can impact the game in more ways than one as a two-way player. Yes, he is great offensively, but his utilization on defense could be the key to unlocking his full potential and upside.

What sets Jaquez apart is his versatility as a two-way player. Beyond scoring, he possesses defensive prowess, reminiscent of his days at UCLA, where he averaged 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Jaquez is averaging 1.1 steals per game this year (T-59th in the league), and even though he is only averaging 3.8 rebounds per game (181st in the league), he could see this change should the team opt to leverage his physical and defensive gifts to bolster the overall production of their starting rotation. I don’t see the team opting to use Haywood Highsmith as the starter over Jaquez, as having him coming off the bench could be less beneficial for their overall competitive advantage.

With the Heat healthy and, finally, with a capable facilitator in Rozier, the team could be positioned to use Jaquez in the ways they initially intended and even more. I mean, think about it: I don’t think the team planned to be hit with all those injuries to start the season, and I don’t think the team planned for Jaquez to be as offensively capable as he has been (reminds me of Tyrese Maxey during his early situation with the Sixers). With both those things addressed the Heat could find themselves in a great position to challenge in the East coming out of the break, as they’ll be healthier and more familiar with their assets.

Although Jaquez maintains a respectable 60% ownership, this could be too low, as some managers might underestimate his growth potential. If he can sustain his scoring efficiency while elevating his defensive contributions, he has the potential to shake up the Rookie of the Year race and bring your championship aspirations within reach. The potential of an evolving role could make him a crucial asset down the stretch of the season, so consider his long-term value beyond what might seem like a present ceiling.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Heat have four games this upcoming week. Miami, with their moderate steal production of 7.4 per game (17th in the league), is set for a week of games that present a mix of challenges and opportunities in generating steals. Their slower pace (28th in the league) will play a crucial role in shaping their defensive approach across these matchups.

Against the Suns (23rd in OPP STL) and Wizards (20th in OPP STL), the Heat face opponents more prone to turnovers, offering a favorable scenario for defensive exploits. These matchups provide a conducive environment for the Heat to apply pressure and capitalize on the opponents’ weaker defenses against steals.

Jaquez, with a defensive rating of 114.0 and an average of 1.1 steals per game, is positioned to be a key factor in these games. His ability to disrupt plays and create turnovers will be vital against teams that tend to allow more steals. However, the Heat will encounter tougher challenges against the Kings (13th in OPP STL) and Clippers (12th in OPP STL), who are more efficient in protecting the ball. In these games, the Heat’s strategy will need to focus more on targeted defensive plays, leveraging Jaquez’s defensive prowess to maximize their steal potential.

The Heat’s overall strategy should involve intensifying their defensive game, especially in matchups against teams with higher susceptibility to turnovers. Against the more resilient teams like the Kings and Clippers, a more nuanced approach, emphasizing strategic positioning and individual defensive efforts, particularly from players like Jaquez, will be crucial. The Heat’s ability to adapt their defensive tactics to the varying offensive strengths of their opponents will be key to their success in producing steals throughout these matchups.

On the Radar

Caris LeVert (SG, SF – CLE): 47% Rostered – 1.0 SPG – Ranked: 77th

Waiver Priority: High

Blocks

Nick Richards (C – CHA): 52% Rostered

Richards has been a pleasant surprise this season and is poised for continued success, pending Mark Williams’ return. If you’re seeking to bolster your roster’s overall utility, Richards is an excellent choice as a multi-categorical contributor. Currently, he’s posting solid numbers, with averages of 9.7 points (180th in the league), 7.8 rebounds (T-35th in the league), and 1.4 blocks (20th in the league) per game. What’s even more enticing is his efficiency, shooting an outstanding 68.4% from the field and a respectable 75.8% from the free-throw line.

While his defensive potential is evident, Richards’ ability to score is an underrated aspect of his game. Over his past four games, he has averaged 17.7 points on 8.7 field-goal attempts per game, while in the nine games this season where he has had at least seven field-goal attempts, he has averaged 16.1 points.

With the departure of Terry Rozier, ongoing trade rumors surrounding Miles Bridges, and LaMelo Ball’s injury concerns, the Hornets may increasingly rely on Richards for his promising offensive capabilities. As a result, he emerges as an excellent streaming option not only for this week but also for the foreseeable future. Richards presents a versatile asset that can bolster your fantasy basketball roster, with potential for growth in various statistical categories as the season unfolds.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Hornets have four games this upcoming week. Charlotte is preparing for a series of games with a moderate average of 5.3 blocks per game (19th in the league). Their approach to block production in these matchups will be influenced significantly by the defensive prowess of Richards, who averages 1.4 blocks per game with a defensive rating of 121.4.

In the upcoming games, the Hornets face diverse block production scenarios. Against the Knicks (18th in OPP BLK) and the Thunder (20th in OPP BLK), the Hornets have a reasonable opportunity to capitalize on their opponents’ average susceptibility to blocks. These matchups provide a conducive environment for Richards to utilize his shot-blocking skills effectively. However, the challenges and opportunities vary.

The Bulls, who are more adept at preventing blocks (13th in OPP BLK), present a tougher scenario, potentially limiting the Hornets’ block opportunities. On the flip side, the Pacers (25th in OPP BLK) offer a more favorable setup, presenting an excellent opportunity for Richards and the Hornets to increase their block count.

The Hornets’ game pace and its interaction with their opponents’ pace also play a crucial role. While their moderate pace might influence the overall block opportunities, the faster-paced games, especially against the Thunder and Pacers, could lead to more shot attempts and, thus, more opportunities for blocks.

Emphasizing Richards’ role in the paint and adapting their defensive tactics to the pace of each game are key strategies for the Hornets. While some games pose significant challenges, others offer substantial opportunities for the Hornets to enhance their defensive impact and elevate their block production. Richards’ presence and strategic shot-blocking can be decisive in leveraging these opportunities for the Hornets’ defensive success.

On the Radar

Dereck Lively II (C – DAL): 61% Rostered – 1.4 BPG – Ranked: 18th

Waiver Priority: Medium-High

Three-Pointers Made

Donte DiVincenzo (SG, SF – NYK): 57% Rostered

DiVincenzo is performing well as a starter, and although he hasn’t seen a tremendous increase in his time on the floor, he consistently delivers on the court. While the arrival of OG Anunoby has undoubtedly strengthened the team’s position in the competitive Eastern Conference, it’s worth noting that DiVincenzo’s evolving role has added a layer of offensive versatility to the team, leveraging his upside as an additional playmaking facilitator with scoring potential.

As an offensive contributor, DiVincenzo brings a balanced approach, averaging 11.4 points (148th in the league), 2.7 three-pointers (32nd in the league), and 2.2 assists (169th in the league) per game. His shooting efficiency is impressive, with a 45.7% field-goal percentage and a scorching 42.2% from beyond the arc, resulting in a robust true shooting percentage of 62.2%. Additionally, his offensive rating of 118.6 ranks 5th on the team, highlighting his positive impact.

In terms of usage and playmaking, DiVincenzo maintains an 18.9% usage rate and a 13.9% assists rate (both ranking 3rd on the team among players with at least 20.0 minutes per game). While the Knicks are experimenting with rotations and player sets, DiVincenzo’s contribution remains significant. Although the slight uptick in minutes for players like Josh Hart and Quentin Grimes may raise concerns, their overall impact does not currently overshadow that of DiVincenzo.

It’s essential to keep an eye on this dynamic, especially in shallower season-long formats, as it could affect DiVincenzo’s potential for greater output and ceiling. With only a 58.0% ownership rate, DiVincenzo’s potential appears underappreciated. History suggests that he tends to elevate his performance as the season progresses, with February often signaling a spike in his production. Considering these factors, acquiring DiVincenzo now could prove to be a shrewd move as you plan your fantasy basketball strategy for the long haul.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Knicks have four games this upcoming week. New York, 10th in the league for three-pointers made with an average of 13.3 per game, is set to test their offensive prowess against a diverse range of defensive challenges in their upcoming games. In these matchups, the role of DiVincenzo, with his impressive offensive rating of 118.6 and an average of 2.7 three-pointers made per game, will be crucial.

Against teams like the Hornets and Lakers, who rank 26th and 30th in OPP 3PM respectively, the Knicks are presented with a golden opportunity to capitalize on their three-point shooting strengths. These matchups are conducive to the Knicks exceeding their three-point average, leveraging the defensive vulnerabilities of these opponents.

The game against the Jazz, who also show weakness in three-point defense (28th in OPP 3PM), offers a similar advantage for the Knicks to exploit. However, the challenge intensifies against the Pacers, who excel in limiting three-point shots (1st in OPP 3PM). This matchup demands a more strategic and precise approach from the Knicks, particularly from sharpshooters like DiVincenzo, to navigate through the Pacers’ robust perimeter defense.

Game pace will also influence their three-point shooting opportunities, with the Knicks’ slower pace potentially impacting the number of shooting chances. Adapting to the varied pace of their opponents will be key. Against teams with weaker three-point defense, the Knicks should aim to create open shots and maximize their three-point attempts, while against the Pacers, they need to focus on quality shots over quantity.

The Knicks, with DiVincenzo’s prowess from beyond the arc, are well-positioned to take advantage of their upcoming games, particularly against teams with weaker perimeter defenses. Their success in these matchups hinges on their ability to exploit defensive gaps and adapt their shooting strategy to the defensive strength of each opponent, especially in the challenging game against the Pacers.

On the Radar

Max Strus (SG,SF – CLE): 57% Rostered – 2.5 3PM – Ranked: 37th

Waiver Priority: Medium

Field-Goal Percentage

Aaron Nesmith (SF, PF – IND): 42% Rostered

Nesmith’s rise within the team has been nothing short of impressive, earning the respect of both coaches and teammates. His continuous improvement suggests a bright future in the NBA. As part of the league’s best offense and one of the most reliable offensive weapons on the offense, he has positioned himself as an integral piece of the team’s offensively imposing identity.

Nesmith is averaging 12.0 points (136th in the league) and 2.1 three-pointers (67th in the league) per game while shooting an incredible 51.4% from the floor and 46.3% from beyond the arc. While Nesmith does present some risks to your overall production, offering minimal value through rebounds and assists, he does provide upside in steals, averaging 1.0 per game (67th in the league).

For managers, Nesmith is an attractive addition, particularly if they aim to strengthen their position in scoring-oriented categories. He could be an ideal addition for those managers looking to bolster their competitive position in scoring-focused categories as part of an offense-heavy strategy for outpacing their opponents.

While Tyrese Haliburton and now Pascal Siakam rightfully own the spot-light when thinking about the team’s current and future success, Nesmith’s journey from Vanderbilt and his substantial growth in his first two years with the Pacers suggest the potential for him to ascend to elite status in the league in the years to come. Fantasy managers who acquire Nesmith now could be making one of the most significant offensively focused acquisitions of the season.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers have four games this upcoming week. Indiana, leading the NBA with a field-goal percentage of 50.7%, is poised for a series of matchups where their shooting efficiency will be crucial. Key to their offensive strategy is Nesmith, who boasts an offensive rating of 120.8 and a remarkable field-goal percentage of 51.5%. In the

upcoming games, the Pacers are presented with both opportunities and challenges. They face the Kings and Hornets, teams ranked 22nd and 28th in OPP FG%, respectively. These matchups offer the Pacers, especially Nesmith, a significant chance to capitalize on their shooting strengths, potentially outperforming their already high efficiency.

Nesmith’s precision in shooting will be particularly advantageous against these teams, allowing the Pacers to exploit the defensive vulnerabilities of their opponents. However, the challenge intensifies against the Celtics and Knicks, who are more adept at containing field-goal percentages, 3rd and 10th in OPP FG%, respectively. Despite this, the Pacers’ top-tier offensive ranking and Nesmith’s shooting acumen suggest they can still maintain effective field-goal production. Strategic shot selection and offensive adaptation will be key against these stronger defenses.

Overall, the Pacers, with Nesmith as a pivotal shooter, are well-equipped to take advantage of their upcoming games. While they may face stiffer resistance against teams like the Celtics and Knicks, their overall offensive capability and Nesmith’s accuracy provide a solid foundation to overcome these challenges. Adapting their offensive approach to the defensive strengths of each opponent will be crucial in sustaining their high field-goal percentage.

On the Radar

Nick Richards (C – CHA): 52% Rostered – 68.4% FG% – Ranked: 14th

Waiver Priority: High

Free-Throw Percentage

Dillon Brooks (SG,SF – HOU): 38% Rostered

Brooks is a dynamic playmaker who’s been instrumental in the team’s competitive success this season. His aggressive style adds a crucial dimension of competitiveness and consistency to the roster. Offensively, he’s a reliable contributor, averaging 13.8 points (104th in the league) and connecting on 1.9 three-pointers (96th in the league) per game. He boasts impressive shooting percentages, with a 45.9% field-goal rate, a sharp 38.5% from beyond the arc, and a solid 84.1% from the free-throw line on 2.3 attempts per game.

What sets Brooks apart is his knack for incremental contributions throughout the game. While his impact may not always be immediately apparent, the uncomfortable feeling of watching the box score is usually rewarded with a solid stat line that can bode well for the overall output of your rotation for the week. Adding Brooks to your rotation has the potential to significantly enhance your team’s overall output, making him an asset for managers looking for an asset with ample opportunity and promising upside. reliable and consistent contributor.

Upcoming Week Analysis

On the Radar

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF – MIA): 59% Rostered – 83.3% FT% – Ranked: 136th

Waiver Priority: Medium-High

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