Things are getting real in the back half of the season, with injuries beginning to pile up and teams starting to tighten their rotations and strategies to position themselves for the postseason. There will undoubtedly be new opportunities for understated value to rise to the top but there are still plenty of more known assets available that could come along strong down the stretch.

This week’s recommended acquisitions are no strangers to the list. While they come with respectable roster rates that follow the take the ‘best on the board’ strategy, these assets could be taken for granted with ample value forfeited for not having invested sooner. I see ownership creeping up for these plays each week, as many of them are on good teams playing for postseason momentum or are at least on a team where their opportunity and role are substantial, which could lead to some late-season magic.

This week may be the last chance you have to secure proven less speculative value and the last week these weekly recommendations make immediate sense. For those in more competitive leagues, look to this week’s ‘On the Radar’ selections for plays that provide promising, albeit understated upside, even if best deployed as pragmatic streaming options.

As always, I would like to thank 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.

For those just joining us, welcome! 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 to claim your league’s championship crown. Even with the season coming to what should be an exciting end, it is still beneficial to maintain an “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” mindset as you strategize and tailor your weekly approach to maximize your team’s value and potential.

Each week, we will examine widely available players rostered in fewer than 65% of Yahoo! fantasy leagues. 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:

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

Points

Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG, SF – PHI): 60% Rostered

Kelly Oubre has been a tremendous addition to the Sixers this season and will be critical to any success they hope to realize this postseason. With Joel Embiid fighting to get healthy and Tyrese Maxey starting to test his durability late this year, the team is going to need someone to step up who can be aggressive and versatile in their playmaking to ensure the team can remain dynamic in their sets and how they will be able to compete in a competitive eastern conference. Let’s not forget Oubre began to demonstrate his ability to take over a team back in 2019-2020 with the Suns and reminded us again of his potential in 2022-2023 with the Hornets. In those seasons, he averaged 18.7 points and 20.3 points per game, respectively, adding more optimism regarding his upside potential this season as he is averaging 14.6 points per game (98th in the league).

Oubre’s value upside is no secret as his 60% roster rate is competitive; however, as a key two-way player on one of the league’s best teams who are sure to compete admirably this postseason, this rate could be too low. If you have or don’t have the roster space and he is available, you may want to heavily consider adding him to your rotation. Not only does he offer scoring upside but his ability to defend and make plays without the ball in his hands can be invaluable, especially when looking to maximize your competitive position across as many categories as possible.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Sixers have three games this upcoming week. Philadelphia faces a week of matchups where their offensive capabilities, highlighted by a points average of 115.9 per game, will be tested against the defensive fronts of the Knicks, Bucks and Hornets. With a strategic mix of pace and scoring efficiency, the Sixers’ approach to each game will require adaptability to overcome the defensive challenges presented by these teams.

The Knicks (second in OPP PTS), boasting a formidable defense, represent the toughest challenge, necessitating a tactical offensive strategy from Philadelphia to exploit their opportunistic defense. Given their relatively weaker defensive performances this season, matchups against the Bucks (19th in OPP PTS) and Hornets (20th in OPP PTS) offer promising opportunities for offensive success.

Oubre, with an offensive rating of 114.6 and an average of 14.6 points per game, stands as a key figure in exploiting these defensive vulnerabilities. Against the Knicks, precision and strategic playmaking will be crucial, while the games against the Bucks and Hornets invite a more aggressive offensive stance to leverage their defensive shortcomings.

The ability of the Sixers to adapt their game plan — capitalizing on Oubre’s scoring potential and the team’s overall offensive strengths — will be vital across these matchups. This adaptive offensive strategy positions Philadelphia to maximize its scoring opportunities and navigate the week’s challenges with potential success.

On the Radar

Malachi Branham (PG, SG, SF – SAS): 27% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: Medium-High
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): HOU, DEN, BKN
• Average OPP PTS (Wk.19): 112.36
• Average OPP PTS Rank (Wk.19): 9th
• Hold Length: Week 19

Rebounds

Precious Achiuwa (PF, C – NYK): 56% Rostered

While the eminent return of O.G Anunoby could be enough to detract from Precious Achiuwa’s appeal, I don’t think it will hinder his production much. His 6.7 rebounds per game (55th in the league) isn’t necessarily a direct result of increased playing time; I believe it has a lot more to do with how talented he is as a player and the amount of understated potential he has to tap into when provided the opportunity to be an integral part of the team’s scheme no matter the amount of time he has on the floor.

If this observation isn’t enough to sway you, let’s look at the games he was granted between 20 and 25 minutes on the floor. In those seven games since joining the Knicks, he has averaged 7.71 rebounds per game. So, we know there is a good chance that his rebounding production remains competitive and poised to come in clutch when needed.

However, the potential downside on the horizon is that the multi-categorical potential he has begun to demonstrate via his scoring ability may be short-lived, depending on how the Knicks decide to deploy and integrate his value into their scheme. Still, his rebounding ability, at least for the time being, should be enough to bolster your ability to compete in this category significantly.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Knicks have three games this upcoming week. New York is gearing up for matchups against the Sixers, Trail Blazers and Kings this week, bringing their fifth-ranked rebounding prowess, at 45.7 rebounds per game, into the spotlight. Each game presents a distinct scenario for New York’s rebounding efforts, setting the stage for potentially impactful performances in this critical category.

Against the Sixers (21st in OPP REB) and the Trail Blazers (17th in OPP REB), the Knicks find themselves in a promising position to leverage their strong rebounding capability. These matchups offer New York a substantial opportunity to outmaneuver their opponents’ less formidable rebounding defenses, potentially amplifying their rebounding success. The Kings (eighth in OPP REB) pose a stiffer challenge; however, the Knicks’ top-tier rebounding rank suggests a competitive edge even in this tougher setting.

Central to the Knicks’ strategy is their slowest-in-the-league pace, emphasizing the importance of efficiency in each possession to maximize rebounding opportunities. The varied game tempos of their opponents, from the moderately paced Sixers and Trail Blazers to the quicker Kings, introduce strategic nuances to New York’s rebounding approach.

Achiuwa’s defensive rating of 110.9 and average of 6.7 rebounds per game highlight his crucial role in the Knicks’ rebounding efforts. Achiuwa’s ability to navigate the challenges presented by each opponent, from exploiting the Sixers and Trail Blazers’ vulnerabilities to confronting the Kings’ active rebounding defense, will be vital for New York’s success.

With Achiuwa’s contributions as a pivotal factor, this week offers the Knicks a prime opportunity to assert their rebounding strength and adapt their strategies to overcome the diverse challenges posed by their opponents.

On the Radar

Amen Thompson (PG, SG, SF – HOU): 39% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: Medium-High
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): @SAS, WAS, CLE
• Average OPP REB (Wk.19): 45.90
• Average OPP REB Rank (Wk.19): 29th
• Hold Length: Week 19 – 20

Assists

Caris LeVert (SG, SF – CLE): 49% Rostered

Caris LeVert has been a mixed bag this season on a game-to-game basis. While he has demonstrated his promising upside at times this season, he hasn’t demonstrated the kind and caliber of consistency that would make him a long-standing member of your rotation. Despite this frustrating dynamic, he has managed to maintain his status as a good player. Sometimes, that’s all you need to take a chance to win.

LeVert offers multi-categorical value and has the ability as a two-way player to be deployed in a multitude of ways that could, at times, be a detriment to his ability to build a consistent book of work that fails to lend itself to fantasy upside. However, 14.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game are too impactful to pass up. While it is an understated aspect of his game, his assists at 4.8 per game (59th in the league) have been the most consistent aspect of his game this season. While they may fluctuate, remember he’s a good player.

This week’s schedule will be a good litmus test for his quality play moving forward; the following week offers more potential for him to demonstrate his productive versatility.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Cavaliers have two games remaining this upcoming week. Cleveland, armed with a commendable average of 27.7 assists per game, is poised for intriguing matchups against the Pelicans and Rockets this week. Positioned 10th in the league for assists, the Cavaliers’ knack for creating scoring opportunities through effective ball distribution will be crucial. Their upcoming games present contrasting challenges, with the Pelicans allowing an average of 26.8 assists per game (18th in OPP AST), positioning them as the more susceptible of the two defenses the Cavaliers will face. This matchup hints at a favorable scenario for Cleveland, potentially enabling them to leverage their assist strengths.

The matchup with the Rockets (second in OPP AST), however, introduces a significant challenge, given Houston’s defense that limits opponents to just 24.4 assists per game, ranking them second in the league. This scenario demands a strategic recalibration from the Cavaliers, underscoring the need for inventive playmaking to pierce through the Rockets’ defensive resilience.

Central to the Cavaliers’ strategic efforts is LeVert, whose playmaking acumen, embodied in his 4.8 assists per game and an offensive rating of 114.7, will be under the spotlight. Against the Pelicans, LeVert’s role as a facilitator could flourish, amplifying Cleveland’s assist production. Facing the Rockets, however, his creativity and decision-making will be rigorously tested, making his contributions pivotal to navigating Houston’s tight defense.

This week, the Cavaliers face a blend of opportunities and challenges. Success will hinge on their ability to adapt and optimize their offensive strategies, with LeVert’s performance a key determinant in their quest to maximize assist production amidst these contrasting matchups.

On the Radar

Vasilije Micic (PG – CHA): 27% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: Medium-High
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): @MEM, PHO, @PHI
• Average OPP AST (Wk.19): 26.03
• Average OPP AST Rank (Wk.19): 11th
• Hold Length: Week 19

Steals

Alex Caruso (PG, SG – CHI): 62% Rostered

Alex Caruso has done enough to demonstrate his value in the league and has achieved a steady role on a Bulls squad looking to catch fire and compete in the postseason. He is a multi-categorical contributor who has put together a balanced book of work that offers a respectable amount of everything except for the kind of upside and ceiling that could move him from a pragmatic piece of your strategy to the foundation of your strategy.

While he may never offer the kind of offensive production typical of a one- or two-guard, he has put on a master class this season defensively, averaging 1.6 steals (9th in the league) and 1.1 blocks per game (28th in the league). He doesn’t show any signs of compromising his production in these categories anytime soon.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Bulls have two remaining games this week. Chicago, with a solid average of 7.7 steals per game, placing them 10th in the league, is gearing up for their matchups against the Pacers and Clippers. This week’s matchups against the Pacers (seventh in OPP STL), who allow 6.8 steals per game, and the Clippers (13th in OPP STL), with 7.1 allowed per game, pose intriguing challenges and opportunities for the Bulls’ defensive strategies, especially in generating steals.

The Pacers’ high-speed gameplay, ranked as the second-fastest in the NBA, may open additional avenues for the Bulls to exploit turnovers and secure steals, given the higher number of possessions such matchups typically entail. On the other hand, the game against the Clippers promises to be a closer contest, with opportunities for steals that could prove crucial in tight moments.

Caruso’s exceptional defensive abilities and knack for timely steals have become a cornerstone of the Bulls’ strategy. Averaging 1.6 steals per game with a defensive rating of 109.0, Caruso’s role is pivotal in disrupting the offensive flow of both the Pacers and the Clippers. His anticipation and defensive insight will be key against the Pacers’ fast-paced attack and equally vital in navigating through the Clippers’ offensive setups to create impactful defensive plays.

As the Bulls face these matchups, the blend of their collective defensive effort and Caruso’s prowess presents a compelling dynamic.  This week, the effectiveness of the Bulls’ defense, anchored by Caruso’s performance, will be instrumental in leveraging their defensive strengths and maximizing their steals production against varied offensive strategies.

On the Radar

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SG, SF – MIA): 43% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: Medium-High
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): DEN, @DET, @DET
• Average OPP STL (Wk.19): 8.23
• Average OPP STL Rank (Wk.19): 27th
• Hold Length: Week 19 – 20

Blocks

Nick Richards (C – CHA): 48% Rostered

Nick Richards is averaging 1.3 blocks per game (22nd in the league). While his 8.1 rebounds per game have been the main source of appeal this season, he is slowly starting to demonstrate his ability to score. While this may not be that sustainable, it does offer an opportunity to snag a two-way asset that could offer some impactful multi-categorical value that could benefit the production of your rotation.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Hornets have two remaining games this week. Charlotte, positioned 23rd in the NBA with an average of 5.2 blocks per game, is gearing up for their matchups against the Grizzlies and Suns. With the Grizzlies allowing 6.3 blocks per game (28th in OPP BLK), this matchup hints at a potential uptick in the Hornets’ block production, offering a promising avenue to leverage their defensive capabilities. On the other side, the Suns (eighth in OPP BLK), allowing just 4.8 blocks per game, present a sterner test for the Hornets’ defense.

Richards, whose defensive prowess, highlighted by an average of 1.3 blocks per game, marks him as a key player in the Hornets’ defensive scheme. Against the Grizzlies, Richards’ ability to disrupt shots and secure blocks could be particularly impactful, exploiting the Grizzlies’ vulnerability. The game against the Suns demands a more nuanced defensive effort from Richards and the Hornets, requiring them to navigate through the Suns’ efficient offense to find block opportunities.

These upcoming games offer the Hornets a mixed set of challenges and opportunities in block production. The Grizzlies’ game represents a chance to exceed their block averages, while the Suns’ matchup calls for strategic defensive excellence. Richards’ influence in both contests will be crucial, with his performance potentially pivotal in maximizing the Hornets’ defensive impact.

On the Radar

Jonathan Isaac (SF, PF – ORL): 5% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: Medium-Low
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): BKN, @TOR, TOR
• Average OPP BLK (Wk.19): 5.20
• Average OPP BLK Rank (Wk.19): 17th
• Hold Length: Week 19 – 20

Three-Pointers Made

Duncan Robinson (SG, SF – MIA): 50% Rostered

Duncan Robinson is going to play as long as he is healthy. As I have written many times before, he has one of the most advantageous roles in the league that allows him to play as he sees fit to contribute sustained offensive value to the team.

With Tyler Herro dealing with an ailing foot injury, Duncan is sure to see a short-term expansion of his role and responsibilities in the starting lineup, which could lead to underwhelming results. However, his offensive profile can significantly set you up for success when strategically positioned in your lineup, especially with your more nuanced offensive categories.

Robinson is averaging 13.3 points and 2.9 three-pointers (25th in the league) on 7.1 attempts per game, shooting 45.4% from the floor and 40.6% from beyond the arc. Robinson is one of the best offensive options they have on the team and is poised to have ample opportunity to continue demonstrating his promising value as the team begins to prepare for postseason competition.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Heat have three games this upcoming week. Miami, with an average of 12.4 three-pointers made per game and ranked 17th in the league, faces a week of strategic challenges against the Nuggets and Pistons. These matchups offer a mixed bag of defensive challenges, with the Nuggets (second in OPP 3PM) allowing just 11.4 per game and the Pistons (seventh in OPP 3PM) allowing 12.0 per game. The Heat’s upcoming matchups are not just tests of their perimeter shooting but also trials of tactical execution as they navigate through some of the league’s more formidable defenses against the three-point shot.

Robinson, averaging 2.9 three-pointers made per game, emerges as a key player in the Heat’s offensive strategy. His ability to unlock defenses from beyond the arc could be instrumental, especially in creating scoring opportunities against these tight defenses. The game against the Pistons, characterized by a higher defensive rating, might present Robinson and the Heat with more leverage for three-point production compared to the stiff resistance expected from the Nuggets.

This week represents an opportunity for the Heat to exploit their three-point shooting strategy effectively. By leveraging Robinson’s expertise and the team’s overall offensive dynamics, the Heat aim to penetrate the defensive strongholds of the Nuggets and Pistons. Their success in enhancing three-point production will heavily rely on adapting to each opponent’s defensive scheme, utilizing the game’s pace to their advantage, and capitalizing on Robinson’s sharpshooting abilities.

On the Radar

Aaron Nesmith (SF, PF – IND): 35% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: Medium-High
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): @OKC, CHI, BKN
• Average OPP 3PM (Wk.19): 13.7
• Average OPP 3PM Rank (Wk.19): 27th
• Hold Length: Week 19 – 20

Field-Goal Percentage

T.J. McConnell (PG – IND): 17% Rostered

T.J. McConnell has demonstrated his ability to compete and perform no matter the size and importance of his role in the team’s strategy. With the season-ending surgery of Bennedict Mathurin, the team will have to get creative with managing their front and backcourts.

While McConnell hasn’t been granted substantial opportunities due to injuries, as unfortunate as it is, this instance might allow him to tap into and sustain the upside we all know he has. He is averaging 8.8 points per game while shooting 55.1% from the floor.

His offensive profile, in addition to his 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game, makes him an attractive asset to acquire despite the unknowns that may surround his positioning on the team, given their increasingly growing holes on offense.

Upcoming Week Analysis

The Pacers have three games this upcoming week. Indiana, currently leading the NBA with a stellar field-goal percentage of 50.6%, has matchups against the Thunder, Bulls and Nets. The Pacers’ proficiency in field goals will be tested against the varying defensive strengths of these teams, with the Thunder (3rd in OPP FG%) showcasing a particularly formidable defense. The matchups against the Bulls (11th in OPP FG%) and Nets (15th in OPP FG%), while not as defensively stringent as the one against the Thunder, still require the Pacers to leverage their offensive strengths.

The Pacers’ league-topping pace at 102.48 and an offensive rating of 120.1 indicate their capacity to maintain offensive efficiency across different game speeds and defensive strategies.

T.J. McConnell, whose individual offensive rating of 116.10 and impressive 55.4% shooting from the field highlight his ability to significantly contribute to the Pacers’ shooting efficiency. McConnell’s performance is anticipated to be crucial, especially against the tight defense of the Thunder and the slightly more lenient defenses of the Bulls and Nets.

Facing teams with a mix of defensive capabilities, from the stringent Thunder to the more accommodating Bulls and Nets, the Pacers have the opportunity to leverage their high-tempo offense and McConnell’s shooting accuracy. This combination of team-wide efficiency and individual excellence sets the stage for the Pacers to potentially excel in field-goal percentage production across these matchups.

On the Radar

Jalen Smith (PF, C – IND): 7% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: Medium-Low
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): @OKC, CHI, BKN
• Average OPP FG% (Wk.19): 46.4%
• Average OPP FG% Rank (Wk.19): 8th
• Hold Length: Week 19

Free-Throw Percentage

De’Andre Hunter (SF, PF – ATL): 52% Rostered

De’Andre Hunter is an asset that has the potential to significantly turn the tide in your favor if you are looking to bolster your offensive production. Much of his value stems from his efficiency, and while that could be a point of concern, his level of consistency from the floor does a lot to thwart that valid vulnerability to his game.

He is averaging 15.4 points, 2.0 three-pointers, and 3.1 free throws per game while shooting 48.1% from the floor, 42.6% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free-throw line. While he has been a bit shaky from the charity stripe lately, the volume and his raw body of work offer game-changing potential. Hunter is rostered in 52% of leagues and should be heavily considered for those looking to compete against more offensively gifted teams.

On the Radar

Scoot Henderson (PG – POR): 51% Rostered

• Waiver Priority: High
• Opponent(s) (Wk.19): ATL, NYK, @NOP
• Average OPP FT% (Wk.19): 77.2%
• Average OPP FT% Rank (Wk.19): 7th
• Hold Length: Week 19 – 20

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