Fantasy Basketball Week 23: Waiver Wire Gems and Lineup Traps
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Another crucial week in the fantasy basketball season is upon us, and this time, navigating the schedule is key. With more teams playing three games than four, smart roster management is paramount. As always,late-season injuries and potential shutdowns create opportunities to snag undervalued players from the waiver wire. Let’s dive into some start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em recommendations, focusing on players with a Yahoo league start/roster rate of 50% or less for the “Starts,” and those you might normally start but should consider benching this week for the “Sits.”
Teams with Four Games: Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, New york Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
Teams with Three Games: Atlanta Hawks, boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland trail Blazers, Utah Jazz
Guards: Start ’em, Sit ‘Em
Start: Stephon Castle, Spurs (41% Start Rate)
Stephon Castle is heating up at the perfect time for fantasy managers. Over his last six starts, the rookie is averaging an notable 20.0 points, 4.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in nearly 30 minutes per game. Castle’s impressive rookie season is in high gear heading into Week 23,
making him a must-start in most leagues. Even more encouraging, he’s putting up these numbers despite shooting onyl 44.9% from the field, suggesting there’s room for even more upside as the Spurs make a late-season push.
Start: Ziaire Williams, Nets (14% roster Rate)
With the Nets out of playoff contention, they’re giving their young players extended run, and Ziaire Williams is capitalizing. Over his last five games, Williams is averaging 15.2 points (on scorching 52.8% shooting,including 48.6% from three),4.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals. With D’Angelo Russell perhaps missing time and Cam Thomas out for the season, Williams should see plenty of opportunities to contribute during Brooklyn’s four-game week.Think of him as this year’s version of a late-season waiver wire hero, similar to how Malik Monk emerged for some teams a few years back.
Also Consider:
- Keon Johnson, Nets (24% Roster Rate)
- Jeff Dowtin Jr., 76ers (5% Roster Rate)
Sit: Bradley Beal, Suns (55% Start Rate)
Despite the Suns having a full four-game schedule, bradley Beal’s hamstring strain makes him a risky play. He missed all of Week 22, and soft-tissue injuries are notoriously unpredictable. With it being such a critical time in the fantasy season, there’s really no reason to risk minimal or zero output from a veteran player who has a less-than-stellar reputation for durability.
There are likely healthier, more reliable options on your roster or the waiver wire.
Forwards: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
Start: Naji Marshall, Mavericks (48% Start Rate)
Naji Marshall has been on a tear lately, averaging 22.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals over his last nine games. He’s also taking a whopping 17.3 shots per game during that stretch. even with P.J. Washington back in the lineup, Marshall has maintained a significant role. The potential return of anthony Davis could impact his usage, but even if he moves back to the bench, Marshall should still be a valuable contributor.
Start: P.J. Washington, mavericks (46% Start Rate)
Speaking of the Mavericks, P.J. Washington is another forward to target.As returning from an ankle injury, he’s been lights out, shooting 56.9% from the field and 41.2% from three on his way to 27.3 points per game. He’s also adding 6.7 rebounds,1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks. Like Marshall, Washington’s usage could be affected by Davis’s return, but he’s proven to be a key offensive weapon for Dallas.
Also Consider:
- Kyshawn George, Wizards (29% Roster Rate)
Sit: Lauri Markkanen, Jazz (61% Start Rate)
The Jazz’s late-season rotations are notoriously unpredictable, and lauri Markkanen’s current situation is especially murky. He’s missed the last three games due to a personal issue and an illness, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming week. trying to read the tea leaves on the Jazz’s late-season personnel usage is a proverbial fool’s errand.
Given the uncertainty, it’s best to avoid the risk and bench Markkanen.
Centers: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
Start: Alex Sarr, Wizards (50% Roster Rate)
Despite a recent subpar performance, Alex Sarr remains a promising fantasy option. In the nine games prior, he averaged 18.8 points (with impressive 41.8% 3-point shooting), 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks. He’s shown the ability to contribute across the board, making him a valuable asset in most leagues.Think of him as a high-upside play with the potential to be a league winner down the stretch.
Start: Nick Richards, Suns (27% Roster Rate)
Nick Richards has been a reliable contributor for the Suns as late February, averaging 13.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks in just over 23 minutes per game. He’s also shooting a stellar 67.4% from the field. with the Suns fighting for a play-in spot, Richards should continue to see consistent minutes and production.
Also Consider:
- wendell Carter Jr., Magic (33% Roster Rate)
- Kai Jones, Mavericks (17% Roster Rate)
Sit: Chet Holmgren, Thunder (70% Start Rate)
It’s rare to recommend sitting Chet Holmgren, but several factors make it a prudent move this week.he’s dealing with a hip strain, the Thunder have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the West, and they only have three games this week.Given his injury history, the Thunder may be cautious with his playing time. While talented, Holmgren’s recent production hasn’t been irreplaceable, averaging 14.0 points,7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists,and 1.8 blocks over his last eight games. There are likely safer, healthier options available.
Key Fantasy Basketball Matchups: Week 23 overview
To further assist your fantasy basketball roster decisions in Week 23, here’s a comparative snapshot highlighting key player performances and their associated fantasy basketball potential, designed to streamline your research and optimize your lineup choices. This week’s schedule disparities demand strategic assessments, prioritizing players with ample chance.
This unique table goes beyond simple stats, presenting real-world impact and providing clear insights into why certain players are primed for success or potential pitfalls. we’ve focused our analysis on several key performance indicators (KPIs) that are pivotal for fantasy success. These variables offer a well-rounded evaluation of a player’s current value relative to their draft position and typical performance metrics.
| Player | Position | Team (Games) | Avg. Points (Last 5 Games) | Avg. Rebounds (last 5 Games) | Avg.Assists (Last 5 Games) | Notable Strengths | Potential Weaknesses | Week 23 Proposal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephon Castle | G | Spurs (4) | 20.0 | 4.8 | 4.2 | High scoring upside,Assists | Inconsistent shooting percentage. | Start – High floor, rising ceiling. |
| Ziaire Williams | G | Nets (4) | 15.2 | 4.8 | 1.4 | Efficient Shooting,rebounds | inconsistent minutes in past games. | Start – Solid value in a good matchup. |
| Bradley Beal | G | Suns (4) | N/A (injured) | N/A (injured) | N/A (injured) | High scoring upside when healthy. | Injury concerns, hamstring issues | Sit – Risky due to Injury. |
| Naji Marshall | F | Mavericks (4) | 22.7 | 9.0 | 4.1 | High usage, rebounding | Impacted by teammate returns. | Start – Monitor Davis’s potential return. |
| P.J.Washington | F | Mavericks (4) | 27.3 | 6.7 | 1.3 | Efficient Scoring, blocks | Usage may fluctuate. | Start – Strong production expected. |
| Lauri Markkanen | F | Jazz (3) | N/A (injured) | N/A (injured) | N/A (injured) | High scoring upside when healthy. | Injury concerns,Team inconsistencies | Sit – To risky,avoid if possible. |
| Alex Sarr | C | Wizards (4) | 18.8 | 7.9 | 2.6 | Scoring, rebounding and blocks. | Inconsistent performances in past games. | Start – High upside, a solid value. |
| Nick Richards | C | Suns (4) | 13.0 | 8.8 | 1.1 | High field goal %, Rebounds | Limited offensive contributions. | Start – Reliable across the board. |
| chet Holmgren | C | Thunder (3) | 14.0 | 7.8 | 1.9 | Defensive upside, blocks and rebounding | Injury history, Minutes concerns. | Sit – Manage expectations. |
Fantasy basketball Week 23: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Navigating the fantasy basketball landscape can be challenging. Here are answers to some of the most common questions fantasy managers face each week, helping you make informed decisions and maximize your team’s potential. These answers aim to offer concise, actionable advice for optimal roster management.
- What is the most significant factor to consider when setting my lineup in Week 23?
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The number of games played by a player’s team is the most critical factor. Prioritize players on teams with four games compared to those with only three,maximizing your games played and your overall scoring output. Also, be sure to consider players’ availability to ensure that you field a complete team.
- Wich guard is a must-start in Week 23?
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Stephon Castle presents a compelling case.He has demonstrated consistent point production, rebounding, and assists, making him a valuable asset across several statistical categories. The fact that he’s playing in a four-game week will help your team’s total output.
- Which guard should I consider sitting this upcoming week, and why?
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While Bradley Beal historically is a solid fantasy player, his hamstring injury makes him a risky start this week.The combination of his injury and the suns’ four-game schedule is a gamble.With an injury that could limit his effectiveness—or cause him to miss games entirely—it’s wise to sit him for a healthier option.
- Which forward offers the best combination of value and opportunity in Week 23?
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Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington, offer the best blend of production and opportunity. Both have demonstrated strong scoring and rebounding averages. Monitor their potential use and make your choice from there – it’s a solid strategy to monitor both players and then make your decision on which plays will improve your team.
- Which center should I consider starting this week?
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Alex Sarr should be a consideration as he’s playing in a four-game week. He provides a well-rounded stat line, making him a viable option in most league formats. He can bring a solid output for your team.
- Who is a sit-down consideration for a center and why?
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Chet Holmgren should be a consideration for sitting as he’s coming off an injury. He also is a center on a team that has already locked in the number one seed and has a less-than-ideal three game schedule. Because of his status, the team may be conservative about his playing time.
- How do I find potential waiver wire gems this late in the season?
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Focus on teams with favorable schedules (four games) and identify players with increased playing time due to injuries or strategic rotations.Look for players who have demonstrated recent productivity and are available in a high percentage of Yahoo or ESPN leagues. Stay active monitoring daily news and injury reports – and try to act quickly!
