By Trevor Roughan
Congratulations! If you’re reading this article, you’re likely still in the mix to be crowned the 2023 champion of your fantasy basketball league(s). Making it this far into the season isn’t easy, and the vastly increasing number of players that are currently injured/shut down doesn’t make your job any less difficult at this juncture. Even if just a little bit, it’s my hope to help you navigate this important week.
For the first time this season, all NBA teams are playing at least three games within the next seven days. That means you don’t have to fade quality free agents or consider dropping valuable, rostered players who have a light two-game week. This increased flexibility should level the playing field for your impending matchup. However, you can still gain a potentially week-altering edge by adding and dropping the right pieces at the right time. Below is a breakdown of players you should consider rostering throughout the week, including when it’s best to drop them in favor of another option (targeted to members of 12-14 teams, H2H Points leagues with up to 6 matchup acquisitions per week).
Ochai Agbaji – Utah Jazz
What to like: The rookie out of Kansas has been taking advantage of the increased minutes he’s been receiving lately. In his last four games, Agbaji is averaging 15 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in an up-ticked 31.5 minutes per game. A bulk of his recently increased playing time/production can be attributed to the many injuries currently plaguing Utah. As long as Laurie Markkanen and/or Jordan Clarkson are out, you should seek to have Agbaji rostered to your squad.
When to add: At any point throughout the week, especially Monday (3/27) if possible.
When to drop: When/if ever Markkanen and Clarkson both return to the starting lineup, which doesn’t look likely for the rest of this season.
Naz Reid – Minnesota Timberwolves
What to like: In limited minutes, Reid has dominated offensively as of late. In his past six games, Reid is scoring 17.8 points with a 60.3 field goal percentage in just 22 minutes per game. In recent weeks, Reid has proved to be trustworthy for consistent fantasy production despite his comparative lack of playing time to other players on this list.
When to add: Ideally in advance of his first game of the week on Monday, 3/27. He next plays on Wednesday, 3/29.
When to drop: If you decide to go with Reid, there is no reason to drop him this week unless his minutes inexplicably take a dip or he’s your weakest option on a day when you have too many players playing.
Mark Williams – Charlotte Hornets
What to like: Williams returned to the starting lineup on Sunday, 3/26 with a bang. The rookie recorded a double-double, totaling 15 points and 16 rebounds in 32 minutes. This is significant. In the six games Williams missed, Hornets center, Nick Richards, was fantastic. This past Sunday, when Williams proved ready for a reinsertion to the starting lineup, Richards was surprisingly a coach’s DNP. Williams’ great rebounding, shot blocking, and efficiency renders him a fantasy asset even when splitting time with Richards, and right now, it seems like Williams is set to receive more minutes than ever for the sake of development.
When to add: Friday, 3/31, or Tuesday, 3/28 (If willing to drop him in favor of an option for Wednesday and/or Thursday).
When to drop: After his game begins on Tuesday, 3/28 (if added prior to that contest). Keep him for the rest of the week if you pick him up in advance of his game on Friday, 3/31 versus Chicago.
Shaedon Sharpe – Portland Trailblazers
What to like: Shaedon Sharpe finds himself in a similar situation to Ochai Agbaji. Both players have become assets in the wake of mounting injuries to their respective squads. In Sharpe’s case, the rookie has sprung from fantasy irrelevance to must-roster status in a matter of four days. I’m not joking. Damian Lillard is likely to be out for the rest of the season while Anfernee Simons isn’t probable for return-to-action for at least the next couple of games. Sharpe is averaging 25.6 points in 37.6 minutes per game on good efficiency in his last three contests, which also marks the same period of time Portland has been without both Lillard and Simons. As long as one or both of these stars remain injured, Sharpe is a sharp bet for this week.
When to add: Like Agbaji, at any point throughout the week, especially Monday (3/27) if possible.
When to drop: If Lillard returns or if Sharpe is moved back to the bench to accommodate a returning Anfernee Simons (not likely).
While it may not seem like much, the addition and/or subtraction of even just one player can swing your chances of securing a fantasy basketball championship win. Let us know below if we’ve helped you make any of your decisions prior to or throughout your matchup this week!
Photo credit: Shutterstock
