NBA Weekly Update
As another thrilling week unfolds in the NBA, the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers are making headlines with their impressive starts, while the San Antonio Spurs appear poised for a title run. However, the injury bug has a significant impact on team rosters across the league, forcing teams to adopt a ‘next man up’ philosophy, which has paved the way for lesser-known players and rookies to shine. This week, we spotlight three such rookies who are making waves in the fantasy basketball scene.
Fans can catch the Minnesota Timberwolves in action against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, starting at 7 p.m. ET, streaming live on Peacock.
Injury Impact
In a significant blow for the Atlanta Hawks, star guard Trae Young is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a sprained MCL sustained last week. This injury creates a key opportunity for other players on the Hawks’ roster to step up.
Top Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups Ahead of Week 3
- Ryan Rollins (43% owned in Yahoo! leagues) – After a stellar run in the last few games, Rollins remains widely available and could be a game changer. He’s consistently contributed with an impressive average of 24.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in recent outings. Even with Kevin Porter Jr. on the brink of return, his current form suggests he’ll maintain his starting position.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (36%) – With Young sidelined, NAW has provided crucial scoring for the Hawks, averaging 16.9 points with solid contributions in rebounding and assists. His potential for an uptick in usage makes him an appealing add for fantasy managers.
- Donte DiVincenzo (37%) – Starting for the Timberwolves, DiVincenzo is benefitting from increased playing time due to Anthony Edwards’ absence. He has averaged nearly 15 points and over four assists in his recent games, establishing himself as a reliable fantasy option.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (35%) – Jaquez has emerged as a prominent scorer for the Miami Heat, hitting a high point of 31 points in a recent game, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly in terms of points, rebounds, and assists.
- Quentin Grimes (36%) – Grimes is proving to be a vital part of the Philadelphia 76ers’ second unit. His scoring consistency, highlighted by a recent double-double performance, has made him a player worth considering as he may see more minutes due to injuries within the team.
Other noteworthy adds include Bilal Coulibaly (34%), who recently returned from injury and started strong; Cedric Coward (33%), making an immediate impact with the Memphis Grizzlies; and Jeremiah Fears (19%) from the New Orleans Pelicans, who has started to gain traction despite his team’s struggles.
In addition to these rising talents, keep an eye on Josh Minott (23%) and Jarace Walker (17%) for their potential to contribute valuable stats in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, managers should be proactive in adjusting their lineups and exploring the waiver wire to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the face of injuries.
In summary, while injuries have cast a shadow over several teams, they also open doors for new stars to emerge in the fantasy basketball landscape. Stay tuned as we monitor how these players continue to evolve and assert their value heading into Week 3.
