The NBA’s Return from All-Star Break
The NBA’s return from the All-Star break has been marked by significant news, particularly the season-ending injury to Victor Wembanyama, who has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Adding to the roster turmoil, Bobby Portis is also out for the next 25 games due to a suspension. These developments have left many fantasy managers scrambling to find viable replacements. To help navigate this challenging period, here are some low-rostered (less than 50 percent) players who could provide a much-needed boost to your lineup in Yahoo leagues.
Priority Adds
-
Jeremy Sochan (44%), San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan is a standout option among the Spurs’ current roster. With Wembanyama out, Sochan has stepped up, even logging 28 minutes off the bench in San Antonio’s win over the Suns. He contributed 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one blocked shot in that game. Sochan’s versatility and increased minutes make him a valuable asset, especially as he may see more playing time both as a power forward and a center.
-
Toumani Camara (35%), Portland Trail Blazers: Camara has been a consistent presence in Chauncey Billups’ starting lineup, and his recent performances have been impressive. Since January 21, he has averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers per game. His career-high five steals against the Lakers on February 20 showcase his defensive prowess. Fantasy managers should consider adding Camara to their roster for his well-rounded contributions.
-
Stephon Castle (40%), San Antonio Spurs: Another Spurs player to watch, Castle recorded his first professional double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 26 minutes against the Suns. His consistent production since the trade deadline, where he has been a top 100 player in eight-cat formats, makes him a solid addition. With Wembanyama and potentially Devin Vassell out, Castle is poised to see more minutes.
-
Malik Beasley (40%), Detroit Pistons: Malik Beasley has been on a tear, averaging 18.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 5.0 three-pointers in his last five games. Although he is primarily a scorer and three-point shooter, his recent efficiency (47.8 percent from the field) has been commendable. Despite Tim Hardaway Jr. potentially starting, Beasley’s fantasy value is clear, especially with Jaden Ivey sidelined due to a leg injury.
- Quentin Grimes (22%), Philadelphia 76ers: Quentin Grimes has seamlessly transitioned into the starting lineup since his trade to Philadelphia. He has hit double digits in all five of his appearances, averaging 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers in nearly 33 minutes. The 76ers’ focus on the present and Grimes’ recent production make him a must-add for fantasy managers.
Strong Contenders
-
Jose Alvarado (28%), New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado, affectionately known as "Grand Theft Alvarado," is now the starting point guard for the Pelicans with Dejounte Murray out for the season. In the two games against the Kings before the All-Star break, Alvarado produced a combined 36 points, eight rebounds, 17 assists, five steals, and seven three-pointers. His ability to contribute across multiple categories and the Pelicans’ four-game schedule during Week 17 make him a high-value pickup.
-
Payton Pritchard (49%), Boston Celtics: Pritchard has been a reliable contributor throughout the season, often hovering just outside the top 75 in nine-cat formats. His recent performance, where he scored 28 points with eight three-pointers against the 76ers, is a testament to his potential. With Jrue Holiday still recovering and Al Horford likely to miss at least one game, Pritchard’s role should expand, making him a valuable addition for managers looking to capitalize on Boston’s Week 17 schedule.
- Royce O’Neale (15%), Phoenix Suns: Royce O’Neale stood out in Phoenix’s recent loss to the Spurs, scoring 27 points with six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and six three-pointers in 36 minutes. While the Suns have a deep roster, O’Neale’s consistent playing time (30 minutes or more in six of his last seven games) suggests that his contributions will remain stable. His well-rounded stats make him a strong candidate for your lineup.
Additional Options
-
Max Christie (41%), Dallas Mavericks: Despite the Mavericks’ ongoing injury issues, Christie has emerged as a bright spot. In his six games with Dallas, he has averaged 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 2.5 three-pointers in 34.5 minutes. His scoring and defensive contributions have been crucial, making him a valuable pickup even with the team’s limited Week 17 schedule.
- Santi Aldama (45%), Memphis Grizzlies: Aldama has been a steady contributor for the Grizzlies, sitting just outside the top 100 in nine-cat formats. While Memphis only has three games during Week 17, Aldama’s minutes have been reliable, and he is poised to play more as the season progresses. With four games in each of weeks 18 and 19, adding Aldama now could be a smart move to secure his future contributions.
UTIL Options
-
Jaxson Hayes (27%), Los Angeles Lakers: Hayes may not be the most exciting addition, but his role as a starting center for the Lakers makes him a practical choice. Since moving into the starting lineup on January 30, he has averaged 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 22.4 minutes. His consistency and reliable minutes, despite occasional small-ball lineups, make him a safe bet for fantasy managers.
- Kris Dunn (4%), Los Angeles Clippers: Dunn’s return from a knee injury has been marked by a career-high six steals and one block in a recent loss to the Bucks. While he may not offer significant scoring, his defensive stats make him a valuable asset in deep category leagues. Dunn has recorded at least two steals in five of his last six games, and his potential for occasional offensive bursts (like his 4-of-4 shooting from three against the Grizzlies) adds a layer of intrigue.
Strategic Considerations
With the All-Star break concluded, the NBA landscape is shifting, and managers need to adapt quickly. The absence of Wembanyama and Portis creates a vacuum that can be filled by the right pickups. Players like Jeremy Sochan and Max Christie offer immediate scoring and defensive contributions, while Jose Alvarado and Quentin Grimes provide well-rounded stats and are poised to see increased minutes in key positions.
For those in deeper leagues or looking for specific category boosts, players such as Toumani Camara and Santi Aldama can be valuable additions. Camara’s defense and rebounding, along with his ability to score and shoot threes, make him a comprehensive pickup. Aldama’s steady minutes and potential for future availability should not be overlooked.
Long-Term Projections
Looking ahead, the next few weeks will be crucial for team dynamics and player roles. Jeremy Sochan’s increased minutes and versatility can carry him through the remainder of the season, making him a long-term asset for your roster. Similarly, Jose Alvarado’s starting role and consistency in contributing across multiple categories should solidify his value.
Quentin Grimes and Royce O’Neale have both shown they can handle increased responsibilities and produce significant stats. Their roles are likely to remain stable, especially given the injuries and rotations in their respective teams. Kris Dunn’s defensive stats can be a game-changer in deep leagues, and while his scoring may be inconsistent, his ability to impact games from the bench is noteworthy.
Final Thoughts
The NBA’s return from the All-Star break brings both challenges and opportunities for fantasy managers. With the loss of Victor Wembanyama and Bobby Portis, it’s essential to act swiftly and strategically to fill the void in your lineup. Players like Jeremy Sochan, Toumani Camara, and Jose Alvarado offer immediate value and long-term potential, making them priority adds. Others, such as Malik Beasley, Payton Pritchard, and Jaxson Hayes, provide reliable contributions and should be considered for their specific strengths.
In the dynamic world of fantasy basketball, staying informed and agile is key. By adding these low-rostered players, you can strengthen your team and position yourself for success in the upcoming weeks.
