It’s WEEK 3 of the fantasy basketball season and if you missed out on last week’s crucial pickups, it’s time to redeem yourself. Here are seven sleepers to give your team the jolt it needs right now.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
This name should be blasting in alarms for all managers. With Trae Young out, Nickeil is an urgent pickup. Since stepping into a starter’s role, he’s averaging 16 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and over two threes per game across at least 28 minutes. He’s been consistent, delivering value in multiple categories, especially steals and threes. He spiked with Brooklyn, dipped against Indiana, but expect steady value for as long as Trae is sidelined. If he’s on the wire, you need to act immediately.
Jeremiah Fears
Promoted to the starting lineup (with Dejounte Murray out and the coaching staff experimenting), Fears exploded for 21 points and 6 assists in his most recent start. His output grows when Jordan Poole sits, so keep a close eye. Fears is already delivering solid points and assists, and if he stays a starter, he could be a season-changing add for fantasy squads.
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Kevin Huerter
Huerter is giving you 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.5 threes per game off the bench. With the Bulls playing at a fast pace, his offensive opportunity is strong. He is especially useful as a streamer for threes or short-term offensive help. Note: Huerter’s value could take a hit when Cobe White returns from injury, but until then, he should be on your radar for week three.
Jarace Walker
Walker just put up a box score to make any fantasy manager salivate: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 4 threes in 36 minutes as a starter. He is thriving thanks to multiple frontcourt injuries. His full stat line and growing role make him a fantastic all-around waiver add for scoring, defense, and triples this week. Where they do that at? Your man is out here cooking with hot bacon grease.
Jake LaRavia
A rotation regular in Los Angeles, and now bringing fantasy value to the Lakers, LaRavia is averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists when he gets extended run. He’s on the radar for deeper leagues, but even in 10 and 12 teamers, he could give your streamer slot a productive lift this week.
Jabari Smith
Smith’s value has see-sawed, bouncing on and off rosters. But with Amen Thompson struggling to find his rhythm, Smith has taken advantage of extra touches and put up solid production. He’s inconsistent, with a pattern of spikes and valleys in performance, but remains a good gamble for streaming or as a possible long-term lottery ticket if he continues to roll.
Collin Sexton
Points leagues managers should lock in here. Sexton’s up-and-down performances are clear, but when he gets hot and strings together a few strong outings, he has the upside to swing a week. Look for signs of streakiness…if he’s rolling, jump on it fast for immediate value.
Now is the time to take control of the waiver wire and give your roster the shot in the arm it needs. With these seven names, you’ll have legitimate difference-makers lined up to give you category juice, streaming stats, and that potential breakout you missed last week. Stay vigilant, track minutes and trends, and BLEAV in those savvy adds.
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Robbin Marx
NBA Fantasy Analyst
Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network