We’ll be looking at players who are widely available and rostered in fewer than 60 percent of fantasy leagues on Yahoo. We’ll be focusing on 8-cat leagues because turnovers are a waste of a category, to be honest.
But if you find the turnovers helpful, let me know. I’m happy to include them if enough of you play in 9-cat leagues.
We’ll be looking at players who can help you in each of the eight categories who you can get before your league-mates catch on.
The eight categories we’ll focus on each week are:
- Points
- Rebounds
- Assists
- Steals
- Blocks
- Threes
- Field-goal percentage
- Free-throw percentage
Let’s get to it.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings 
Points
Norman Powell (SG/SF – LAC) 57%
I’m breaking my own rule here, as I tend to fade any Clippers’ player who isn’t Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, but we have to look at how well Powell has been playing of late. What’s more, the two superstars tend to rest still, allowing Powell to be the second scoring option at worst. Over the last two weeks, Powell is averaging 20.6 points per game, which is higher than Domantas Sabonis, James Harden, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo.
Rebounds
Duren returned to the court for the first time since Jan. 6, and he was doing Duren things, posting another double-double. During his absence, Duren’s rostership numbers dipped below 60 percent, meaning that he’s eligible for this column again. He came off the bench in his first game back, which makes sense given the extended absence. But I expect him to return to the starting lineup and post monster numbers as he rounds out his rookie season.
Assists
I’m keeping McConnell in this column again just because he’s continuing to provide high-level elite numbers while Tyrese Haliburton misses time. After that, we know he can safely go back to the waiver wire, but he’s been a fifth-round player over the last two weeks, including providing elite-level assist numbers. Add him and start him for across-the-board production while Haliburton is out.
Steals
This will probably be a theme until the trade deadline, but I’m expecting the Bulls to blow things up. The rumor is that Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and DeMar DeRozan could all be moved, but the Bulls consider Caruso untouchable. It’s kind of funny, but if it’s true, that’s huge for his potential fantasy value. Caruso leaves a lot to be desired on offense, but his bread and butter is his defensive contributions, especially with his steals. Only Caleb Martin is averaging more steals than Caruso’s 2.4 over the last two weeks, making him an immediate impact add for those who need swipes.
Blocks
Isaiah Jackson (PF/C – IND) 29%
You’ll start to see Jackson’s rostership numbers creep up as we approach the deadline, as Myles Turner rumors are always swirling. While he’s gone two straight games (18 total minutes) without a block, he recorded 13 in his previous three games when he actually saw real time on the court. He’s a difference-maker at the rim, being one of the better rim protectors in the league. He can give you some contributions now, but a move could make him an elite shot blocker for fantasy.
Threes
Quentin Grimes (SG/SF – NYK) 33%
The production is starting to match the minutes for Grimes, as he’s been offering across-the-board production for fantasy managers, including on the defensive end. But his biggest contribution lately is his work behind the arc. Grimes has made multiple three-pointers in four of his last five games, and he’s playing 30-plus minutes nightly. The Knicks like him, and he should continue to have a big role going forward.
Field Goal Percentage
Brandon Clarke (SF/PF – MEM) 49%
Clarke shouldn’t be rostered in standard 10- or 12-team leagues, but in 15-teamers, he’s a great backend player to have. The Grizzlies are simply too deep for Clarke to eclipse 18 minutes on a nightly basis. But when he is in there, he makes the most of his opportunities, and he’s a good stabilizer for your FG%.
Free-throw percentage
Dennis Smith Jr. (PG/SG – CHA) 25%
With this category, we typically highlight a player who doesn’t fit in the other areas but can be a sneak deep-league pickup. This week, it’s Smith. DSJ is going to be in for a heavy workload after the LaMelo Ball injury. Add to that the injuries to Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre Jr., as well as the likely deals that will send Terry Rozier and Mason Plumlee out of town, DSJ looks like he’ll be one of the drivers for Charlotte in the upcoming weeks. He averaged 10 points, 6.5 assists, 2.4 STOCKs, and 3.9 boards earlier this season when Ball was on the shelf.
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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.
