Welcome to your weekly dose of fantasy basketball possibilities as we explore and identify players who can help take your team to the next level in your quest for the championship crown of your league. It’s a long season, so it’s beneficial to maintain an “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” mindset as you strategize and tailor your approach, whether weekly or season-long, to maximize your team’s value and potential.

Each week, we will be looking at players who are widely available and rostered in fewer than 65% of fantasy leagues on Yahoo. Our focus will be on building strategies in eight-category leagues with standard scoring (more details outlined below).

Insights about the highlighted players will concentrate on how they can contribute to the aligned category but also touch on how they can contribute to various other categories.

Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings

(The statistics and data used in the writing of this article sourced from nba.com)

Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis & Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy Format

Scoring Type: Head-to-Head (Most Categories)
Player Stat Categories:

• Points Scored (PTS)
• Total Rebounds (REB)
• Assists (AST)
• Steals (ST)
• Block Shots (BLK)
• 3-Point Shots Made (3PTM)
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%)

Roster Positions:

• Point Guard (PG)
• Shooting Guard (SG)
• Guard (G)
• Small Forward (SF)
• Power Forward (PF)
• Center (C) x 2
• Utility (UTIL) x 2
• Bench (BN) x 2
• Injured List (IL) x 3

Points

Luguentz Dort (SG/SF – OKC) | 65% Rostered

Even with a 65% rostering rate, Luguentz Dort can sometimes be overlooked in fantasy despite his value as a multi-categorical contributor. Despite playing alongside the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams, he has carved out a sizable role in the rotation. He continues to make a strong impact on the team’s production night in and night out. His current average of 15.1 points per game, which ranks 84th in the league, is a testament to his offensive prowess. With an aggressive style, he averages 9.1 field goal attempts per game, shooting 53.4% from the floor. His true shooting percentage is 71.3%, and he has an offensive rating of 113.6.

More than a scorer, Dort consistently contributes rebounds, steals and blocks. His versatility across categories adds significant utility to fantasy lineups. He has a usage rate of 16.0% and is averaging 30.6 minutes, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 52.5% from three-point range. The Thunder have four games in the upcoming week, starting Monday, Nov. 13, offering Dort ample opportunity to display his skills.

Rebounds

Bismack Biyombo (C – MEM) | 19% Rostered

Bismack Biyombo, now with the Grizzlies, stands to have a standout year if he can secure a consistent and meaningful role in the rotation. Biyombo has made his “bones” primarily as a support player throughout his career but has yet to occupy a significant role of note. Despite this, he has managed to post respectable career averages: 19.5 minutes, 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.3 steals per game. This season, he’s averaging 7.0 rebounds, ranking 52nd in the league, and 1.0 blocks per game, tied for 40th. As a true center, Biyombo’s playing time hinges on the Grizzlies’ frontcourt strategy and how well he integrates into the team’s scheme. However, due to an injury-riddled roster, the team’s current need for healthy players could further bolster his opportunities to make his mark.

He has a 10.9% usage rate, averaging 18.6 minutes, 5.7 points, 1.3 assists and 0.3 steals per game while shooting 70.0% from the floor and 75.0% from the free-throw line. The Grizzlies’ three upcoming games, could be crucial for Biyombo to solidify his place on the roster, benefiting both the team and fantasy rosters needing reliable rebound and block contributors.

Assists

Kyle Lowry (PG – MIA) | 37% Rostered

Kyle Lowry‘s scoring rate of 6.9 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season, has adversely affected his fantasy appeal, suggesting that his prime days as a top fantasy producer might be behind him. However, this decline in scoring production could be due to his notable decrease in shooting attempts per game rather than a decrease in production potential. Despite his reduced scoring, Lowry’s shooting remains efficient at 41.3% from the floor and 40.0% from beyond the arc, comparable to his peak years. His numbers remain consistent across seasons when looking at Lowry’s production across other performance categories. His 5.3 assists per game, good for 39th in the league, and production in other areas, like rebounds and steals, keep him a viable multi-categorical fantasy option.

Averaging 30.8 minutes, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this season, with a 10.6% usage rate and 108.1 offensive rating, Lowry could regain some of his former fantasy status by focusing on his facilitating-playmaker abilities. The Heat have three games this upcoming week, presenting Lowry with chances to enhance his production and prove his continued fantasy relevance.

Steals

Jalen Suggs (PG/SG – ORL) | 45% Rostered

Jalen Suggs has emerged as a multi-categorical contributor, capable of adding value in more ways than one. Despite challenges from injuries in his initial seasons, the organization’s unwavering belief in his talent has provided him with numerous opportunities to demonstrate his versatility as a playmaker in the starting lineup. His standout performance against the Hawks, where he scored 21.0 points and secured 6.0 steals, seemingly cemented his status as a must-roster fantasy asset who could be a crucial piece of your multi-faceted production strategy. This is especially true if you are looking for reliable production in steals, as he is averaging 2.3 per game, ranking him fifth in the league.

While his playing time has exceeded 30 minutes in only a few games, his consistent performance indicates potential for more court time. Healthy and showcasing his potential, Suggs is showing signs of transitioning from a streaming option to a likely starter in most fantasy lineups. He currently averages 26.2 minutes, 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 0.6 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 40.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Magic have four games in the upcoming week, offering Suggs further opportunities to solidify his fantasy value.

Blocks

Nick Richards (C – CHA) | 19% Rostered

Nick Richards is displaying impressive defensive skill this season, averaging 1.7 blocks per game, which places him 17th in the league. Despite being in a time-share with teammate Mark Williams, Richards has shown enough value to warrant consideration as a strategic streaming asset, particularly for bolstering blocking and rebounding production. As a complementary play, Richards’ standout production in blocking can enhance lineups, especially when combined with high-upside multi-categorical contributors to balance his modest production.

This season, Richards has a usage rate of 13.2% and is averaging 17.1 minutes, 7.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 75.0% from the floor and 77.8% from the free-throw line. The Hornets have three games scheduled this week, offering Richards opportunities to continue his contribution.

Three-Pointers

Grayson Allen (SG/SF – PHX) | 33% Rostered

Grayson Allen is off to a strong start this season, achieving career-high marks in almost all performance categories and proving his utility as a viable scoring option in the rotation. While he isn’t the most appealing play, given the support-driven nature of his game and his previous roles, he’s emerging as one of the best offensive options on the team. Despite being conservative in his scoring production at times, Allen is averaging 13.3 points and 3.1 three-pointers made per game, ranking 14th in the league. His usage is heavily dependent on the availability of teammates Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Eric Gordon. Nevertheless, Allen has consistently demonstrated his value as a scorer when given the opportunity.

This season could see him assuming a larger role. If that’s the case, his consistent and understated offensive contribution could make him an invaluable asset, especially for fantasy managers looking to incorporate both scoring upside and efficiency into their rotation. Allen’s current averages include 31.3 minutes, 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. Allen also sports a 15.6% usage rate, a true shooting percentage of 67.0% and an offensive rating of 113.7. The Suns are set for three games next week, providing Allen with chances to further his impact.

Field-Goal Percentage

Jalen Smith (PF/C – IND) | 23% Rostered

Jalen Smith, a talented basketball player, despite facing early hurdles in his career due to injuries and inconsistent opportunities, remains a notable fantasy asset. Although he is dealing with a sore lower back injury, his early-season production, particularly in scoring and rebounding, is too impressive to overlook. Smith is shooting 71.7% from the floor, ranking 20th in the league, and an impressive 66.7% from beyond the arc, tied for 11th.

His standout shooting efficiency certainly makes him an attractive fantasy asset worth acquiring. Smith’s back issue and the team’s competitive roster could limit his opportunities moving forward. However, his potential for strong immediate and long-term value production could warrant must-roster consideration, especially if he can overcome his injury and establish himself as a reliable and durable player in the rotation. He boasts an 18.3% usage rate and is averaging 17.7 minutes, 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, with a true shooting percentage of 80.9%, and an offensive rating of 124.6. The Indiana Pacers have two games next week starting Monday, Nov. 13.

Free-Throw Percentage

Malik Monk (SG/SF – SAC) | 51% Rostered

Malik Monk, an emerging offensive asset, is off to a strong start this season, setting career-highs with 14.7 points and 5.3 assists per game. Despite a dip in overall shooting efficiency, his aggressive shot-taking and frequent free-throw attempts showcase his fantasy potential. Attempting 11.0 shots and 5.0 free throws per game, his 39.0% field goal percentage is balanced by his impressive 82.9% free-throw accuracy. Although there is some risk with rostering Monk due to his inconsistent shooting, his ability to contribute points, assists and free throws could offer enough upside to make him worth considering for your lineups.

He has a 27.0% usage rate, a true shooting percentage rate of 55.7% and an offensive rating of 110.3. Monk is also averaging 22.9 minutes, 0.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Kings have four games this upcoming week, giving Monk further opportunities to maintain his strong performance.

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