It’s Week 14. Let’s face it — nothing lasts forever. For some of us, that reality hit a little harder today than it did yesterday. With the presumed ending of TikTok, we’re reminded more and more each day that our realities are never set in stone. The world is constantly shifting. As we evolve, it’s important to appreciate what’s happening in the moment and enjoy it while we can.
With that being said, what can end is this dreaded build-up of this NBA season, which I am officially calling the health-demic season. We’ve been dealt so much drama that we can only expect good things on the horizon, right? I mean, they’re about to come with some stuff that leaves us thinking, yeah… viewership numbers, quality of the game, stats y’all list off.
Yes, those numbers don’t lie, but hey, they also don’t tell the story… and then, wham, we get a glorious All-Star weekend. In the midst of all that, we get trades that are impactful and dynamic, and we get blockbuster trades that make blockbusters resurrect… right… right? Ahh.
This week, we’re keeping it scary good, but we’re also focused on building up our all-around team. We’re moving toward a new direction soon, so keep your finger on the pulse. Much like last week, we aren’t getting too cute with not being too cute, we are turning hard into it.
You can win your season or you can win at fantasy, but one is more lasting than the other. To help with that, one of the goals of this article has always been to provide you with the tools, insights and context to help you see your brilliance and approach. We’ll capitalize on that in the weeks to come, but for now, enjoy these thesis articles I’ve camouflaged as quick help guides.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings 
Whether you’re new, seasoned or just rebounding from the NFL season like it ended with a mutual breakup, welcome. FantasyPros is here to guide you through the second half of the NBA season with strategy, bold moves and a shared passion for this game we all love.
Let’s dive into this week’s opportunities with confidence and focus. We’re locked in and ready to cook. It’s time to make this season our own. Game on.
Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis & Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 14)
Rember… It’s Still Trade Season
They’ve been quiet, but we all know the storm is coming. Hopefully, it’s this season. Just in case, here you go.
Key Strategies for Success:
- Target talent-rich teams in transition
- Experimentation is a good thing; think differently
- Revisit rookies poised for impact
- Look for role players who will become main players
- Adopt a weekly “0-0” record mindset
Filling the Fantasy Void: NBA DFS Awaits
Feeling the sting of the NFL season winding down? Whether you’re still in contention or recovering from unexpected outcomes, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. With the NFL regular season and the traditional fantasy football season over and baseball still on deck, the NBA is here to bridge the gap.
Why NBA DFS?
The NBA offers daily action-packed slates, unique game modes and countless opportunities to dive into the excitement of fantasy basketball. FantasyPros has you covered with the tools, insights and articles you need to dominate your NBA lineups.
Keys to NBA DFS Success:
- Learn the scoring and format
- Understand the value in the NBA context
- Make bold calls
- Embrace the contrarian approach
- Trust the process
Follow the FantasyPros Team
We’re here to help you dominate every slate, every day of the week. With expert advice and actionable insights, you’ll be ready to tackle NBA DFS like a pro.
What’s on the Horizon: Building Towards Week 14 and Beyond
As we approach Week 14, let’s take a moment to set the stage for what’s ahead.
Post-All-Star Adjustments: Sharpening the Strategy
After the All-Star break, we’ll level up with a new approach article, look, feel and recommendations:
- Matchup summaries and grades
- Strategic player acquisition frameworks
- Less talk and more show
Articles to revisit for preparation (familiarity with possible terms/format of upcoming articles):
- Fantasy Basketball Draft Advice: 8 Must-Have Players to Draft (2024)
- Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy & Advice: 8 Bounce-Back Players (2024)
- Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy & Advice: Rookies (2024)
Fantasy Basketball Category & Waiver Wire Analysis
We won’t play it safe this week. Our focus will continue to shift to deeper, tactical moves as we head into the second half of the season, where we’ll lean into matchup contexts, multi-week schedules and thoughtful player and roster management to give you an edge. It’s almost time when getting cute could be the best thing.
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
Data Sources
- NBA Player Stats: NBA.com (2024-2025) – Stats taken on Sunday, January 19th, 2024 (Data subject to change.)
- Yahoo! Sports – Player List
- gleague.nba.com and Wikipedia.com
Points
Daeqwon Plowden (ATL – SG): 1% Rostered | 19 Points – Rank: 56th
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Deep – Shallow
- Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
- Priority: Medium
- Hold Period: 1-2 Weeks (Week-to-Week)
Category Build
- Primary: Points
- Secondary: Rebounds,
- Auxiliary: Three-Pointers Made, Blocks, Steals
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 4
- Opponents: @NYK, DET, TOR (Twice)
The “Rookie” With Real Potential
Daeqwon Plowden is a “rookie” who played his first game against an underrated Bulls team. He shined to the tune of 19 points. While this may be the first game of his NBA career, this number may be more valid and reliable than one may think.
Last week, we went into detail about how the numbers don’t lie, but they don’t tell the entire story. As it pertains to Plowden, this rule may still be in effect. He may be a rookie on paper, but he is far from inexperienced.
A Journey of Hard Work and Consistency
First off, he is from Germantown, Philadelphia — that’s already a win. He grew up right around the way, and all good people come from the Tri-State area. Don’t believe or want to debate? “Squabble up,” but trust me, “A [brotha] couldn’t try me in the Tri-State.” Thank you, Kendrick Lamar. Moving on.
Plowden attended Mastery Charter North School, where he was the school’s first 1,000-point scorer and a two-time All-State team selection. He was ranked ESPN’s 20th-best player in Pennsylvania in his recruiting class. He took his talents to Bowling Green.
He finished his career at Bowling Green with 1,618 points and 935 rebounds. The best part? He didn’t miss a single college game in his career and was the program leader with 154 played games. He went undrafted in 2022, but guess who he worked out for? The Wizards, Pelicans and Jazz… funny, isn’t it? (If you know, you know.)
The College Park Skyhawks and a Rising Star
Plowden took his talent to the NBA G League, where he averaged 24.5 minutes, 10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the floor and 38.2% from beyond the arc.
“Well, Jay… that’s not that impressive.” Oh, have we not learned anything? I won’t always be here, so I encourage you to go explore to find out what the story time would have been about. After signing a two-way deal this past December, he played eight games (seven starts) with the College Park Skyhawks. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Jump to Wednesday night, he scored 19 points in his NBA debut.
The Hawks’ Potential With Plowden
The Hawks are at a point where they are going to have to make some choices about the future of this team. They have loads of talent; however, for that next step, they may have to become more focused and distributive in how they compete.
Trae Young has been carrying the foundation of this team for the longest, and if they have any hopes of extending his time with the team, they are going to have to give him some help. Plowden could be that guy in the backcourt that gives him this relief. Not just him, but everyone.
A pure scorer — someone who can come in and tear the top off of a defense and whose job it is to simply score — would add a dynamic to the Hawks that would position them well to compete more effectively in a competitive league.
The Death Wish on Rising Talent
Plowden’s only opponent is going to be conquering the death wish this season has on all rising talent by waging war on their health and spotty coaching decisions. However, despite this, I think he is worth heavily considering. Not for all the reasons I stated, but because he is from the Tri-State area, and all good people come from the Tri-State.
On The Radar
- Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG, SF): 52% Rostered | 18 PPG
Assists
Isaiah Collier (UTA – PG): 5% Rostered | 4.1 Assists – Rank: 73rd
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Shallow-Deep
- Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
- Priority: Medium-High
- Stream/Hold Period: 2-4 Weeks (Week to Week)
Category Build
- Primary: Assists
- Secondary: Steals
- Auxiliary: Points
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 3
- Opponents: @NOP, @OKC, @MEM
The Real Deal
Isaiah Collier is back on this list because he is the real deal. It’s easy to fall into the trap of evaluating players based on how many points they score, and while that’s always important, there’s more to the game than just the points column. For now, we’re going to embrace the idea that numbers don’t lie and stories are meant to be discovered. And that’s exactly what we’re in the midst of when it comes to Collier.
A Playmaker on the Rise
Collier is averaging 4.6 assists per game on the season, but here’s where it gets interesting: He’s only just started to get serious playing time since the beginning of January. Since January 4th, he’s been averaging 8.2 assists per game, which would tie him for sixth in the league with none other than Chris Paul. That’s an impressive comparison when you consider Paul’s long-standing career and the trajectory Collier is on.
But here’s the kicker: Collier isn’t just a facilitator but he’s also a playmaker with the potential to be a “walking bucket.” Strong words but not far off by any means. During his lone season at USC, he averaged 16.3 points per game. “But that doesn’t always translate to the league, Jay.” You’re right, but nearly everything else has translated for him. It’s only a matter of time before his 23-point performance against Brooklyn proves his scoring ability is no fluke.
The Jazz and Collier’s Role
The Utah Jazz have a ton of scoring talent, and as the team finds its true north, they’re going to focus on players who can take them to the next level. The rookie Collier has solidified his place in the rotation and on the floor because every “car” needs a power source to get started.
“What, Jay?” Here me out, a car is no good with all the horsepower in the world if the parts aren’t working together. Collier is facilitating that process for this team. He’s not just any facilitator; he’s one of the best in the league. His ability to orchestrate the Jazz’s offense could be the spark needed to ignite the franchise’s success.
The Power Source for the Jazz
Collier is demonstrating he has the potential to be the power source the Jazz need to get back on track. Even if the team decides to lean into a bit of improvisation for a while, Collier’s playmaking ability and leadership on the floor could be exactly what they need to get back in harmony. This rookie is quickly proving he’s the kind of player who can elevate the team’s performance and push them to new heights.
On The Radar
- Ayo Dosunmu (CHI – PG, SG, SF): 31% Rostered | 4.7 APG
Rebounds
Nick Richards (PHX – C): 39% Rostered | 7.7 Rebounds – Rank: 94th
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Shallow
- Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
- Priority: High-Medium
- Stream/Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks
Category Build
- Primary: Rebounds
- Secondary: Field-Goal Percentage, Points
- Auxiliary: Blocks, Steals
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 4
- Opponents: DAL, @MEM, POR, NOP
The Underdog Story We Love
Nick Richards has quickly become one of my favorite stories in the NBA, right alongside the likes of practically every player on the Magic, especially Goga Bitadze.
His journey to where he is now is the kind of story that makes up those underdog tales we love to see, like the ones you catch while flipping through ESPN, stumbling upon a 30 for 30 documentary you never knew you needed.
That’s Richards. There’s not much else to say here other than to enjoy the ride. Click here if you need more context.
His Numbers Don’t Lie, But His Story Tells More
Richards averaged 15.3 minutes, 6.1 points, 4.84 rebounds and 0.76 blocks per game while shooting 62.4% from the floor during his career with the Hornets. He just made his debut with the Suns, coming off the bench, where he played 29 minutes. His stats in that game: 21 points, 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal on a 7-for-8 (87.5%) shooting night.
A Promising Future and a Rising Sun
If Richards can survive the health struggles that have plagued so many players in this health-demic season he could be poised to write a compelling next chapter in his career and become the missing piece the Suns need to remind everyone just how super of a team they can be.
On another note, let’s hope the Suns take their time with Richards’ development. There’s no need to rush him into the starting lineup. He might do his best coming off the bench and could even make a run for Sixth Man of the Year (if eligible).
If they want to get the most out of his potential, keep him on the bench unless the matchup calls for a different look or the team is lacking playmakers. The Suns are on the rise and Richards could play a pivotal role in that ascent.
On The Radar
- Santi Aldama (MEM – PF, C): 49% Rostered | 7.1 RPG
Blocks
Peyton Watson (DEN – SF, PF): 12% Rostered | 1.1 Blocks – Rank: 33rd
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Deep-Shallow
- Acquisition Type: Stream – Priority Stream Potential
- Priority: Medium
- Hold Period: 1-2 Weeks (Week-to-Week)
Category Build
- Primary: Blocks
- Secondary: Steals, Rebounds
- Auxiliary: Points
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 3
- Opponents: PHI, SAC, @MIN
“Swatson” Watson’s Impact
“Swatson” Watson is back on this list. After learning more about his path and story, and seeing a photo of him flexing on a player, I knew right away he was a problem. I’m happy to see other teams experience that firsthand. He’s another young player on this Denver team who’s going to rise more as the season progresses, especially as teams start to lock in for the postseason.
A Team Built for Longevity
The biggest fear here is the health-demic — teams will need to be smart with how they deploy their assets. Watson, along with fellow rising star Christian Braun, gives the Denver Nuggets the kind of longevity and depth that can carry them far this season.
These two players carry a healthy player impact estimate (PIE), with Watson’s 7.1 PIE ranking 10th on the team. And while there are some players ahead of him who don’t get serious playing time but have inflated numbers, it’s clear Watson’s impact is substantial. This speaks volumes.
Defensive Versatility
While Watson’s role is pragmatic for now, he has made a habit of being a menace on the defensive side of the ball. His defensive rating is the lowest on the team among players who get significant minutes.
The only other player ahead of him is Aaron Gordon. Solid, but keep in mind Watson hasn’t played a full season yet. His numbers are not just valid, they’re reliable, and his defensive prowess is something to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
More Than Just a Shot-Blocker
What’s even crazier is Watson’s potential to be more than just a shot-blocker. He’s showing he can bring a well-rounded game to the floor. For more context, check last week’s article. In short, he’s having a sensational season, all things considered.
Watson is averaging 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 steals per game, shooting 48% from the floor and 34.1% from beyond the arc. He’s only going to keep getting better. His growth is going to play a key role in the Nuggets’ efforts to reclaim their championship form as they look to beat the health-demic.
On The Radar
- Alex Sarr (WAS – PF, C): Rostered 56% | 1.6 BPG
Steals
Jose Alvarado (NOP – PG): 6% Rostered | 1.5 SPG – Rank: T-32nd
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Shallow-Deep
- Acquisition Type: Priority Stream Potential – Hold Potential
- Priority: Medium
- Hold Period: 2-3 Weeks (Week to Week)
Category Build
- Primary: Steals
- Secondary: Assists, Three-Pointers Made
- Auxiliary: Points, Field-Goal Percentage
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 4
- Opponents: UTA, MIL, @MEM, @CHA
The Constant for the Pelicans
Jose Alvarado is back and healthy, and let me tell you, he’s been a constant for the Pelicans, providing the kind of energy and confidence that can’t easily be captured by stats. He doesn’t start and he’s had his fair share of injury setbacks this season. But when he’s locked in, he can quickly become one of the best players on the floor, and in the league. His ability to influence the game is undeniable, even if it doesn’t always show up in the starting lineup.
On The Radar
- Bilal Coulibaly (WAS – SG, SF): 45% Rostered | 1.3 SPG
Three-Pointers Made
Tim Hardaway Jr. (DET – SG, SF): 12% Rostered | 2.2 3PTM – Rank: T-64th
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Shallow-Deep
- Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
- Priority: Medium-High
- Hold Period: 2-3 Weeks
Category Build
- Primary: Three-Pointers Made
- Secondary: Points
- Auxiliary: Field-Goal Percentage, Free-Throw Percentage
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 3
- Opponents: @HOU, @ATL, @ORL
Hardaway’s Impact in Detroit
Tim Hardaway Jr. is a baller. I know it and you know it. Let’s stop playing around. Let’s also stop acting like Detroit isn’t on the rise. This team has always had the talent, and they’re starting to come together nicely. It’s wild what talent can do when it’s paired with the right vision and leadership, and that’s exactly what Detroit has been gifted this season with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
When I attended the team’s Open Practice event in Detroit, the energy was buzzing. Coach Bickerstaff addressed the community. He kept it short and simple, but I believed him. In short, he said they were coming and they were focused. And he wasn’t wrong. When the team played their scrimmage, it looked like it was them on the court, with everyone else on the outside watching.
A Culture Built for Longevity
This is the kind of culture that changes things, and the kind of team focus that’s going to allow them to see long-term success as they continue to build. The world is going to witness what they do next. With the Lions down, the city is going to want to continue that hope — sending a statement to the world that “Detroit vs. Everybody” is not just a motto, but a reality.
That’s why you bring in players like Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley and, yes, Tim Hardaway Jr. After finding success with the Mavericks, Hardaway quietly became one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league, especially alongside Luka Doncic.
Hardaway’s Role in Detroit’s Rise
While Detroit has a different culture and vibe, Hardaway’s longevity and ability to support stars is going to pay off huge, especially as the Pistons prepare for their first postseason since 2019. It’s wild how everything lines up, and is symbolic, too. They navigated through the pandemic, only to find success in the health-demic. But anyway, Hardaway may have had a slow ramp-up to the season, but he’s coming, and I believe this is what they always envisioned for him.
Hardaway’s Offensive Growth
Despite a slow start, Hardaway is having a great season with a Pistons squad still growing. This season, he’s averaging 11.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.4 steals per game.
When you dive deeper into his offensive profile, things get even better. He’s shooting 42.7% from the floor on 8.6 field-goal attempts per game, and he’s shooting 38.2% from beyond the arc on 5.7 three-point attempts per game. He’s also getting to the charity stripe more frequently, averaging 2.2 free-throw attempts per game and shooting 81.7%.
Overall, Hardaway is a problem you don’t want to see on your opponent’s roster.
Not convinced? Lawd, I love you. OK, let’s do this.
Last season with the Mavericks, Hardaway averaged 14.4 points, shooting 40.2% from the floor on 12.4 field-goal attempts per game. He also shot 35.3% from beyond the arc on 7.6 three-point attempts per game and 85.2% from the free-throw line on 2.1 free-throw attempts per game. Let’s not forget he was doing this alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Stop playing with this man.
On The Radar
- Gradey Dick (TOR – SG, PF): 33% Rostered | 2.3 3PTM
Field-Goal Percentage
Christian Braun (DEN – SG, SF): 45% Rostered | 56.5% FG% – Rank: 62nd
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Shallow
- Acquisition Type: Hold
- Priority: High-Low
- Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks
Category Build
- Primary: Field-Goal Percentage
- Secondary: Points, Rebounds
- Auxiliary: Steals
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 3
- Opponents: PHI, SAC, @MIN
Consistency Amid Uncertainty
Field-goal percentage can be a tricky thing, and it’s an area that can make or break your weekly matchups. Trust me, those categories add up, and if you don’t target them with the right kind of love, you won’t be able to recover. While we might overlook this category due to the uncertainty from game to game and the fact that the calculation isn’t as easily trackable, Christian Braun has been the epitome of consistency this season.
The Upside and Expectations
To his own “detriment,” however, is his tendency to show crazy upside on any given night. These kinds of performances often lead to quick acquisitions, but when he returns to his base form, the expectations don’t always align with the still phenomenal results he continues to put up.
I mean, why start at Ultra Instinct when base form is strong enough to 1v1 any nemesis, right? I mean, Goku, what a guy… anyway. Braun is shooting 56.6% from the floor, which speaks to just how impressive he’s been for this team.
Braun’s Strong All-Around Game
On the season, Braun is averaging 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. He’s even producing respectable numbers from the charity stripe, averaging 2.5 free-throw attempts per game with 80.6% efficiency.
Braun might not be at the level where he can tear the roof off a game yet, but it’s coming. He has an offensive rating of 119.7 on the team, which is good for fifth overall. Upon closer inspection, though, he’s third when you consider his numbers are probably the most valid and reliable out of the two players ahead of him for that spot (Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon).
Braun is also carrying a +/- of +5.2 on the season, a big jump from his rookie season, where he posted a -1.5. This year is his third with the team. You can see the growth in his overall game and effectiveness on the floor.
Ballin’ Braun, A Rising Star
So, yeah, “Ballin’ Braun” — not going to lie, I like how this sounds like “Ballin’ Bron.” This might be more fitting than we realize or are ready to accept at this point. Braun needs to be heavily acquired expeditiously at some point this season. Sooner rather than later would be ideal, as his continued development will make him a major asset down the stretch.
On The Radar
Nick Richards (CHA – C): 39% Rostered | 58.2% FG%
Free-Throw Percentage
Gradey Dick (TOR – SG, SF): 33% Rostered | 90.1% FT% – Rank: 55th
Acquisition Details
- League Level: Shallow
- Acquisition Type: Priority – Stream Hold Potential
- Priority: Medium-High
- Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks (Week to Week)
Category Build
- Primary: Free-Throw Percentage
- Secondary: Points, Three-Pointers Made
- Auxiliary: Rebounds, Assists, Steals
Week 14 Opponent Overview
- Total Games: 3
- Opponents: ORL, @ATL, @ATL
We Still Love the “D”
Man, we still love the “D.” Nah, no pause necessary. It’s been that good. OK, hard pause. But in all seriousness, the Raptors may have taken a step back this season, but it’s only going to propel them forward if they play their cards right. The team hasn’t been healthy and they’re discovering they have a lot of options and playmakers. It’s a season of opportunity for a lot of teams, and the Raptors are certainly one of them.
Big “D” is Still Growing
With Immanuel Quickley now added to the fold and the offense being recalibrated, Gradey Dick has had to match his efficiency with his usage and output. While it hasn’t been as explosive as it was in the early part of the season, it’s still pretty impressive what he’s been able to accomplish in just his second season with this squad.
Dick has an all-around impressive offensive profile and the makings of an understated multi-categorical playmaker. He’s averaging 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game. He’s shooting a respectable 40.9% from the floor and 34.6% from beyond the arc.
Giving That Gig Energy for Free and Aggressively
What’s exciting — at least for me — is that Dick is averaging 3.1 free-throw attempts per game, with 2.8 made per game, for a staggering 90.1% from the line. This level of volume and output from the charity stripe shows that not only is he matching efficiency with results, but he’s also being aggressive.
This kind of aggression, paired with his raw numbers this early in his career, could be a game-changer for the franchise and our fantasy squads.
Round 1: Steady but Soft | Round 2: Hungry and Hard
Yeah, he may be a little “soft” now, but once he gets his second wind, he’s going to be “hard” to deny as we move into round two of the season. Keep an eye on Dick as he continues to develop. His ability to impact multiple categories, including free-throw percentage, will make him a valuable asset for both the Raptors and your fantasy squad.
On The Radar
- Aaron Nesmith (IND – SF, PF): 11% Rostered | 87.5% FT%
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