The third week of the NBA season is here, offering plenty of action for fantasy managers. With many teams playing four games, it’s a great time to maximize your points. However, recent injuries to star players are creating new opportunities, making it important to choose your lineup wisely. This guide will help you with those tough decisions, highlighting players worth starting and a few you might want to sit.
This week, many teams have a busy four-game schedule, making their players extra valuable. On the other hand, a team like the Hornets only plays twice, so you may want to bench their players. Let’s look at some key players to consider for your Week 3 lineup.
🏀 Guards to Watch
Start: Ryan Rollins, Bucks. With Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined by an injury, Rollins has stepped up as the starting point guard for the Bucks. He’s been playing well, averaging 20.0 points and 6.0 assists in his first five starts. With the Bucks playing four games this week, Rollins is a great option to add to your lineup.
Start: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks. Another player getting a bigger role due to injury is Alexander-Walker. Trae Young is expected to be out for several weeks, which means Alexander-Walker will be starting for the Hawks. He has already shown he can score and contribute across the board, making him a valuable fantasy player while Young is recovering.
Sit: LaMelo Ball, Hornets. Ball is a fantastic player, but he faces a tough situation this week. His team, the Hornets, only have two games scheduled. On top of that, he’s dealing with an ankle sprain that might cause him to miss one or both of those games. It’s probably safer to bench him and choose a player with more games.
🚀 Forwards on the Rise
Start: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat. Jaquez Jr. is having a great start to his season with the Heat. He recently had a huge game with 31 points against the Lakers and has been consistently scoring in double digits. Even though he comes off the bench, he gets plenty of playing time. The Heat have four games this week, making him an excellent choice.
Start: Ausar Thompson, Pistons. Thompson is showing significant improvement in his third season with the Pistons. He’s contributing in multiple categories with averages of 14.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. As his role in the offense grows, so does his fantasy value, especially during a four-game week for the Pistons.
Sit: Brandon Miller, Hornets. Like his teammate LaMelo Ball, Miller is not a good fantasy option this week. The Hornets only play two games, and Miller has been out with a shoulder injury. He is expected to miss more time, so it’s best to keep him on your bench until he’s healthy and has a better schedule.
💪 Key Centers for Your Team
Start: Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets. Smith Jr. is having a productive start to his season for the Rockets. He’s averaging a career-high 15.0 points and is also contributing with rebounds and steals. While he’s currently dealing with a minor ankle injury, the Rockets have four games this week, so he should have plenty of chances to perform if he’s healthy.
Start: Daniel Gafford, Mavericks. With injuries to Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, Gafford has an opportunity to play a bigger role for the Mavericks. He just returned to the court and is a proven player who can score points, grab rebounds, and block shots. The Mavericks also have a four-game week, making him a smart pickup.
