The injury bug has struck again, and this time, it’s taking a bite out of Scottie Barnes. Early in Monday’s game against the Knicks, he twisted his ankle, leaving fans and fantasy managers in a state of disarray. With Barnes’s X-rays returning clean, hope remains.
Still, he will be re-evaluated. This means he could miss valuable games, especially with the next matchup looming against the Miami Heat on Thursday. That’s only two days away.
In the wake of this uncertainty, what should fantasy basketball players do? A wave of potential pickups is hitting the scene. Davion Mitchell, a name that might not ring a bell for everyone, is making his case for a streaming option.
Currently, he is rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues. That’s a small number, especially for someone stepping into a playmaking role left by Barnes. Mitchell had a modest showing on Monday. He scored only eight points alongside three rebounds and three assists. But his past ability as a starter gives reason for optimism.
Mitchell isn’t the only option out there. Enter Jonathan Mogbo, who also stands at 4% rostered. As a rookie, he has not yet basked in the limelight. Yet, with Barnes exiting the game, Mogbo found himself in a prime position to shine.
His minutes have been limited, but he still has a knack for across-the-board contributions. However, he may not be the safest bet to pick up in shallow leagues. How do you juggle multiple options in a limited roster?
Looking beyond the immediate fallout of Barnes’ injury, consider the broader context of the league. On a quiet Monday with few games, other players also emerged. Take rookie Ja’Kobe Walter. He managed to score a career-high 19 points.
Yet, his year has been riddled with inconsistency. For now, he’s just a name to remember for future reference. In fantasy basketball, every bench appearance could be the start of something big.
But wait! Tuesday only brings two games. If your league operates with a games cap, streaming players might not make sense. However, for those wanting to fill their lineup, there are some valuable pickups.
Let’s start with Cole Anthony. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner out, Anthony has found himself stepping up. He logged a season-high 29 minutes and scored 14 points. That’s not staggering, but numbers suggest he could be the best available option in the Magic’s lineup.
Then there’s Gary Trent Jr. His season in Milwaukee may have been rocky, but things are starting to smooth out. Recently, he’s been scoring reliably. Ten of his last twelve games saw him in double figures.
Remember, he dropped a season-high 20 points in the last game. While he hasn’t regained his form in terms of steals, he’s still a strong addition for those in need of offensive firepower.
As we look at the Thunder’s lineup, Cason Wallace stands out. He has been gaining traction in recent weeks, and his plays have backed that up. OKC’s revolving door of starters means Wallace has seen significant playing time.
For those in deeper leagues seeking someone with a proven track record, this could be an interesting pursuit. What about Naji Marshall? He’s currently questionable due to illness, which adds an element of unpredictability.
If he plays, however, he becomes an excellent option, especially if PJ Washington stays sidelined. Fantasy basketball is as much about luck as it is strategy. Hoping for player returns can feel like squandering precious opportunities.
So, how do you navigate this landscape filled with uncertainty? It requires staying informed and being agile. Be prepared to pivot as news breaks.
With each day in the NBA, scenarios evolve quickly, and players rise out of the shadows. Yet the pain of waiting doesn’t go unnoticed.
The reality is injuries happen, rosters shift, and the waiver wire becomes a battlefield for pickup options. As you fill your rosters this week, remember the golden rule of fantasy sports: trust your instincts, but be ready for surprises.
You never know when your next big breakout player might land right in your lap.
