The season is off to an exciting start. While it’s early, many of the expected narratives are already unfolding. Boston looks ready for another championship run and Oklahoma City’s young core is proving last season’s success was no fluke. Meanwhile, some teams are still a step away from translating talent into wins.
As we enter these opening weeks, the waiver wire is understandably hot. This is the prime time to make strategic moves that could transform your roster without significant cost.
However, remember that the season is a marathon with bursts of sprints, steady long-distance runs and even some slow walks. Staying disciplined and strategic will be key to building a championship team, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Thank you for choosing us as part of your strategic toolkit. The FantasyPros NBA team and I are thrilled to bring you another season of insights to help you conquer your leagues. Let’s go.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis & Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 2)
We’re just one week in, so while our acquisition strategy remains sharp, this week is all about getting our “kitchen” ready. Think of this as setting up your ingredients to prepare, serve and “eat” the competition.
We’re bringing back the same comprehensive elements from last season, ensuring you’re well-equipped with insights to make the most strategic moves each week.
Each week’s article will feature in-depth player analysis, acquisition insights, category builds and matchup details. Additional features will arrive in the coming weeks to expand your toolkit and help you stay ahead with targeted strategies throughout the season. It will include, but will not be limited to the following:
| PLAYER ANALYSIS DETAILS (*Week 3) | |
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
| Acquisition Details | Provides specific guidance on the type of waiver pickup. |
| Player Category Build | Insight into which specific categories the player can strengthen for your lineup. |
| Player Production Profile | Players season production across key fantasy categories. |
| PLAYERS ON THE RADER DETAILS (*Week 4) | |
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
| Waiver Priority Rating | A suggested priority level for each player, based on their potential impact. |
| Upcoming Opponents | A preview of the player’s next matchups and potential for production. |
| OPP Against Category | Opponent ranking against the player’s strongest category. |
| OPP Avg. Rank | Average opponent ranking for the week. |
| Hold Length | Recommended timeframe to hold the player based on projected future value. |
| WEEK ANALYSIS DETAILS (*Week 5) | |
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
| Week Summary | An overview of week-specific player and team performance trends. |
| Matchup Grades | Evaluations of each player’s weekly matchups to help set optimal lineups. |
*Some categories will be introduced in later weeks as we gather more data to provide you with reliable recommendations. This additional information allows us to assess player opportunities, opponent environments and player potential more accurately, giving you the most effective insights for each acquisition decision.
Fantasy Basketball Category & Waiver Wire Analysis
With the season underway, the waiver wire becomes an invaluable resource to gain an edge. These early moves allow you to build and strengthen your roster, capturing breakout players or category specialists before they’re widely rostered. This phase is pivotal for setting up a successful season. Each waiver acquisition is a strategic step closer to championship contention. Let’s make the most of these opportunities and work toward a winning lineup.
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
- Yahoo! Sports – Player List
Basketball Category & Waiver Wire Analysis
For the first few weeks, we’ll be following a “best-on-the-board” approach, focusing on players who show immediate promise in specific categories. As we progress into Week 3 and beyond, our analysis will deepen, taking a more nuanced approach that includes evaluating player synergies, upcoming opponents and key opponent strengths.
This gradual shift will allow us to use more reliable data sets to identify and contextualize opportunities for players with long-term potential and impactful category contributions for a truly competitive edge.
FantasyPros: The One-Stop Shop
In addition to this article, FantasyPros provides a wide range of tools and resources designed to support your strategic needs throughout the season.
From daily lineup optimizers to weekly matchup analysis and monthly trend reports, these tools offer critical insights that help you stay a step ahead.
Integrating these resources into your daily, weekly and monthly planning can give you the competitive edge needed to achieve your fantasy goals.
Now, let’s dive into this week’s analysis and identify the key players who can take your lineup to the next level and set the stage for a winning season.
Points
Buddy Hield (GSW – SG, SF): 54% Rostered | 24.5 PPG – Ranked: 23rd
Buddy Hield has integrated smoothly into Golden State’s offense, currently ranking 23rd in the league with an impressive 24.5 points per game. His role as a consistent scorer on a Warriors team eager to reclaim stability is hard to overlook, and his shooting efficiency has been a driving force in their recent success.
While some may hesitate to pick him up due to age and a small sample size, Hield’s production so far signals stability rather than a temporary surge. Given his 54% rostership, waiting too long to secure Hield could mean missing out on a top-tier points producer who may hold his value all season.
Assists
Dennis Schroder (BKN – PG): 36% Rosterd | 6.5 APG – Ranked: 15th
Dennis Schroder‘s revival in Brooklyn is showing his upside as a primary playmaker, averaging 6.5 assists per game (15th in the league) alongside a respectable 16.5 points per game. His 36% rostership suggests many managers are skeptical about Brooklyn’s prospects, but Schroder’s performance has shown he is more than capable of sustaining value.
Known for his quickness and skill as a facilitator, Schroder has proven capable of handling a starting role, filling the stat sheet while the Nets work to build a competitive foundation. Adding him now could offer a reliable boost for managers looking to reinforce their assists category with steady, high-volume play.
Rebounds
Jeremy Sochan (SAS – SF, PF): Rostered: 33% | 9.0 RPG – Ranked: T-23rd
Jeremy Sochan is stepping up in San Antonio’s frontcourt, averaging 9.0 rebounds per game while showing he can contribute across multiple categories. Despite Victor Wembanyama‘s presence, Sochan’s rebounding value has not been diminished; instead, he’s thriving in his natural position, giving him more opportunities to showcase his strengths.
Adding 17.5 points per game to his stat line, Sochan’s well-rounded play can help fill gaps in points and rebounds alike. With only a 33% rostership, he presents a great early-season pickup for managers looking for a versatile player who can deliver consistent production across various categories.
Blocks
Nick Richards (CHA – C): Rostered: 21% | 2.0 BPG – Ranked: 11th
Despite earning his starting role initially due to injuries among the Hornets’ big men, Nick Richards has solidified his place in the lineup with consistent shot-blocking and rebounding contributions. Averaging 2.0 blocks per game (11th in the league), Richards also brings in an impressive 11.0 rebounds per game, putting him among the top multi-category producers.
While Charlotte’s reputation may deter some managers, Richards has demonstrated enough reliability to make him a valuable addition for blocks and rebounds, two categories where elite consistency is hard to find.
Steals
Dyson Daniels (ATL – PG, SG): Rostered: 56% | 3.5 SPG – Ranked: 1st
Now in Atlanta, Dyson Daniels has found a system that perfectly complements his defensive prowess and offensive versatility. He currently leads the league in steals with a staggering 3.5 per game, adding considerable value to any roster seeking category dominance.
Additionally, Daniels’ offense is strong. He’s averaging 16.5 points per game on an incredible 63.6% field goal percentage, with contributions in blocks and three-pointers that elevate his multi-category appeal. His ability to impact both ends of the court alongside Trae Young positions him as a must-roster player for managers seeking both defensive and offensive production.
Three-Pointers Made
Norman Powell (LAC – SG, SF): Rostered: 64% | 4.0 3PTM – Ranked: 12th
Norman Powell has stepped into an expanded role with the Clippers, ranking 12th in the league with 4.0 three-pointers made per game. With the absence of Kawhi Leonard and the departure of Paul George, Powell’s opportunities are surging. Known for his big-play potential, Powell’s production from beyond the arc may fluctuate, but his overall importance to the Clippers’ offense keeps his floor high.
As a valuable source of three-point production and a consistent scorer, Powell provides critical offensive support to fantasy lineups, making him a high-priority waiver pickup for managers seeking reliable, multi-category offensive output.
Field-Goal Percentage
Bennedict Mathurin (IND – SG, SF): Rostered: 24% | 61.9% FG – Ranked: 64th
Bennedict Mathurin is off to an impressive start, displaying efficiency and confidence in his offensive role with the Pacers. While last season brought challenges with his role and consistency in a crowded backcourt, he’s now poised to be the primary scorer in Indiana’s second rotation.
Averaging a robust 61.9% from the field alongside 19.5 points per game, Mathurin’s efficiency and aggressive offensive style make him a valuable addition, particularly for managers looking to bolster field-goal percentage and offensive output. As he continues to develop in his role, he’s positioned to become a key contributor across major categories, making him a solid waiver target early in the season.
Free-Throw Percentage
De’Andre Hunter (ATL – SF, PF) | Rostered: 25% | 92.3% FT – Ranked: 8th
De’Andre Hunter may not have been a priority on draft day, but his value is steadily rising. With an impressive 92.3% from the free-throw line, Hunter is one of the most reliable shooters for efficiency categories. His offensive consistency and multi-category potential make him a strong addition for managers looking to improve both points and efficiency stats.
While his production may fluctuate, he remains a well-rounded player who can add steady value, especially in free-throw and efficiency-focused lineups. Keep him on your radar as a potential streaming option or a regular contributor to support categorical success throughout the season.
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