Fantasy basketball acquisitions: Consider adding Dejounte Murray and Precious Achiuwa before the opportunity passes.
We have now entered the fantasy basketball equivalent of March Madness, a time when the majority of leagues are in their playoff stages and even competing for championships. As previously mentioned in this space, players on teams that are likely to miss the playoffs are more prone to receive “season-ending” labels, which opens up chances for bench players to step up.
Additionally, rookies and younger athletes are increasingly getting more playing time as teams focus on their youth initiatives. Overall, you can optimize your roster for success during this chaotic period by closely monitoring the free agency wire to spot under-rostered players who could make a significant impact as the fantasy season progresses.
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Point Guard
Javon Small, PG, Memphis Grizzlies (6.8% rostered in ESPN Leagues): Small has established himself as a reliable scorer and well-rounded contributor in his bench role, averaging approximately 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in 25 minutes over his last six games before stepping into the starting lineup. He has started the most recent games with Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward sidelined, and thus far, his minutes and output have remained consistent, although he possesses greater potential.
Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks (8.6%): Williams has fluctuated between starting and coming off the bench due to the numerous injuries affecting the Mavericks, but whether he is in the starting role or as a sixth man, his production has consistently been a solid 16.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, and 3.2 RPG in about 25 MPG over the past three weeks.
Shooting Guard
Dejounte Murray, SG/PG, New Orleans Pelicans (44.5%): Murray made his season debut last week after recovering from an Achilles tear sustained last season. He returned in a starting capacity, with a minutes restriction of around 25 minutes in his first two games before sitting out the first half of a back-to-back on Saturday. When healthy, Murray is a significant player, and even with limited minutes as the season winds down, he could be a game-changer.
Brandin Podziemski, SG/PG, Golden State Warriors (45.5%): Podziemski has taken on a larger role with Stephen Curry unavailable, and he has alternated between starting and coming off the bench as other players have faced injuries. Regardless of his position, he has been a steady scorer in the mid-teens, a strong rebounder, and a reliable source of assists, three-pointers, and steals while averaging over 30 minutes per game.
Small Forward
Naji Marshall, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (42.0%): Marshall has been the leading scorer for the Mavericks over the past month, especially with Cooper Flagg dealing with injuries along with much of the frontcourt. He has recorded four games with over 30 points since January 22 and averaged 23.2 PPG in the six games leading up to last Friday. He sustained a finger contusion in that game and missed Sunday’s match, but if the injury is not severe, he should return to delivering strong performances soon.
Julian Champagnie, SF, San Antonio Spurs (12.5%): Champagnie has been a reliable source of three-pointers off the Spurs’ bench throughout the season, but he has notably increased his output recently, hitting 14 three-pointers over three games last week.
Power Forward
Moussa Diabate, PF/C, Charlotte Hornets (32.7%): Diabate was performing well before his altercation with Jalen Duren resulted in a four-game suspension. However, he quickly resumed his strong play and has recorded double-doubles in his last two games.
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Sacramento Kings (21.2%): Achiuwa has stepped into the starting power forward position for the Kings and is excelling. He has achieved double-digit rebounds in four of his last five games, including two double-doubles with over 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Center
Micah Potter, C, Indiana Pacers (4.1%): Potter has developed into a sixth man role for the Pacers, averaging around 16 points, 6 rebounds, and nearly three three-pointers since the game prior to the All-Star Break.
Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic (23.1%): Carter has been a dependable starter for the Magic throughout the season, but in the past week, he has elevated both his scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds last week.
