Fantasy basketball acquisitions: Dylan Harper, Jaxson Hayes featured as leading additions

Participating in the fantasy basketball playoffs means that the margin for mistakes is minimal, the demand for available players is at its highest, and in daily transaction leagues, the ability to identify the right streamers can frequently determine the difference between success and failure in securing a championship.

Before making any moves, it is essential to consider the schedule. The Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings will not play until Wednesday, while the New Orleans Pelicans are not in action until Thursday. Additionally, the Nuggets and Trail Blazers have only two games scheduled this week.

Your key players should remain unchanged, but this is the moment to be proactive with your marginal roster spots. Below are the players to contemplate this week.

Resources:
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Point Guard

Daniss Jenkins, PG, Detroit Pistons (41.6% rostered in ESPN leagues): Jenkins has stepped up effectively with Cade Cunningham out, averaging 34.8 fantasy points per game over his last eight appearances. He contributes in various statistical areas, making him a valuable choice in both points and category formats. The Pistons have three additional games this week, enhancing his value. Jenkins is a must-add if he remains available in your league.

Dylan Harper, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs (34.7% rostered): The rookie is gaining momentum at a crucial time for a Spurs team vying for the top position in the Western Conference against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harper has recorded at least 25 fantasy points in six of his last seven games, including five outings with 31 or more and two with at least 40. With three games left this week, Harper is an excellent choice in both points and category formats.

Shooting Guard

Collin Sexton, SG/PG, Chicago Bulls (34.5% rostered): Sexton continues to find ways to contribute, even without a stable starting position, and his scoring increase has been significant for managers relying on him during this final stretch in both points and category formats. Chicago’s guard rotation has been significantly impacted by injuries, and Sexton has capitalized on this opportunity. He has averaged 31.0 fantasy points per game in March, leading the team, while also logging 26.3 minutes per game during this period. Sexton also delivers a comprehensive stat line with points, rebounds, assists, steals, and 3-pointers.

Gary Payton II, SG, Golden State Warriors (10.2% rostered): Payton has been a key role player for the Warriors in recent seasons, mainly due to his defensive adaptability, but he has recently gained attention in fantasy circles with increased offensive output as Golden State copes with several injuries. He has averaged 30.3 fantasy points per game over his last 10 games and is worth considering for managers aiming to secure a fantasy championship.

Small Forward

Royce O’Neale, SF, Phoenix Suns (14.6% rostered): Despite scoring only 13 and 12 fantasy points in his last two outings, O’Neale has remained a part of the rotation for a Suns team facing injuries to Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen. Since the All-Star break, he has averaged 22.0 fantasy points and 27.5 minutes per game. O’Neale is a reliable option in both points and category formats with three games left this week, particularly for managers in need of points, 3-pointers, steals, and blocks.

Will Riley, SF/SG, Washington Wizards (7.9% rostered): Riley has emerged as a dependable fantasy choice for a Wizards team grappling with numerous injuries. The rookie has averaged 23.5 fantasy points per game in 20 games since the All-Star break, demonstrating consistent output in an expanded role. He is likely to remain a part of Washington’s rotation, and with three games left this week, Riley provides solid streaming potential for managers seeking wing production.

Power Forward

Sandro Mamukelashvili, PF, Toronto Raptors (13.2% rostered): Mamukelashvili has recorded at least 34 fantasy points in three of his last four games, including a standout 60-point performance. He offers managers contributions in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and 3-pointers, making him a valuable multi-category asset. The Raptors have four games this week, featuring a Tuesday-Wednesday back-to-back and two more over the weekend, which enhances his value. Toronto also has rotation players who may rest during back-to-backs, increasing Mamukelashvili’s appeal. The journeyman big man is on his third team in five seasons, but he has established a consistent role in the Raptors frontcourt that managers should aim to leverage.

Oso Ighodaro, PF, Phoenix Suns (13.4% rostered): Ighodaro continues to deliver solid all-around production for the Suns with Mark Williams out due to a foot injury. He has averaged 32.2 fantasy points per game over his last eight games and contributes across nearly every statistical category. The only downside is Ighodaro’s free throw shooting, which has been a concern at 42.1% during that time. Nevertheless, he remains a valuable addition for managers seeking frontcourt production as they aim to prepare their team for a championship.

Center

Jaxson Hayes, C, Los Angeles Lakers (10.0% rostered): Hayes is currently performing at a level that the Lakers cannot overlook. He provides managers with points, rebounds, steals, and blocks, making him a strong addition in any format. Hayes has scored at least 35 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including one performance with 53. The Lakers have three games remaining this week, which further enhances his value.

Paul Reed, C/PF, Detroit Pistons (4.2% rostered): Reed has a clear opportunity for minutes in a Pistons frontcourt currently facing injuries. Jalen Duren missed Monday’s game due to a knee injury and may return Tuesday against the Raptors, while Isaiah Stewart has been dealing with a calf injury and does not seem close to returning. Reed has averaged 14.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 BPG, and 1.8 SPG in games this season where he has played at least 20 minutes.