Although the season is still in its early stages, managers can already gauge their team’s position relative to others. Assessing your roster depth and identifying expendable players can help refine your strategy. The waiver wire remains a valuable resource for acquiring players who are likely to climb the fantasy basketball rankings.
Spotting players who could thrive with increased responsibilities—whether offensive contributors delivering points and three-pointers or defensive specialists boosting blocks and steals—is essential for navigating the season successfully.
Let’s examine nine promising NBA sleeper picks who are rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues but show strong potential based on current performance.
Yahoo High Score League
Colin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns (31% rostered)
Gillespie has stepped up significantly this season, benefiting from Jaylen Green’s hamstring injury. Starting in place of Green, he scored 48 fantasy points in his first start and has consistently performed well with seven consecutive double-digit games and six games exceeding 30 fantasy points. Regardless of whether he remains in the starting lineup or returns to the bench, Gillespie has been vital to Phoenix’s success and is a must-have in all league formats, especially high-scoring ones.
Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets (24% rostered)
Clowney is playing some of the best basketball of his career and has secured a regular role in Brooklyn’s rotation, averaging over 30 minutes in five of the last seven games. He’s scored double digits in all seven games and averaged 37.3 fantasy points over the last three, serving as the Nets’ second scoring option behind Michael Porter Jr. If he maintains his defensive impact, Clowney could be a valuable asset for the remainder of the season.
Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs (19% rostered)
Johnson has been stepping up in Victor Wembanyama’s absence, posting double-digit points in five straight games and grabbing 42 rebounds. While still coming off the bench, he’s been a solid contributor and has scored at least 28 fantasy points in four of those five outings. Though his value might be temporary until Wembanyama returns, Johnson is worthwhile to add in the meantime.
Standard 9-Category League
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs (23% rostered)
After a calf strain sidelined him earlier, Harper recently returned to play, and despite limited minutes, he showed enough promise during his rookie season to offer fantasy value. With De’Aaron Fox back and Stephon Castle injured, Harper could see increased playing time. While there is some risk due to limited data, he’s worth rostering as a speculative add to see if he can reach around 26 minutes per game.
Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks (22% rostered)
Gafford has had a rocky season, missing the first five games because of an ankle injury but has since started 12 out of 13 games and logged at least 25 minutes in seven straight contests. He’s gaining momentum, especially with Derek Lively out for up to 10 days, and averages solid stats over the past two weeks, making him a valuable pickup at this point.
Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets (25% rostered)
Watson’s role expanded due to injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Over six recent games, he’s averaged impressive stats including 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals and blocks per game. With Gordon and Braun expected to miss at least a month, Watson may lose his starting spot but remains a must-own for his defensive skills and rebounding.
Standard Point League
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic (21% rostered)
Black has added consistency to his game, scoring in double digits for six consecutive games and averaging 15.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals over seven games in the last two weeks. Although Paolo Banchero’s upcoming return introduces uncertainty, Black showed promise even before Banchero’s injury, making him a viable, if somewhat risky, addition in point leagues.
Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks (14% rostered)
Despite dealing with a minor back issue, Williams continues to play well and seems to have secured the starting point guard spot. The return of Anthony Davis could actually help Williams by drawing defensive attention and boosting his assist opportunities. His back issue merits monitoring, but he remains a solid target in points leagues.
Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies (24% rostered)
With Memphis facing multiple backcourt injuries, Williams has stepped into the starting point guard role. His scoring is inconsistent, but he’s excelled in rebounds and assists, averaging 6.5 rebounds and 10.8 assists over five games as a starter. While his scoring ceiling might be limited, he’s an elite source for assists and rebounds and a valuable contributor until Ja Morant returns.
Fan Take:
These emerging players highlight the evolving dynamics of the NBA, where new talents and unexpected role changes can dramatically influence fantasy basketball strategies. For fans, keeping an eye on these sleepers not only enhances fantasy team decisions but also adds excitement to following the season as fresh stars rise and impact the game.
