NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
**Join the Fantasy Basketball Action on Yahoo! >**
As we gear up for another pivotal week in the fantasy basketball calendar, we are faced with more teams playing three games rather than teams with full schedules. Yet, the ever-present risks of injuries and player shutdowns as the season winds down open up numerous options with lower start/roster percentages for our weekly recommendations.
Each week, our focus will be on two Start candidates—players who may present some challenging decisions for your lineup—concentrating on individuals with a start or roster rate of 50% or below in Yahoo leagues.
In addition, we’ll highlight one Sit candidate for every position, typically someone not usually considered for your bench, especially players expected to see reduced opportunities in the upcoming week.
**TEAMS PLAYING FOUR GAMES:** Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
**TEAMS PLAYING THREE GAMES:** Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz
Now, let’s dive into some tricky start/sit evaluations for Week 23:
**Start: Stephon Castle, Spurs**
**41% start rate**
Castle is enjoying a remarkable rookie season as we enter Week 23, averaging 20.0 points, 4.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 29.2 minutes during his current six-game starting run. The fourth overall pick from last June has seemingly cemented his position as the starting shooting guard, and it’s notable that he has achieved these impressive scoring figures while shooting an unremarkable 44.9%. As San Antonio enters a three-game winning streak, Castle may become even more aggressive as they aim for a play-in spot.
**Start: Ziaire Williams, Nets**
**14% roster rate**
Conversely, while the Spurs are chasing a playoff berth, the Nets are out of contention, leading to substantial playing time for their young talent. Williams is entering Week 23 off an impressive five-game performance streak. The 2021 first-round draft pick has averaged 15.2 points (hitting 52.8% of his shots, including a striking 48.6% from beyond the arc), along with 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in this stretch, marking his best run of the season. With a secure hold on the starting small forward position, especially with D’Angelo Russell sidelined due to an ankle injury and Cam Thomas out for the year, Williams is poised for increased usage during Brooklyn’s four-game week.
**ALSO CONSIDER:** Keon Johnson, Nets (24% roster rate); Jeff Dowtin Jr., 76ers (5% roster rate)
**Sit: Bradley Beal, Suns**
**55% start rate**
While the Suns enjoy a full schedule, it’s unlikely that Beal will participate in more than half of those games due to his ongoing troubles with a hamstring strain, which sidelined him for the entirety of Week 22. Given the critical stage of the fantasy season, risking a player with durability concerns for minimal or no production isn’t advisable.
**Start: Naji Marshall, Mavericks**
**48% start rate**
This week, we highlight a duo of forwards from the Mavericks, starting with Marshall, who has delivered outstanding performance over his last nine games with averages of 22.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals in 36.8 minutes. The experienced wing has consistently been getting his shots with an average of 17.3 attempts per game, even after the return of P.J. Washington. While Anthony Davis (thigh) may return soon, impacting the starting lineup, Marshall’s recent production augurs well for continued minutes, even if he shifts to a bench role.
**Start: P.J. Washington, Mavericks**
**46% start rate**
Despite the potential return of Davis, it’s important to note Washington’s remarkable performance following his return from a seven-game absence due to an ankle injury. In a spectacular three-game stretch, he’s averaged 27.3 points while shooting a staggering 56.9% from the field and 41.2% from three, along with 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks. Washington’s sub-50% start rate is surprising considering his offensive contributions, and even with Davis’ impending return, he should remain an integral part of the Mavericks’ offense.
**ALSO CONSIDER:** Kyshawn George, Wizards (29% roster rate)
**Sit: Lauri Markkanen, Jazz**
**61% start rate**
Understanding the Jazz’s late-season player rotation can be challenging, and taking risks at this point in the fantasy season is ill-advised. Markkanen hasn’t played in three straight games due to personal issues and illness, casting doubt over his availability for any of Utah’s three upcoming games.
**Start: Alex Sarr, Wizards**
**50% roster rate**
Sarr will make another appearance despite a lackluster performance against the Knicks, where he scored eight points alongside five rebounds and one assist in 27 minutes. His earlier nine games, however, showcased his potential with averages of 18.8 points (41.8% shooting from three), along with 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 27.2 minutes. This included three double-doubles and seven games with multiple three-pointers made, highlighting his all-around contributions to fantasy rosters.
**Start: Nick Richards, Suns**
**27% roster rate**
Richards missed a recent game due to a calf issue but is listed as probable for the Monday night game against the Bucks, which begins Phoenix’s four-game week. Since late February, he has averaged 13.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks across 23.2 minutes per game, while shooting an impressive 67.4% from the field. He is likely to play a key role as the Suns aim to secure their position in the playoffs.
**ALSO CONSIDER:** Wendell Carter Jr., Magic (33% roster rate); Kai Jones, Mavericks (17% roster rate)
**Sit: Chet Holmgren, Thunder**
**70% start rate**
Holmgren rarely receives a Sit designation, but with a hip strain, the Thunder having clinched the top seed in the West, and a limited three-game schedule this week, he’s being considered for a Sit. He was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Clippers due to injury, and given his history with lower-body concerns, he might sit out Tuesday against the Kings. Despite his talent, his recent production has been solid but not irreplaceable, averaging 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks over the past eight games.
