Around The League
The NBA preseason has officially wrapped up, with the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs capping off undefeated runs. Hawks forward Jalen Johnson looks explosive in his return from shoulder surgery, signaling he's ready for a significant role. In Houston, Reed Sheppard is making his case for playing time, averaging 15 points over four games while shooting 40% from deep. Similarly, Dallas's Cooper Flagg arrived with a pro-ready skill set, posting 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in just 21.7 minutes per game. Now, let's dive into this week's data-driven insights to give you the edge you need to dominate your matchup.
This Week's Highlights
- Schedule Disadvantage (2 Games): CHI, DEN, HOU, NO, PHI, UTA
- Waiver-Wire Top Adds: Dereck Lively, Neemias Queta, Isaiah Jackson
- Rotation Report:
⬆️ Caris LeVert (increased minutes - Ivey injury)
⬇️ Domantas Sabonis (left hamstring injury - re-evaluated in 1 week)
The Weekly Slate
Most teams have a 3 game week; teams playing only two games this week are below.
- Chicago Bulls
- Denver Nuggets
- Houston Rockets
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Utah Jazz
Owning The Waiver Wire
Here are the top players to target this week based on recent trends and their upcoming schedule.
Our top pick for 10-team leagues
Dereck Lively (DAL - C): (Rostered: 43% ESPN, 74% Yahoo)
- Weekly Schedule: SA, WSH, TOR
- The Schedule Effect (This Week's Projections vs. 2025 Averages): +0.5 REB, +0.4 BLK, +1.7 PTS
Our top pick for 12-team leagues
Neemias Queta (BOS - C): (Rostered: 14% ESPN, 24% Yahoo)
- Weekly Schedule: PHI, NY, DET
- The Schedule Effect (This Week's Projections vs. 2025 Averages): +3.3 MIN, +2.0 REB
Our top pick for 14-team leagues
Isaiah Jackson (IND - C): (Rostered: 4% ESPN, 17% Yahoo)
- Weekly Schedule: OKC, MEM, MIN
- The Schedule Effect (This Week's Projections vs. 2025 Averages): +6.1 MIN, +3.4 PTS, +1.3 REB
*The Schedule Effect projections are based on players’ recent historical performance (past 2 years) against this week's opponents.
Top Players For Each Category
Tier key:
10-team ≈ 60% rostered
12-team ≈ 30% rostered
14-team ≈ 15% rostered
POINTS
• 10-team: Collin Sexton (CHA), Kelly Oubre (PHI)
• 12-team: Kyle Kuzma (MIL), Quentin Grimes (PHI)
• 14-team: Jordan Clarkson (NYK), Tre Johnson (WSH)
REBOUNDS
• 10-team: Bobby Portis (MIL), Dereck Lively II (DAL)
• 12-team: Neemias Queta (BOS), Yves Missi (NO)
• 14-team: Clint Capela (HOU), Mitchell Robinson (NYK)
ASSISTS
• 10-team: Chris Paul (LAC)
• 12-team: Isaiah Collier (UTA), Dennis Schroder (SAC)
• 14-team: Tyus Jones (ORL), Tre Jones (CHI)
STEALS
• 10-team: Kelly Oubre (PHI), VJ Edgecombe (PHI)
• 12-team: Herb Jones (NO)
• 14-team: Keon Ellis (SAC), Alex Caruso (OKC)
BLOCKS
• 10-team: Daniel Gafford (DAL), Dereck Lively II (DAL)
• 12-team: Brook Lopez (LAC)
• 14-team: Khaman Maluach (PHX), Isaiah Jackson (IND)
3-POINTERS
• 10-team: Ty Jerome (MEM)
• 12-team: Luguentz Dort (OKC), Aaron Nesmith (IND)
• 14-team: Sam Hauser (BOS), Brice Sensabaugh
FIELD GOAL %
• 10-team: Dereck Lively II (DAL)
• 12-team: Neemias Queta (BOS), Jonas Valanciunas (DEN)
• 14-team: Mitchell Robinson (NYK)
The Trade Market
*Once the season officially begins, this section will help owners navigate trades. We'll help you capitalize on shifting player values by identifying prime candidates to acquire while they're slumping and players to sell high while they're overperforming their underlying metrics. Look for our first edition of The Trade Market starting next week!
Injury & Rotation Report
Recent Notable Injuries
- Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C): Re-evaluated in one week (left hamstring)
- ⬆️ Increased Role: Drew Eubanks and Dario Saric will see a significant bump in minutes, rebounds, and blocks.
- Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C): Day-to-day (back)
- ⬆️ Increased Role: Jonathan Mogbo and Collin Murray-Boyles would be the primary beneficiaries if he misses additional time.
- Jaden Ivey (DET - SG): Re-evaluation in four weeks (right knee)
- ⬆️ Increased Role: Caris LeVert is expected to start as his replacement, and Duncan Robinson is a candidate for increased minutes.
Returning to Action
- Joel Embiid (PHI - C): Expected to play in the season opener (Oct. 22).
- ⬇️ Decreased Role: Adem Bona will return to the primary backup center role. Andre Drummond will likely see fewer minutes initially.
- Jimmy Butler (GSW - SF): Expected to be ready for the season opener (Oct. 21)
- ⬇️ Decreased Role: Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II will see reduced minutes as Butler reclaims the starting small forward spot.
- Ja Morant (MEM - PG): Expected to play on Opening Night (Oct. 22).
- ⬇️ Decreased Role: Recent injuries to both Scottie Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome leave the Grizzlies extremely short-handed at the guard position. Jaren Jackson Jr. will now become the second option scorer with the return of Morant.