Fantasy Basketball Finds: Brice Sensabaugh Emerges for Undermanned Jazz

As fantasy basketball playoffs loom large in many leagues, the landscape becomes increasingly unpredictable with injuries sidelining key stars. Amidst the chaos, astute fantasy managers must navigate the waiver wire to unearth hidden gems capable of propelling their teams to victory. While challenges abound, Wednesday’s games showcased several standout performances from lesser-known players, offering hope to fantasy owners needing reinforcements.

Jaren Jackson Jr., Alperen Sengun, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), and De’Aaron Fox were among the stars who delivered impressive stat lines, underscoring their value in fantasy basketball.

Looking ahead to Thursday’s slate of games, which features matchups for teams like Golden State, Chicago, and Sacramento playing on the second night of a back-to-back, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on potential pickups who could provide an immediate impact.

Here are six players worth considering:

1. Brice Sensabaugh – Despite being rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues, Sensabaugh seized his opportunity with the Utah Jazz, notching his first career start in place of the injured Taylor Hendricks. In a breakout performance, he logged 30 minutes on the court, tallying 15 points, 12 rebounds, and contributing across multiple categories. While Utah’s upcoming schedule may not be favourable, Sensabaugh’s potential makes him a compelling pickup for fantasy managers with roster flexibility.
2. Jake LaRavia – With the Memphis Grizzlies experiencing lineup fluctuations, LaRavia has emerged as a consistent contributor, showcasing his versatility with impressive performances, including a recent double-double. As the Grizzlies prioritize player development, LaRavia stands to benefit from increased playing time, making him a promising option for fantasy managers seeking reliability.
3. Richaun Holmes – Despite initial scepticism surrounding his fantasy value in the absence of Marvin Bagley, Holmes delivered a solid performance off the bench, underscoring his potential as a streaming option. Holmes could offer fantasy managers valuable production across multiple categories if Bagley remains sidelined.
4. Isaac Okoro – Enjoying an extended stint in the starting lineup due to Donovan Mitchell’s absence, Okoro has flourished with increased responsibilities, averaging impressive stats across various categories. With Mitchell’s return uncertain, Okoro remains a viable pickup for fantasy managers needing immediate contributions.
5. Kyle Anderson – With Karl-Anthony Towns ruled out for Thursday’s game, Anderson is poised to earn another start, offering fantasy managers an opportunity to capitalize on his well-rounded contributions in points, rebounds, and assists.
6. Zach Collins – With Victor Wembanyama sidelined, Collins, is expected to step into the starting lineup at centre, presenting fantasy managers with a chance to capitalize on his consistent production throughout the season.

As fantasy managers navigate the unpredictable landscape of the NBA, strategic pickups like Sensabaugh, LaRavia, Holmes, Okoro, Anderson, and Collins could prove instrumental in securing crucial victories during the playoff push.