Fantasy Basketball Mid-Week Streamers: Week 3

November 9, 2023

Lance Roberson looks at some mid-week waiver wire options for fantasy basketball leagues. These players may be free agents to target on waivers in Week 3.

With many injuries to starting-quality players, it's time for fantasy basketball managers to seek refuge via free agency. Streamers can make or break your week, so allow RotoBaller to help you pinpoint who you need on your roster to edge out the competition.

Let's look at the remaining schedules for each team and discuss some players to consider streaming. For those in daily lineup leagues, streaming players with favorable schedules can be key to having a winning week.

However, be sure to be aware of your league rules. If you have a games played cap for the week, then streaming too much might not be ideal. All roster percentages used in this article are from Yahoo.

Weekly Schedule: Thursday to Sunday

Teams that play only one or no games (AVOID): Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Portland, Sacramento, Utah

Teams that play two or more games (TARGET): Atlanta, Brooklyn, Dallas, Detroit, Golden State, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Toronto, Utah

Shallow League Streaming Options

Norman Powell, SG/SF (40%)

Despite James "I Am the System" Harden's insertion into the Clippers lineup, Norman Powell will still find a way to average double-digit production off the bench. Powell averaged 13 points in the Clippers' last five outings on 52/40/66 splits. When Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue figures out the rotation, best believe Powell will have a spot.

Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF (39%)

The Brooklyn Nets aren't as bad as numerous NBA season previews conveyed. Sitting at 4-4 following a shocking victory over the Clippers, Dorian Finney-Smith played a pivotal part in Brooklyn's positive start. Not known as a three-point shooter, Finney-Smith is here to change the narrative. Converting 44 percent of his three-point baskets on seven attempts per game makes Finney-Smith worthy of a tryout in shallow leagues.

Dorian Finney-Smith hitting a transition, pull-up three! Okay then: pic.twitter.com/djlRHcQW2B

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) November 9, 2023

Malik Monk, SG/SF (48%)

Although the Sacramento Kings haven't mimicked their last season's success, Malik Monk has different plans in mind, especially amid a contract year. Monk continues his mission to earn another lucrative contract by scoring a similar point average (13.3) but with higher efficiency (40 percent) from the three-point range. Aside from outside shooting, Monk carries the second unit with 4.5 assists per game. Seek Monk for your streamer needs, and you might keep him for the long run.

Jonathan Kuminga, SF/PF (26%)

After the season is finished, I imagine Jonathan Kuminga will thank Chris Paul. Without the future Hall of Fame point guard, I'm not sure Kuminga would even be a thought in fantasy basketball if not for 38 percent Paul-Kuminga connections. Although Kuminga is not having a great year, his recent stretch suggests a flier for desperate fantasy managers. If you need double-digit scoring, Kuminga has you covered.

Deep Leagues Streaming Options

Royce O'Neale, SG/SF (11%)

Posting double-digit scores in his previous two games, Royce O'Neale also averaged 9.5 rebounds during the aforementioned span. For deep-league fantasy managers, O'Neale appears as a Godsend, as he produces on the defensive end, indicative of his 1.5 blocks average in the Brooklyn Nets' last six contests. Give O'Neale a chance; he'll help you on the margins, leading to a bump in fantasy standings.

Alex Caruso, PG/SG (18%)

Fantasy basketball typically revolves around offense. However, winning the defensive battle provides slight edges. Chicago Bulls Alex Caruso finally had a good offensive performance this season. Scoring 19 points against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, the 2020 NBA champion still hangs his hat on defense in light of the 10 total combination of blocks and steals accumulated in the previous five games. Check for Caruso if you're desperate for defensive production, considering his offense a bonus.

Alex Caruso TOO SMOOTH on the fake pass and finish.

Suns-Bulls | Live on the NBA App
📲 : https://t.co/QPNRiLoJ3U pic.twitter.com/f1t5iSftXF

— NBA (@NBA) November 9, 2023

Derrick Jones Jr., SF (2%)

Dallas Mavericks wing Josh Green must proceed cautiously, as Derrick Jones Jr. seems to be a threat to take his starting position for the season. Coming off an explosive performance vs. the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday evening, in which the former NBA dunk champion scored 15 points and rejected three shots, Jones Jr. seems like a favorite to play starting minutes for the time being, providing ample opportunities for significant fantasy numbers. Consider Jones Jr. a diamond in the dirt.

Poetry in Motion. 🔨 #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySportsSW 📺 pic.twitter.com/bybHe0Mb6C

— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) November 9, 2023

Rui Hachimura, SF, PF (12%)

After missing four games due to undergoing the NBA's concussion protocol, Rui Hachimura scored 24 points in Wednesday night's Los Angeles Lakers' blowout loss. We'll see if Hachimura is the answer to the Lakers' problems, especially without Anthony Davis (groin) in the lineup. Hachimura is worth trying out for at least a few games.

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