Kristian Ferrell
Fantasy basketball is a popular game that allows players to create their own dream teams and compete against each other. It involves drafting players, making trades, and using strategy to build the best possible roster. With the NBA and WNBA seasons in full swing, fantasy basketball enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the resumption of their favourite game. The 2023-24 NBA season has already seen some notable injuries, with players like Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, and Brandon Clarke facing extended periods on the sidelines. As the season progresses, fantasy basketball players will be keeping a close eye on injury reports and player performances to make informed decisions about their rosters. In the WNBA, experts are weighing in on potential sleepers, breakouts, and busts for the 2025 season, with players like Austin, Carter, and Fagbenle generating buzz. As the season draws closer, fantasy basketball leagues will be buzzing with trade talks and draft preparations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 31 March 2025 |
| Current status | Ongoing |
| Upcoming players | Kevin Durant, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Martin, Dariq Whitehead, John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Oscar Tshiebwe, Kyle Filipowski, Kai Jones, Brandon Williams, Harris, Gafford, Lively, Anthony Davis, Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller, Ausar Thompson, Amen Thompson, Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Bane, Randle, McCollum, Williams, Zion Williamson, Reid, Quickley, Antetokounmpo, Middleton, Kristaps Porzingis, Trey Murphy, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Clarke, Montrezl Harrell |
| Returning players | Payton Pritchard, Stephon Castle |
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What You'll Learn
Fantasy women's basketball sleepers, breakouts and busts
To assemble a competitive fantasy women's basketball roster, it all starts with a great draft. Knowing which players to target and which to avoid is crucial. Who will exceed their average draft position (ADP) this season? Who will take their game to another level? And which player might take a step backward?
Fantasy basketball sleepers are players who are selected in the later rounds of the draft but can provide great value to your team. An example of a sleeper is a player who will leap into or close to the upper echelon of players at their position for the first time due to a dramatic increase in production compared to previous seasons. For instance, Barrett of the Toronto Raptors could be considered a sleeper. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 21.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 4.1 APG while shooting 55.3% from the field, some of the best basketball of his career.
Fantasy basketball breakouts are players who are expected to significantly improve their performance and take their game to the next level. For example, Ivey and Jalen Green have shown flashes of being top scorers in the game, but it remains to be seen if they will achieve consistency.
Fantasy basketball busts are players who are expected to be solid starters but might fail to live up to those expectations. An example of a bust is a player who is being drafted too early according to their ADP. Orlando's Paolo Banchero and Westbrook are players who have been considered potential busts in recent seasons. DiJonai Carrington is another player who might see a dip in production after joining a Wings backcourt with Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers.
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Players to target and avoid
When it comes to fantasy basketball, it's important to keep an eye out for players who can help you gain an edge and bring you closer to that championship. Here are some players to target and avoid to give you that competitive advantage:
Players to Target
- Bruce Brown: Rostered in fewer than 20% of ESPN leagues, Brown scored 18 points, had four boards, five assists, a steal, and two 3-pointers in a recent game. He has also scored in double figures in five of his past seven games. With the Denver Nuggets playing three games in four days, Brown is a smart addition to your roster, especially if you're in a championship battle.
- Shaedon Sharpe: Blazers SG Shaedon Sharpe is only 19 and has had a quiet rookie season, but with the team sitting out its stars, he's getting more playing time and producing. He is getting enough shots to score more than 30 fantasy points per game and has upside in points, steals, and 3-pointers.
- Marvin Bagley III: This Detroit Pistons power forward is only rostered in 16.1% of ESPN leagues but has averaged 18.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game over the past four games. With three fantasy-friendly matchups left this week, he's a solid option.
- Deni Avdija: This emergent fantasy force from the Washington Wizards has excelled as a playmaker despite the team's prominent injuries.
- Kelly Olynyk: Olynyk is offering robust production for the Utah Jazz, mimicking his performance from last season with the Houston Rockets.
- Tyrese Martin: With D'Angelo Russell out, Martin has stepped up and is a possibility for your roster.
- Oscar Tshiebwe: Tshiebwe replaced Kessler in the lineup and can provide value in the rebounding category.
- Kyle Filipowski: This Jazz frontcourt player is the one to target in fantasy leagues, with a roster rate of 31%.
Players to Avoid
- Kevin Durant and Cade Cunningham: Both players' statuses are in question due to injuries heading into championship week.
- John Collins and Lauri Markkanen: These players are already out, and they're joined by Kessler, who has been ruled out due to illness.
- Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Trae Young: These top players are dealing with legitimate injuries, and it's uncertain if they'll return anytime soon.
- Donovan Mitchell: Mitchell is out with a broken nose and may not return until the final week.
- Brandon Williams: Williams has hit his 50-game max as a two-way contract player, so there's no need to hold onto him.
- DiJonai Carrington: DiJonai Carrington might see a dip in production this season due to joining a Wings backcourt with Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers.
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NBA pickups to watch
When it comes to NBA pickups to watch, there are several players who stand out. Here are some recommendations:
First, keep an eye on Tyrese Martin. With D'Angelo Russell's frequent absences, Martin has stepped up and proven himself a valuable asset. He could be a great addition to your roster if he continues to get playing time.
Another player to watch is Kyle Filipowski of the Jazz. With a roster rate of 31 percent, he is a strong fantasy basketball pickup who can provide value to your team in the frontcourt.
If you're seeking a high-risk, high-reward player, consider Austin. She averaged an impressive 24 fantasy points per game in just 20 minutes last year. With Elena Delle Donne's retirement, Austin has a clear path to more playing time if she can maintain her health.
Don't forget about the Chicago Sky's Carter, who had a breakout season last year. She posted impressive numbers, especially as a starter, where she averaged 20.7 PPG in her 20 starts. While her current unsigned status may be a concern, her dominant performance in the Chinese league this offseason suggests she is ready to excel.
Lastly, keep an eye on Brink. After a promising start last season, she suffered an ACL injury. She is expected to return to the court this June, and if she regains her previous form, she could quickly become one of the top young centers in the game.
These are just a few NBA pickups to consider. Each player offers unique strengths and potentials that could benefit your fantasy basketball roster.
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In-season additions
Firstly, keep an eye on players taking on bigger or smaller roles than expected. For example, Norman Powell of the Clippers stepped up in the absence of Kawhi Leonard and delivered a stunning 37-point performance early in the season. Tyrese Martin is another player who has stepped up in the absence of D'Angelo Russell and is worth considering.
Injury replacements can also be key. With John Collins and Lauri Markkanen out, Oscar Tshiebwe replaced Kessler in the lineup and can provide value in the rebounding category. Similarly, with Kevin Durant's injury, Bradley Beal's return from a hamstring injury could be a good addition, or consider Royce O'Neale for a higher fantasy ceiling, especially in rebounds.
Don't forget about the rookies. While they may not always make a significant impact, they can be worth adding if they show early promise. Zach Edey was highly anticipated but had a slow start to the season, so keep an eye on whether he turns it around. Donovan Clingan is another rookie to watch.
Finally, keep an eye on players who are underperforming. They can often be added via the waiver wire and turned around. For example, Russell Westbrook had a slow start to the season but may be worth adding if you think he can maintain consistent production. OG Anunoby is another key player who is underperforming and could be a good addition if his production picks up.
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Players to watch in the WNBA
There are several players in the WNBA who are worth keeping an eye on. Here are some of the top players to watch:
A'Ja Wilson
A'Ja Wilson is a dominant force in the WNBA and her resume speaks for itself. She is a SEC champion, NCAA champion, No. 1 WNBA draft pick, five-time WNBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, WNBA Finals MVP, New York Times Best Seller, and a two-time WNBA champion. Wilson's impressive list of accolades makes her one of the most influential players in the league.
Jonquel Jones
Jonquel Jones is a talented player who was the MVP in Connecticut just three years ago. She is an exceptional player on both ends of the floor when healthy. However, a foot injury impacted her start with Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu in New York.
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark, college basketball's all-time leading scorer, has already generated a lot of buzz in the WNBA even before her regular-season debut. Clark is expected to be one of the league's most electric offensive players, showcasing scintillating shooting and passing precision.
Aliyah Boston
Aliyah Boston, the former South Carolina star, lived up to the hype in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever. She led the league in field goal percentage and helped the Fever improve significantly from their previous season. Boston's impact has created a lot of excitement for the team's future.
Alyssa Thomas
Alyssa Thomas is a tenacious defender for the Connecticut Sun. She has made remarkable improvements on the offensive end and finished second in the 2023 MVP voting. Thomas holds the record for the most career triple-doubles in WNBA history, showcasing her all-around abilities.
Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese
Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese were the No. 3 and No. 7 picks, respectively, in the Chicago draft. Both players bring national championship experience and are expected to address the Sky's rebounding issues. Cardoso, in particular, adds rim protection. However, she had to delay her WNBA debut due to a shoulder injury.
Austin
Austin is a player worth considering in drafts, despite being limited to just 31 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. She averaged 24 fantasy points per game in only 20 minutes last year, and with Elena Delle Donne retired, there is a clear path for more playing time if she can stay healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
It looks like fantasy basketball is ongoing, with NBC Sports reporting on key injuries in Week 22 of the 2024-25 season.
Some key injuries to be aware of include Kevin Durant's sprained ankle, Cade Cunnigham's calf injury, and John Collins' illness.
Top fantasy basketball players include Jokic, P.J. Washington, and Nurkic.
When drafting a fantasy women's basketball team, it's important to know which players to target and which to avoid. Sleeper players, who are likely to surpass their average draft position, are good targets.
In the 2023-24 season, players to watch out for include Bane, Zion Williamson, and Antetokounmpo.
