Injuries were a common theme in the early part of the season. They left many fantasy managers scrambling to bolster their rosters. One way to do this is through business. Let’s discuss some players to buy low, sell high or hold based on their early starts.
to buy
Fred VanVleet
Houston Rockets
VanVleet was excellent for the Rockets and fantasy managers last year, averaging 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 3.1 three-pointers per game. This marked the fourth straight season in which he averaged at least 17.4 points and 3.0 three-pointers per game. He even shot 41.6% from the field, which was the second highest mark of his career.
It has been a struggle for VanVleet out of the gate this season where he has shot 33.0% from the field and 27.6% from behind the arc. He also averages just 5.6 assists. On the bright side, he chipped in 1.6 steals per game and is still playing 38 minutes per game for a deep Rockets team. He shot 37.3% from behind the arc for his career, so expect him to rebound in that department soon. If a fantasy manager is short of him in your league, this could be a great buy low opportunity.
Brandon Miller
Charlotte Hornets
Miller suffered the injury after playing just 11 minutes in the Hornets’ first game of the season. He then missed four straight games before returning for two tough matchups against the Celtics and Timberwolves. As a result, he is averaging just 10.7 points and shooting 34.4% from the field to start the season.
Miller is healthy again and will have some more favorable contests to come. Efficiency was not a problem for him during his debut season, considering that he shot 44.0% from the field and 37.3% from behind the arc. A healthy LaMelo Ball does have the potential to decrease Miller’s usage somewhat, but Miller is one of the team’s key building blocks for its future, so he should get plenty of opportunities to contribute.
sell
Buddy Hield
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have dealt with numerous injuries this season, which have included Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins and De’Anthony Melton (back) all missing time. They were forced to rely more on Hield, who stepped up to average 21.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 4.7 three-pointers per game.
It’s hard to envision Hield maintaining his current level of production throughout the season. He is currently shooting 51.4% from the field and 50.0% from behind the arc. For his career, he shot 43.5% from the field and 40.2% from deep. The Warriors are also getting healthier with Curry and Wiggins back in the fold. Now is a good time to float him in a trade offer to another fantasy manager who needs a boost in scoring and three-pointers.
Chris Paul
San Antonio Spurs
Paul has started and played in all seven games for the Spurs this season. He even averages 30 minutes per game. His addition provided a stabilizing force for the team at point guard, while also providing valuable contributions for fantasy managers. He is currently averaging 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.3 three-pointers per game. Another plus was that he shot 50.8% from the field.
Last season was not a good situation for Paul on a Warriors team that didn’t really need him to take on a significant role. Expect Paul to continue to deliver better production this season. However, the reason to consider selling high and trading him was his checkered injury history. He has not appeared in more than 65 games in any of the last three seasons. At 39 years old, it may be difficult for him to stay healthy for a long time if he continues to contain 30 minutes per game.
hold on
Dennis Schroder
Brooklyn Nets
Someone didn’t tell the Nets that they were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league this season. They are 4-4 with wins over the Bucks and Grizzlies under their belt. One of the main reasons for their early success was Schroder’s play. He shot a robust 50.5% from the field, including 49.0% from behind the arc. That helped him average 19.9 points and 3.1 three-pointers, to go along with 3.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
Schroder has a 22.4% usage rate with the Nets and is unlikely to see his shot attempts dry up anytime soon based on the lack of talent around him. At some point this season, the Nets could look to trade him to a rival team. As the start of 2025 approaches, it may be time to consider selling high on Schroder. However, keep him for now and continue to benefit from his valuable production for at least the next month or so.
Jalen Duren
Detroit Pistons
Duren took a leap forward last season, averaging 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He logged 29 minutes per game, up from 25 minutes per game during his rookie season. Big things were expected of him in fantasy this season, despite his lack of contributions in blocks outside the central position. However, he averaged a modest 9.0 points and 10.5 rebounds through eight games.
Duren only averaged 25 minutes per game, but some of that can be contributed to two specific games. He played just 11 minutes while fouling out in one game against the 76ers. He also played just 18 minutes during a 30-point loss to the Knicks. Over his other six games, he averaged 11.2 points and 11.8 rebounds in 29 minutes per game. Don’t panic and trade away Duren.
