The start of the NBA season is important for fantasy managers. It can be huge to add one of the big names on the waiver wire that can provide production for the long haul. Also making the right early trades can be a difference maker. Let’s discuss some players to buy low, sell high or hold based on their early starts.
to buy
Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers
Haliburton entered this season averaging at least 20.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 2.8 three-pointers in both of his first two full seasons with the Pacers. He was also efficient, shooting at least 47.7% from the field in both campaigns. Although his production wasn’t as elite when he returned from a hamstring injury last season, he still entered this season as a first-round target in fantasy drafts.
Through four games, Haliburton shoots 33.9% from the field and 26.5% from three. He shot just 1-for-16 from behind the arc in his first two games, but shot 8-for-18 over his last two games. Another concerning statistic was that he only had 11 assists over his first three games. The best sign for him came a rebound shy of a triple-double against a tough Magic team on Monday. If another fantasy manager is down on Haliburton after his slow start, don’t hesitate to buy low on him if possible.
Bam Adebayo
Miami Heat
Adebayo began that season with a nine-point showing in a blowout loss to the Magic. While he was a bit better in two games later, he only scored exactly 12 points in both of them. He bounced back in other categories, providing 21 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and four blocks over those two games.
Adebayo attempted just 31 shots through three games. He’s also shooting just 38.7% from the field. Adebayo has never shot worse than 51.2% from the field in a season for his career. He also averaged at least 18.7 points in each of the last four seasons. Better days are ahead, so look for Adebayo in trade offers.
sell
Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are 2-2 with their offense leading the way. LaVine torched the Grizzlies for 30 points on Monday and has scored at least 22 points in all four games this season. He was especially locked in from behind the arc, shooting 45.7% from deep and averaging 4.0 three-pointers per game. The Bulls are trying to shoot more three-pointers as a team, so LaVine should continue to make triples in bunches.
When LaVine is healthy, he can be a great fantasy option. However, he has played 67 or fewer games in eight of the last nine seasons. The Bulls are also likely still shopping him on the trade market as they look to acquire younger players and picks. Everything is clicking with LaVine healthy and in a leading role now, but if he gets hurt again or is traded, his fantasy value could take a major hit.
Jeremy Grant
Portland Trail Blazers
Despite scoring just seven points against the Kings on Monday, Grant is still averaging 21.3 points and 3.3 three-pointers this season. He was one of the leaders of the Trail Blazers’ scoring attack, posting a 26.9% field goal percentage. Given the lack of talent around him, Grant’s role isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
In addition to his scoring contributions, Grant averages 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. He hasn’t averaged more than 4.6 rebounds per game since the 2018-19 season. He has never averaged at least 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in the same season during his career. It was close to the best case scenario for Grant out of the gate, so considering he hasn’t played in more than 63 games since the 2019-20 season, now could be a good time to sell on him.
hold on
Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks
Towns is off to a slow start with his new team. He is averaging just 15.3 points and 1.3 three-pointers per game. He has never averaged less than 18.3 points per game for a season in his career, and he has averaged at least 20.8 points in each of the last eight seasons. Another impressive streak of his is that he has averaged at least 2.0 three-pointers in each of the last five seasons.
Cities continues to be effective from the field, but his usage is only 19.2% through four games. While he may not have the same role he had with the Timberwolves, the Knicks still need him to be one of their top scorers. Towns has a career 26.7% usage rate, so expect him to get more involved offensively as the season progresses. On the bright side, no longer playing alongside Rudy Gobert helped Towns average 10.7 rebounds with his new squad. Don’t panic and trade him in at a discount.
Nicolas Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
After signing Claxton to a lucrative extension during the offseason, he figured to be one of the main parts of the Nets’ rebuilding process. However, he suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason that limited his availability during the regular season. He played in each of their first four games, but the Nets eased him back into action by bringing him off the bench. That left him with averages of 9.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 21 minutes per game.
Claxton is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he logged 30 minutes per game. He averaged at least 11.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in both of those campaigns. The Nets have no reason to push him right now, but as he becomes more removed from his hamstring issue, expect him to see an increase in playing time.
