NBA Fantasy Basketball: Week 23 Start/Sit – Edwards, Embiid & More

GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies is averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks over his last 15 games, establishing himself as a valuable fantasy basketball asset as the regular season winds down.

The final weeks of the NBA season present a unique landscape for fantasy managers, with several teams prioritizing player development over playoff contention. This shift in focus often creates opportunities for younger players to see increased playing time and production. A significant number of teams – including the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Utah Jazz – are scheduled for four games this week, maximizing potential fantasy output.

Several players are poised to benefit from this schedule and their respective team situations. Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Hawks has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 23.9 points on 54.2% shooting, including 50.7% from three-point range, over his last nine games. His consistent scoring and all-around contributions make him a strong start candidate. Reed Sheppard of the Rockets is also gaining momentum, delivering a well-rounded stat line of 17.0 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks across his last 32.3 minutes per game. Houston’s demand to secure its playoff positioning further enhances Sheppard’s fantasy value.

Yet, not all players are poised for success this week. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is a reluctant sit recommendation due to a knee injury and a limited two-game schedule for his team. The Timberwolves have indicated a 1-to-2-week reevaluation timeline for Edwards, making his availability uncertain.

On the forward front, Saddiq Bey of the New Orleans Pelicans has rebounded strongly from an ACL tear, averaging a career-best 17.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His recent form, with 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steals over the last 13 games, makes him a viable option despite the Pelicans’ lack of playoff contention. Jackson’s increased opportunity in Memphis, averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks over his last 15 contests, also positions him as a valuable pickup.

In the center position, Maxime Raynaud of the Sacramento Kings is showcasing promising potential, averaging 19.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks over his last 12 games. His recent performances, including games with 36 to 42 minutes played, suggest a continued role in the Kings’ rotation. Precious Achiuwa, also of the Kings, is enjoying a career year, contributing 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals over the last 16 games.

Conversely, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers remains a risky start due to an oblique injury. He has already been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and his return timetable remains uncertain. With only two games scheduled for the 76ers this week, Embiid’s limited availability makes him a questionable roster choice.