It’s Week 15. Welcome Back. If you are new, welcome.

“Just because I can doesn’t necessarily mean I should.” This theme has been on my mind a lot lately, and it’s a powerful one to consider as new opportunities arise every day. What better time to practice this mindset as we approach the All-Star break and the close of a fascinating first half of the 2024-2025 season?

With All-Star teams set and looking glorious, teams are winding down their experimental phases and preparing to make serious decisions about how they’ll compete in the second half.

In reflecting on sports and fantasy, I’ve reminded myself of one humbling truth: Out of 8 billion people globally, only 30 head coaches lead NBA teams. Thirty. That either speaks to a lack of effort in finding new coaching talent or, more likely, the mastery these coaches possess, operating at levels we can only understand in theory.

It’s a reminder that sometimes restraint is a skill. Knowing when to act – and when not to – is as important as the actions themselves.

As we move into this pivotal week, it’s time to reassess, regroup, and strategically plan for the road ahead. There aren’t many high-priority holds outside of what we’ve discussed in weeks past, but there are always pragmatic moves to make. Spend your FAAB wisely, study the waiver wire in context and be ready to pivot as trades shake things up.

I also encourage you to revisit some of our earlier content. Dive into Seth Fisher’s awesome trade advice and strategies or Nick Rodriguez’s expert takes on dominating the waiver wire. This week, I’m re-introducing some elements and terms of a framework to assist with player management and roster construction to support how you visualize your options during the back half of the season.

There will be tempting pickups this week, but before you make a move, ask yourself: Just because I can… should I?

Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings

Whether you’re new, seasoned or just rebounding from the NFL season like it ended with a mutual breakup, welcome. FantasyPros is here to guide you through the second half of the NBA season with strategy, bold moves and a shared passion for this game we all love.

Let’s dive into this week’s opportunities with confidence and focus. We’re locked in and ready to cook. It’s time to make this season our own. Game on.

Fantasy Basketball Category Analysis & Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 15)

It’s Still Trade Season

They’ve been quiet, but we all know the storm is coming. Hopefully, it’s this season. Just in case, here you go.

Key Strategies for Success:

• Target talent-rich teams in transition
• Experimentation is a good thing; think differently
• Revisit rookies poised for impact
• Look for role players who will become main players
• Adopt a weekly “0-0” record mindset

Filling the Fantasy Void: NBA DFS Awaits

With the NFL regular season and the traditional fantasy football season over and baseball still on deck, the NBA is here to bridge the gap.

Why NBA DFS?

The NBA offers daily action-packed slates, unique game modes and countless opportunities to dive into the excitement of fantasy basketball. FantasyPros has you covered with the tools, insights and articles you need to dominate your NBA lineups.

Keys to NBA DFS Success:

• Learn the scoring and format
• Understand the value in the NBA context
• Make bold calls
• Embrace the contrarian approach
• Trust the process

Follow the FantasyPros Team

We’re here to help you dominate every slate, every day of the week. With expert advice and actionable insights, you’ll be ready to tackle NBA DFS like a pro.

What’s on the Horizon: Building Towards Week 15 and Beyond

As we approach Week 15, let’s take a moment to set the stage for what’s ahead.

Post-All-Star Adjustments: Sharpening the Strategy

After the All-Star break, we’ll level up with a new approach article, look, feel and recommendations:

• Matchup summaries and grades
• Strategic player acquisition frameworks
• Less talk and more show

New This Week: New Category and Roster Build Terms

As we prepare and move towards the second half of the season we will begin to implement some new terms and frameworks to support your continued success as a fantasy basketball player. This is taken from the article Fantasy Basketball Draft Advice: 8 Must-Have Players to Draft (2024). Terms and frameworks like the roster build frame are introduced here.

• Singular-Realist: Players who focus on producing in one category.
• Synergy-Realist: Players who contribute across multiple categories.
• Generalist (G): Players who contribute across multiple categories to win consistently each week. Aligns with a “Hold” strategy, creating a core foundation for your roster.
• Specialist (SP): Players who excel in specific categories, allowing you to exploit opponent weaknesses. Aligns with a “Stream” strategy for short-term flexibility.

*Note: Of course, these players impact different categories naturally, however, we are talking and classifying as the norm and within the main value proposition of their contribution and impact.

Articles to revisit for preparation (familiarity with possible terms/format of upcoming articles):

Fantasy Basketball Category & Waiver Wire Analysis

Our focus will continue to shift to deeper, tactical moves as we head into the second half of the season, where we’ll lean into matchup contexts, multi-week schedules and thoughtful player and roster management to give you an edge. It’s almost time when getting cute could be the best thing.

Fantasy Format

Scoring Type:

Head-to-Head (Most Categories)

Player Stat Categories:

• Points Scored (PTS)
• Total Rebounds (REB)
• Assists (AST)
• Steals (ST)
• Block Shots (BLK)
• 3-Point Shots Made (3PTM)
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%)

Roster Positions:

• Point Guard (PG)
• Shooting Guard (SG)
• Guard (G)
• Small Forward (SF)
• Power Forward (PF)
• Center (C) x 2
• Utility (UTIL) x 2
• Bench (BN) x 2
• Injured List (IL) x 3

Data Sources

• NBA Player Stats: NBA.com (2024-2025) – Stats taken on Sunday, January 26th, 2025 (Data subject to change.)
• Yahoo! Sports – Player List

Points

Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG, SF): 52% Rostered | 17.5 Points – Rank: 70th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold
• Priority: High-Low
• Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Points
• Secondary: Steals
• Auxiliary: Field-Goal Percentage, Free-Throw Percentage, Three-Pointers Made
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 15 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 3
• Opponents: MIL, ORL, PHX

A Mainstay on the Watchlist

Shaedon Sharpe has been on this list and will stay on this list. The Portland Trail Blazers are oozing with ballers. They could either keep everyone and continue to tease us, or eventually make some moves that catapult them onto everyone’s radar as the team to watch – next season and beyond.

When that happens, whether Sharpe is still with the team or finds himself elsewhere, I want to be able to say, “I have him.” Hold someone that long without guarantees? Wait a second, this guy is still performing at a high level, surrounded by other high-level players in both the frontcourt and the backcourt.

Consistency Amid Chaos

Sharpe is averaging 17.5 points per game. Injuries, roster additions and rotation changes haven’t stopped him from competing at an impressive level. Outside of injury, there’s nothing obvious standing in his way of a breakout campaign as the season progresses, even if things stay as they are.

Believe in The Process

If there’s anyone to grab this week, it’s him. And even if he breaks out next year, I’ll still say, “I believed.”

It’s the same feeling I had when my fantasy draft grade came back as a D-minus, complete with a “better luck next time” note after I drafted Jayden Daniels as my QB1 in the ninth round, Derrick Henry as my RB1 and Terry McLaurin as my WR1. I was projected to finish 12th out of 12 and still managed to claim third place. Yeah, I’m sure the grade would’ve dropped lower if it could, but here’s the thing: Guess what I can say. I believed. Don’t believe me? Here you go.

Why You Should Make the Move

There is a feeling that comes with believing and being right that no one can put into words… but you’ll know it when next year’s draft comes around and someone snipes Daniels right before you when you know they didn’t believe as you believed. In this case and Sharpe’s case, if you can… you should.

On The Radar

Assists

Andrew Nembhard (IND – PG, SG): 22% Rostered | 5.2 Assists – Rank: 44th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow-Deep
• Acquisition Type: Stream – Priority Stream Potential
• Priority: Medium
• Stream/Hold Period: 2-4 Weeks (Week to Week)

Category Build

• Primary: Assists
• Secondary: Steals, Field-Goal Percentage
• Auxiliary: Rebounds, Points
• Category Class: Synergy-Realist
• Roster Class: Generalist

Week 15 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 2
• Opponents: DET, ATL

When the Game Gets Real

When it comes to second-half and postseason basketball, teams start to play “real” ball. And by real, I don’t mean that effort, passion or care weren’t there before. What I mean is that after managing 80+ games and the demands of life on and off the court, teams begin to lock in and things get serious.

A Player Built for the Moment

When this happens, teams deploy talent that noticeably helps win championships, especially if they’re healthy and ready to go. Andrew Nembhard is one of these players, alongside teammate T.J. McConnell. These guys can change games. If health hadn’t been such a major theme of this health-demic season, it would be hard to find a better backcourt than the Indiana Pacers.

The Impact Around Greatness

It can be easy to overlook players like Nembhard when extraordinary talents like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are the foundation of the team. But those playing alongside them are, if not equally, certainly extraordinarily capable of showing up when it’s time to win.

Why Nembhard Deserves Your Attention

Nembhard is averaging 5.2 assists per game, along with 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. It’s not about whether he can make an impact — it’s about how and what’s best for the team, given their many options.

If you’re looking for someone who can directly boost your assists category and offer understated multi-category support with the potential to single-handedly change the outcome of your slate and week, Nembhard is a player you should consider.

On The Radar

Rebounds

Nick Richards (PHX – C): 42% Rostered | 8.3 Rebounds – Rank: 29th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Hold
• Priority: High
• Stream/Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Rebounds
• Secondary: Field-Goal Percentage, Blocks
• Auxiliary: Points, Steals
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 15 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: LAC, MIN, @GSW, @POR

A Natural Transition

Get Nick Richards. It’s hard to transition into a state of prosperity and options when you find yourself in new places in life that offer you these things, especially after being used to and excelling in your situation, although limited.

Nick Richards doesn’t have this problem. The guy is coming in and doing exactly what he is supposed to do and has been paying off handsomely for those who rode his explosive game against Detroit and didn’t bail when his ultra instinct faded for a short time.

Ready to Lock In

But let me tell you something. As I said, these teams are about to lock in, and by the end, he is going to master it if he has a chance. The guy just had a 20-point, 19-rebound double-double against Washington, who is sporting possibly one of the most intriguing and dangerous frontcourts in the league once they are in a position to start fully competing.

This and his performance against Brooklyn is also a good sign. Both these teams are going to be problems, but they are also teams you hope your potential star-filled player can dominate… and he did.

Stop Playing With This Man

Richards is averaging 8.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Stop playing with this man. Trust me, everyone is going to have to backtrack what they said about Bryce Young. Oh wait, he was only 22 when he was drafted into this in-progress franchise, needed time to learn and grow. Now he has done that and is showing promise… who would’ve thought?

Worth the Investment (Packman and Mr. Big Head — Full-Circle)

Packman. (And yes, I know you have.) I hope you saved those Nick Richards, aka Mr. Big Head, cards. Why bring this up? Well for those who don’t know, Packman is an expert card collector and, in my opinion, a shining example of one of the many awesome minds in what card collectors call “The Hobby.”

Well, for the longest time — and still today — everyone was chasing LaMelo Ball cards. Packman was no exception. But most of the time he’d pull Nick Richards cards instead. Jokingly, but respectfully, he’d call him “Mr. Big Head.”

Fast forward to now, and Richards’ emergence is making us rethink the past. The experience of chasing what we rightfully sought at the time is about to change how we view what we have and what we look for next.

In the same way, the hobby is shifting; fantasy players are about to experience something similar with Richards’ rise.

Richards, whether it pays off or not in the long term, is showing us right now he is worth the investment, and the Suns are about to remind us just who they are. If you can, you should.

On The Radar

Blocks

Donovan Clingan (POR – C): 27% Rostered | 1.6 Blocks – Rank: 12th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Deep-Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Stream – Priority Stream – Hold Potential
• Priority: Medium
• Hold Period: 2-3 Weeks (Week-to-Week)

Category Build

• Primary: Blocks
• Secondary: Steals, Rebounds
• Auxiliary: Points
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 15 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 3
• Opponents: MIL, ORL, PHX

The Health-Demic Dilemma

Not going to lie, I’ve been loving me some “Swatson” Watson, but “Calm” Clingan is one of my first ride-and-thrives. So, he gets this spot.

Look, I get it — the roster space is wild. The fact we’ve had to use our four moves to accommodate the health-demic, only to need four more to assist with those players getting injured, has made it very difficult to allocate our roster space. So, I’m not saying go out and grab him, especially if you’re in shallow leagues. What I am saying is, once they let the reins go and figure out their frontcourt, I don’t care if it’s one game or a couple, I’m rostering him to say I did it.

Clingan had 14 rebounds and four blocks in his first game back after a five-game absence. With or without other main players playing — come on, man. You probably should, but I understand if you can’t on this one.

A Dominant Presence in the Making

Clingan has shown flashes of dominance that go beyond his stat line. At just 19 years old, he’s establishing himself as a player who doesn’t just contribute, he changes the game. Whether it’s locking down the paint with his shot-blocking or grabbing boards with authority, Clingan’s presence on the court is hard to ignore.

Why You Should Take Notice

Portland’s season has been marked by uncertainty, but one thing is clear: Clingan has the potential to be a cornerstone piece. His ability to capitalize on limited opportunities speaks volumes about his readiness to step up when called upon. Even in the shadow of more established teammates, Clingan’s value is growing, and fast.

If you’re looking for a player who can bolster your defensive categories and give you a shot at high-impact performances, Clingan is your guy. He might not be a must-add in shallow leagues just yet, but when the time comes, you’ll want to say you believed.

On The Radar

Steals

Kelly Oubre Jr. (PHI – SG, SF): 55% Rostered | 1.5 Steals – Rank: 28th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Hold Potential – Hold
• Priority: High
• Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Steals
• Secondary: Rebounds, Points
• Auxiliary: Field-Goal Percentage
• Category Class: Synergy-Realist
• Roster Class: Generalist

Week 15 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: LAL, SAC, DEN, BOS

The Invisible Hand of Opportunity

Listen, I put the post out a while ago, X, and it was initially, on the surface, in response to an injury opportunity — Jared McCain. Rest and heal well, brother. But in reality, it was a perfect moment to reintroduce just how good Kelly Oubre Jr. is.

Oubre is like the invisible hand that keeps giving. While he has the potential to be a star on his own team in his own right, he excels at lifting all boats — whether it’s the real-life teams he’s played for or fantasy teams alike.

Subtle But Consistent Impact

Oubre’s production transitions are subtle; they never make a drastic arrival. This might make him seem more like a glorified streaming asset than a long-term hold. But let me tell you something: Oubre might be the only fantasy asset I’ve seen who can adapt his contributions to real-life team changes and season shifts without drastically impacting anyone’s roster construction, at least not for long periods.

If one day he’s producing a certain way and the next day needs to adjust because he’s no longer a starter or priority option, he will find another way to create impact. That adaptability makes him not just a valuable fantasy player, but also the type of player you want to build around. The Sixers are showing us that, and let’s hope you are, too.

Across-the-Board Production

Oubre is averaging 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. He’s shooting 45.9% from the floor, making 1.2 threes per game, and, while not spectacular, he’s averaging 2.0 made free throws on 2.8 attempts at a 74.3% clip.

If you’re taking a swing to improve your free-throw category, he at least gives you a shot.

Why Oubre Deserves a Spot

Whether lifting your team subtly or delivering steady across-the-board stats, Oubre’s ability to adapt and produce makes him a must-add. If you can, you should.

On The Radar

Three-Pointers Made

Malik Beasley (DET – SG, SF): 35% Rostered | 3.7 3PTM – Rank: 8th

Acquisition Details

• League Level: Shallow
• Acquisition Type: Priority Stream – Hold Potential
• Priority: Medium-High
• Hold Period: 3-4 Weeks

Category Build

• Primary: Three-Pointers Made
• Secondary: Points
• Auxiliary: Steals, Rebounds
• Category Class: Singular-Realist
• Roster Class: Specialist

Week 15 Opponent Overview

• Total Games: 4
• Opponents: @CLE, @IND, DAL, CHI