Hey there, hardwood heroes! As the final buzzer of Week 1 fades, it's officially game-on for the 2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Week 2 Waiver Wire.
Week 1 was a rollercoaster of dunks and upsets, wasn't it? Now, if you're on the prowl for the waiver wire MVPs, you're smack dab in the sweet spot. On tap? A roster of free agents destined to make your Week 2 pop.
Primarily, our radar is honed in on those potential game-changers floating below the 40% ownership mark in Yahoo leagues. But occasionally, we'll spice things up with a few above that mark—just be sure to scope out their status in your league first.
Each week, I'm committed to dropping fresh names onto your court, revisiting those from the past only if they're still lurking in the shadows of most leagues. Ready to play ball? Let's deep dive into the plays of the 2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Week 2 Waiver Wire!
2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Week 2 Waiver Wire
Cole Anthony, PG, Orlando Magic (29% owned)
Look, starting isn't everything, and Cole Anthony is here to prove it. This guy's been dishing out points, threes, assists, FT%, and snagging those out-of-position rebounds that make fantasy managers raise an eyebrow.
Alright, he's not exactly your defensive dynamo—landing just a smidge outside the top-100 in nine-category players—but with stats boasting 19.0 PPG, 2.0 3PG, 6.0 RPG, and 2.0 APG, he's shaping up to be a snug fit for those punt-steals builds. And did I mention he's shooting a sizzling 51.9 FG% on 13.5 FGA/G recently?
Week 2 is looking juicy for Orlando Magic, playing four games. They're hitting the court thrice in the span of four nights early in the week. A back-to-back showdown against both the LA teams—Lakers and Clippers—on Monday and Tuesday? Check. A rendezvous with the Utah Jazz on Thursday? Yup. And they'll round off the week with an encore against the Lakers on Saturday.
If you're thinking of snagging someone, make it Cole Anthony. Who knows? He might just evolve from your Week 2 streamer to a permanent fixture.
Cole Anthony is a top-five sixth man. The 23-year-old put up 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting with eight rebounds, two assists, and a game-high +17 in Orlando’s season-opening rout of the Rockets. #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/NHS4Jlotl8
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) October 26, 2023
Naz Reid, PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves (29% owned)
After last night's showdown against the Miami Heat, the Minnesota Timberwolves' arena might as well have been called "The House of Naz Reid." The hometown fans showered him with chants, and why not? He dazzled with 25 points, 8 boards, a dime, and a couple of swipes. Presently, he's flexing inside the top-50 of nine-category leagues, sporting averages of 17.5 PPG, 2.0 3PG, 6.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, and 1.0 SPG.
Now, here's the scoop: While the Timberwolves lace up for just three games in Week 2, Reid is still turning heads. Sure, he might be warming the bench behind the likes of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, and maybe even trailing Kyle Anderson. But on a per-minute basis? Reid's a beast.
For managers craving a points and boards boost, plus a sprinkle of out-of-position threes, Naz Reid's your guy. Snatch him up and consider holding onto this gem, at least until Jaden McDaniels steps back into the spotlight.
Naz Reid in only 28 minutes tonight:
25 PTS
8 REB
4 3PM
2 STL
10-14 FGM
+30Beast. pic.twitter.com/w3EObOnQfX
— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) October 29, 2023
Alex Caruso, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls (21% owned)
Step aside, top-tier guards, Alex Caruso's making waves in the fantasy world! He's vaulted into the top 60 of nine-category leagues, and the stats tell the tale: 1.0 3PG, 6.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, and a jaw-dropping 2.7 SPG. Those unexpected rebounds and the "steal show" he's been putting on? Pure gold, especially if you're crafting those sly punt-points builds.
Navigating the Week 2 streaming waters gets tricky, especially with that game jam on Monday and Wednesday. But here's your beacon: The Chicago Bulls, gearing up for a four-game fiesta. Kicking things off against the Indiana Pacers on Monday, they'll then lock horns with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. And for the grand finale? A back-to-back duel against the Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets to round off the week.
Needing a boost in assists and steals for Week 2? Alex Caruso's your man. With the Bulls' crowded backcourt, expect a rollercoaster ride. But if you're giving points the cold shoulder, Caruso fits like a glove.
Alex Caruso put together one of the most impactful games I’ve ever seen.
13 points, 13 rebounds. 2 steals. 1 block. The game winning steal and 3-pointer.
+29 in a game the Bulls won by one point. Insane— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) October 28, 2023
Ziaire Williams, SF, Memphis Grizzlies (8% owned)
Here's a name you'll want on your radar: Ziaire Williams. Currently leading the charge for the Memphis Grizzlies, this young gun's been clocking serious court time, especially with back-to-back outings exceeding 30 minutes.
With the Grizzlies' main men – Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, Steven Adams, and the ever-familiar Luke Kennard – benched, Williams isn't just filling shoes; he's sprinting in them. Delivering an impressive 12.0 PPG, nailing 1.7 triples, and grabbing a healthy 7.7 RPG, he's indeed making waves. Defensive stats? Not his strongest suit, which might dim his star a bit.
But for those navigating the deep waters of 14-team leagues or beyond, give Ziaire Williams a glance. His points, triples, and boards could be the treasure you seek. Keep him snug in your roster as long as he's in the limelight, especially with the Grizzlies flaunting an enviable schedule next week. Four easy games, folks. They'll square off with the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, and then double-dip with the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday and Sunday.
ZIAIRE WILLIAMS TONIGHT :
? 16 Points
? 10 Rebounds
? 4 ThreesFIRST CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR Z-WILL ? pic.twitter.com/PlVkbY2IfZ
— Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) October 29, 2023
Here are some players who might also be relevant in the upcoming week:
- Delon Wright, PG/SG, Washington Wizards (12% owned)
- Kyle Lowry, PG, Miami Heat (27% owned)
- Keyonte George, SG, Utah Jazz (6% owned)
- John Konchar, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies (2% owned)
Check out more of our Fantasy Basketball content
