Greetings, Fantasy Basketball Enthusiasts! It's that time again to jump into the 2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Week 3 Waiver Wire.
Hunting for the prime waiver wire picks? You've scored the right spot. Here, we'll lay out the must-grab free-agent players essential for Week 3 success.
We'll zoom in on those hidden gems owned in less than 40% of Yahoo leagues, and we'll even toss in a few slightly above that might just be flying under your league's radar.
My commitment to you is this: each waiver wire rundown will bring in a fresh lineup, revisiting past players only if their availability is still hanging in the majority.
Now, let's lace up and take a playful layup into our strategy with the 2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Week 3 Waiver Wire. Some savvy picks and a little bit of luck could see your team dominating the scoreboard. Ready? Let's dribble through this week's top waiver wonders!
2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Week 3 Waiver Wire
Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF, Brooklyn Nets (32% owned)
Dorian Finney-Smith is back to his old tricks, and fantasy managers are taking notice. Averaging 15.4 points, 3.6 three-pointers, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, he's muscled his way into the top 100 for nine-category leagues. Finney-Smith is a prime free agent to snatch up, at least until Nic Claxton shakes off his ankle sprain.
The Brooklyn Nets' Week 3 schedule includes four games, with tantalizing matchups against the Washington Wizards and the Milwaukee Bucks. Keep an eye on Dorian Finney-Smith in Week 3. As a starter with a hefty chunk of court time, he's in a sweet spot to pad your stats with rebounds and three-pointers. Grab him before your opponents do, and you might just thank your lucky stars—and Finney-Smith's steady hand.
Dorian Finney Smith has been Brooklyn's unsung hero with Nic Claxton out early this year:
15.4 PPG
5.0 RPG
55.8% FG
50% from three (7.2 attempts per game)Huge performance tonight keeping the Nets within striking distance in the 1st half then making consecutive big shots late. pic.twitter.com/UQlpKcD0s4
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 4, 2023
Moritz Wagner, C, Orlando Magic (27% owned)
Wendell Carter Jr.'s season has hit a snag early with a fractured finger, dealing a blow to fantasy managers everywhere. It's time for Moritz Wagner to step into the spotlight. Whenever Wagner receives extended minutes, he becomes a must-add in standard leagues—something we witnessed last year. Wagner's per-36-minute stats from the 2022-23 season sparkle with promise: 19.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals.
Orlando Magic's rotation at the center is looking sparse, setting the stage for Wagner to increase his time on the hardwood, particularly with his brother, Franz Wagner, by his side. Turn your attention to Moritz Wagner in Week 3. The Magic has a schedule advantage with games on Thursday and Saturday—less crowded days that are perfect for strategic streaming. Consider hanging onto Wagner until Carter Jr. makes his return, which might not be anytime soon. He could be the silver lining for those who've felt the sting of Carter Jr.'s absence.
SUPER WAGNER BROS! ??????
23 PTS & 3 AST, 8-9 FT von Franz
17 PTS & 9 REB, 8-8 FG von Moritz#ranNBA #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/ebDCJGWccQ— Seb Dumitru (@nbachefkoch) October 28, 2023
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Orlando Magic (36% owned)
Flip the script on FG% woes and peek at Jalen Suggs' overall fantasy impact. Despite shooting a mere 37.0 FG% this season, he's breaking into the top 70. His climb to 63rd in nine-category leagues is largely due to his remarkable 2.0 steals per game, along with valuable assists and rebounds. Suggs might not be the first choice for those concerned with field goal percentages, but his contributions in other areas are too significant to pass up on the waiver wire.
Week 3 offers a golden opportunity for those considering Suggs. With the Orlando Magic slated for action on the lighter game days of Thursday and Saturday, Suggs becomes an even more attractive option. Give Suggs a shot this week, especially if your strategy involves downplaying the significance of FG%. His stats could be the secret sauce your lineup craves.
Jalen Suggs is 2nd in the NBA with 5.0 deflections per game.
The Magic as a team are 3rd in the NBA with 20.0 deflections per game.
(Submitted by: @P5TheGoat)#MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/CeUsGnq4cO
— ORLmuse (@ORLmuse) November 2, 2023
Christian Wood, PF/C, Los Angeles Lakers (42% owned)
The Los Angeles Lakers snagged a steal this summer with Christian Wood, and he's showing his value, even in a sixth-man role. Wood tops the Lakers in plus-minus this season. But his solid performances are still waiting to make a splash in fantasy basketball. The Lakers' crowded frontcourt has kept Wood's full breakout at bay.
Looking back at his 2022-23 per 36-minute stats — 23.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.2 three-pointers, and 1.5 blocks — one can't help but wonder when he'll get his chance to shine. Fantasy managers should consider taking a chance on Wood. His current play suggests an uptick in minutes could be on the horizon. If that shift occurs, watch for Wood to revert to the double-double dynamo we've seen in the past.
Christian Wood this season:
— 1st in rebounds off the bench
— 1st in +/- off the benchLeading the Lakers in +/- this season
(Via - @statmuse) pic.twitter.com/rcNPBZ0oy4
— ⁶ (@SpeakContext) November 3, 2023
Here are some players who might also be relevant in the upcoming week:
- Cole Anthony, PG, Orlando Magic (40% owned)
- Kyle Lowry, PG, Miami Heat (25% owned)
- Cedi Osman, SF/PF, San Antonio Spurs (7% owned)
- Goga Bitadze, C, Orlando Magic (7% owned)
- Jae Crowder, SF/PF, Milwaukee Bucks (4% owned)
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