October 25 Fantasy Basketball Streamers: Miles McBride, Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins and More
Friday's NBA players who are widely available in fantasy leagues and have good matchups.
A lot of random things happen in any two-week span during the season. Those occurrences won’t mean much at the beginning of March, but when we’re only a few games into the season, it’s easy to overreact. There’s nothing else to go off rather than a few events.
Remember to stay calm when your best players have tough games and don’t drop someone because of a bad game or bad week. Things will even out over time, and streaming-level players should be the only guys you drop right now.
Speaking of streamers, let’s look at four teams with good matchups today and the players on those teams who are probably available in your fantasy league. The level of talent and opportunity varies greatly, so pick guys up in accordance with the depth of your league.
The players listed below are mostly suited for the last spots in your lineup today, not as permanent solutions. Some guys will surely turn into regular contributors, but this is about picking up streamers if you are short.
Always check actives/inactives before game time because players are scratched late every day. There’s nothing worse than leaving a dead spot in your lineup because a player is ruled out an hour before the game.
Charlotte Hornets @ Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks played at the sixth-fastest pace and had the fourth-worst defensive rating last season. It’s impossible to parse anything real from one game, but Atlanta’s game with the Nets was played at the third-fastest pace through the first two days of games; take that for what it’s worth.
Atlanta was in the top 10 in most points allowed to every position last year except center. In the Hawks’ first game, Brooklyn’s starting guards Dennis Schroder (13) and Cam Thomas (36) combined for 49 of the Nets’ 116 points.
Hornets’ Streamers
Guard
- Josh Green – Green missed the opener, so double-check his status before considering him for your lineup.
- Tre Mann
- Seth Curry
- Vasilije Micic
Forward
Center
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons were the ninth-fastest team last season and had the sixth-worst defense. They were in the top 10 in most points allowed to every position except point guard. Detroit had the worst record in the league last season and are probably headed that way again.
In their game against Indiana, Myles Turner (20 points) and Pascal Siakam (19) were the two top scorers from the starting lineup, so big men are something to watch against Detroit in this one.
Cavaliers’ Streamers
Guard
Forward
Center
- None
Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz
Utah played at the 10th-fastest pace last season and had the worst defense in the league. The Jazz were in the top seven in points per game allowed to every position except point guard.
In their first game, Utah gave up 46 combined points to starting guards Ja Morant (22) and Desmond Bane (24). Power forward/center Santi Aldama had 27 for the Grizzlies.
Warriors’ Streamers
Guard
- Buddy Hield – Hield isn’t Klay Thompson, but he’s going to soak up a lot of 3-point shots. Hield led the team in scoring in their first game (22 points) and is available in about half of leagues.
- Moses Moody
- De'Anthony Melton
Forward
- Andrew Wiggins – With Thompson gone, Wiggins will probably take on a big role out of necessity; he’s only owned in about 30% of leagues and might be a keeper.
- Gary Payton II
- Kyle Anderson
Center
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Indiana played at the second-fastest pace last year and had the seventh-worst defensive rating. They improved on D closer to the end of the year after trading for Siakam, but this is still a team to target.
The Pacers were in the top three in points per game allowed to shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards last season. In their first game against Detroit, guards Cade Cunningham (28 points), Jaden Ivey (17), and Malik Beasley (14) did the most damage, along with small forward Tim Hardaway Jr.(14).
Knicks’ Streamers
Guard
- Miles McBride – McBride tied for the team lead in the opening game with 22 points.
- Cameron Payne
Forward
Center
- Jericho Sims – Injuries are currently pushing Sims into a nice role.
