Waiver wire pickups, lineup tips and more for Week 1

Welcome to The Playlist: a weekly column dedicated to providing you with the best recommendations for fantasy basketball. Each week, I will highlight the top pickups, lineup notes, and must-watch games from across the league. So get ready to press play and dive into the latest fantasy basketball info.

Pickups to Make:

Jeremy Sochan, PF, San Antonio Spurs (47% rostered)
Don’t sleep on Jeremy Sochan. The ninth pick of the 2022 NBA Draft has been turning heads this season. Despite being listed as a power forward, Spurs coach Greg Popovich has been experimenting with Sochan at point guard. He has shown flashes of his playmaking abilities and has the potential to be a valuable asset in fantasy basketball. With his defensive skills and rebounding capabilities, adding assists to his repertoire will take his fantasy production to the next level. He is currently one of the most added players in Yahoo leagues and is a must-have on your roster.

Kyle Anderson, SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves (42% rostered)
Keep an eye on Kyle Anderson while Jaden McDaniels is out. Anderson has been filling in at small forward in McDaniels’ absence and has proven to be a reliable fantasy option. He is known for his diverse production, having recorded four triple-doubles last season and averaging two stocks per game. Despite his slower pace on the court, Anderson finds ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Consider streaming him until McDaniels returns.

Santi Aldama, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies (16% rostered)
With Steven Adams out due to knee surgery, Santi Aldama is expected to step up for the Grizzlies. Aldama’s ability to stretch the floor makes him an ideal replacement at power forward, while Jaren Jackson Jr. shifts to center. Aldama showcased his offensive capabilities during the preseason, averaging 18.5 points and shooting impressive percentages. He is projected to start and should be added in all leagues.

Bilal Coulibaly, SF, Washington Wizards (14% rostered)
Don’t sleep on Bilal Coulibaly. The 19-year-old rookie has quickly adapted to the NBA game and has been one of the standout players for the Wizards in the preseason. Coulibaly is a versatile player who can knock down threes and make an impact on the defensive end. With his impressive performances, it won’t be long before he moves into a starting role. Don’t miss out on adding him to your roster.

10-12 team queue (watchlist):
– Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Washington Wizards (46%)
– Coby White, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls (39%)
– Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF, Utah Jazz (28%)
– Dereck Lively, C, Dallas Mavericks (27%)
– Xavier Tillman, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies (25%)

Deep league queue:
– Quentin Grimes, SG/SF, New York Knicks (20%)
– Grant Williams, PF, Dallas Mavericks (17%)
– Grayson Allen, SG/SF, Phoenix Suns (7%)
– Josh Green, SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks (4%)

Rotation Notes:

Cleveland Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen is doubtful for the season opener. Georges Niang could see increased playing time and is a good option for 3-point streaming.

Detroit Pistons: Bojan Bogdanovic will miss the season opener with a calf injury. Jaden Ivey and Ausur Thompson could see more minutes and usage in his absence.

Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green is ruled out for the season opener due to an ankle injury.

Los Angeles Clippers: Terance Mann will start at PF for the Clippers. He is worth a late-round flier in fantasy.

Los Angeles Lakers: Jarred Vanderbilt is unlikely to play in the season opener due to a heel injury.

Favorite games of the week:

Game 1: Suns at Warriors (Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET)
Watch Kevin Durant return to the Chase Center for the first time with actual fans in the building. This game also marks Chris Paul’s first matchup against his former team. It promises to be a high-scoring affair, so make sure not to miss it.

Game 2: Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET)
Victor Wembanyama makes his NBA debut with the Spurs, facing off against Luka Dončić and the Mavericks. Keep an eye on the Spurs’ new additions, including Jeremy Sochan, as they go up against a playoff contender.

Game 3: Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks (Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET)
Don’t miss Damian Lillard’s debut with the Bucks as they take on a gritty Philadelphia squad. Despite the absence of James Harden, the Sixers remain a formidable opponent with Tyrese Maxey running the offense.

Game 4: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET)
Expect a high-scoring game as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell go head-to-head. Keep an eye on the matchup between Chet Holmgren and Evan Mobley, two promising young players.

Get ready for an exciting week of fantasy basketball and make sure to check back next week for more recommendations.

Reference