With two weeks of the NBA season completed, fantasy managers face critical start/sit decisions for Week 3. Eighteen teams are scheduled to play four games, while the remaining twelve teams play three games. The four-game teams are Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, Utah, and Washington. The three-game teams are Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, LA Clippers, Memphis, New York, Orlando, and Toronto.
Guards
Consider starting: Collin Gillespie (Phoenix) – Opponents: at Golden State, Portland, Orlando, Houston. Gillespie delivered a breakout game with 16 points, 10 assists, four steals, three rebounds, one block, and four three-pointers in 33.5 minutes. With Phoenix holding the most favorable schedule this week, his increased role makes him a worthwhile risk despite minutes not being guaranteed.
Consider starting: Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans) – Opponents: at Memphis, Utah, Minnesota, at LA Clippers. Fears has averaged 21.0 points, 10.0 assists, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 2.0 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers over his last two games while Dejounte Murray was out. He has started all six games, and with four games ahead, he could maintain momentum even if Murray returns.
Consider sitting: Jaylen Wells (Memphis) – Opponents: New Orleans, Indiana, Oklahoma City. Wells has averaged 12.2 points, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers in 27.2 minutes but offers limited peripheral production. With only three games this week, managers likely have more versatile options.
Forwards
Consider starting: Miles Bridges (Phoenix) – Opponents: at Golden State, Portland, Orlando, Houston. Bridges has averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers, and 1.8 combined steals and blocks in four games, providing borderline top-50 value. The Suns' four-game schedule supports his inclusion in starting lineups.
Consider sitting: Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto) – Opponents: at LA Clippers, at Denver, at Milwaukee. Murray-Boyles ranks 180th in nine-category leagues, averaging 7.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 19.0 minutes. His playing time remains inconsistent, and with only three games, benching him is advisable.
Consider sitting: Mikal Bridges (New York) – Opponents: Brooklyn, Chicago, at Cleveland. Bridges has averaged just 6.2 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 27.4 minutes, placing him well outside the top 200. His poor finish to last season has carried over, making him a bench candidate or drop candidate.
Centers
Consider starting: Aday Mara (Oklahoma City) – Opponents: at Cleveland, Cleveland, at Memphis, Washington. With Chet Holmgren out for at least two months, Mara has played at least 20 minutes in three straight games, averaging 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks while shooting 52.9% from the field and 85.7% from the line. He carries risk but offers exciting upside.
Consider sitting: Jalen Smith (Chicago) – Opponents: at Philadelphia, at New York, Philadelphia. Smith has started strong with 12.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers, and 1.0 blocks in 24.1 minutes, but Nic Claxton's potential return from a hamstring injury could push Smith back to the bench. Coach Tiago Splitter has already shown willingness to rotate minutes, making Smith a safer bench option this week.
