With two weeks of the NBA season completed, fantasy managers face critical start/sit decisions for Week 3. Eighteen teams are scheduled for four games, while twelve teams play only three times. Understanding back-to-back sets and injury management is essential for optimizing lineups.
Four-Game Teams
ATL, BKN, BOS, CLE, DAL, LAL, MIA, MIL, MIN, NOP, OKC, PHI, PHO, POR, SAC, SAS, UTA, WAS
Three-Game Teams
CHA, CHI, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, MEM, NYK, ORL, TOR
Guards
Consider starting: Collin Gillespie (PHO) – Opponents: @GSW, POR, ORL, HOU. Gillespie delivered a career-best 16 points, 10 assists, four steals, three rebounds, one block and four three-pointers in 33.5 minutes against Denver. With Phoenix boasting the most favorable schedule this week, his increased role makes him a worthwhile risk despite minutes not being guaranteed.
Consider starting: Jeremiah Fears (NOP) – Opponents: @MEM, UTA, MIN, @LAC. 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 (MEM) – Opponents: NOP, IND, OKC. Wells has started regularly but offers limited production beyond scoring (12.2 points, 1.2 steals, 1.8 three-pointers in 27.2 minutes). With only three games this week, managers likely have more versatile options.
Forwards
Consider starting: Miles Bridges (PHO) – Opponents: @GSW, POR, ORL, HOU. Bridges has averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers and 1.8 combined steals/blocks in four games, providing borderline top-50 value. Phoenix's four-game schedule supports starting him.
Consider sitting: Collin Murray-Boyles (TOR) – Opponents: @LAC, @DEN, @MIL. The rookie has disappointed, ranking 180th in nine-category leagues with 7.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 19.0 minutes. Inconsistent playing time and only three games make him a bench candidate.
Consider sitting: Mikal Bridges (NYK) – Opponents: BKN, CHI, @CLE. Bridges has averaged just 6.2 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 27.4 minutes, placing him outside the top 200. His poor finish to last season has carried over; managers should bench him and consider dropping.
Centers
Consider starting: Aday Mara (OKC) – Opponents: @CLE, CLE, @MEM, WAS. With Chet Holmgren out 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 on 52.9% shooting. If his minutes hold, he offers exciting upside.
Consider sitting: Jalen Smith (CHI) – Opponents: @PHI, @NYK, PHI. Smith has started strong (12.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers, 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 varied Smith's minutes (19-30), making him a risky start.
