Fantasy managers are starting to really understand what their squads will look like this season in Week 4, and while some players are absolutely crushing it, others are hitting a wall. This week, we’ve got 14 teams playing four times, 14 teams stuck with just three games, and then there are Brooklyn and Minnesota, who both have a brutal two-game schedule. Seriously, getting caught with a short schedule can wreck your week.
This Pelicans Guard Is Absolutely Exploding
You better believe Jeremiah Fears is a “start” this week. This dude, playing for New Orleans, has been on an absolute tear. Even with Dejounte Murray back on the floor, Fears hasn’t missed a beat, chalking up at least 19 points in five of his last six games. Plus, he’s stepping up big on defense, swiping 1.5 steals per game over that same six-game stretch. He’s been a borderline top-50 player during this run, and with four games coming up for the Pelicans against the Warriors, Nets, Grizzlies, and Nuggets, you’d be crazy to leave him on your bench. His assist numbers might jump around, but the rest of his game is more than enough to justify the starting nod.
Red Flags, Reduced Roles, and Rough Schedules
Now, let’s talk about some guys who are probably staying on the bench. Rudy Gobert’s slow start is already a major concern, and when you combine that with Minnesota’s two-game schedule, it’s a huge red flag. You just can’t afford to have a key player only get two chances to produce.
Then there’s CJ McCollum down in Atlanta. His role has absolutely shrunk over the last week. In three games, he’s only averaging 9.3 points, 3.7 boards, four assists, 1.3 steals, and one three-pointer, all in a mere 23.1 minutes per game. Kingston Flemings has moved into the starting lineup, and it sounds like McCollum was even on board with his projected role. While his playing time *might* nudge up to 25 minutes a night, with only three games for the Hawks against the Lakers, Bulls, and Bucks, making him a “sit” is definitely the right call.
And don’t even get me started on Nolan Traore for Brooklyn. He’s been a pleasant surprise, stepping into the starting lineup after Egor Demin’s injury, and he’s been hitting double digits in seven of his last eight games, plus solid defensive work. But with only two games on the schedule for the Nets this week against New Orleans and Memphis, it’s just not enough volume to justify playing him.
This Week 4 is all about maximizing those games played. Keep an eye on those back-to-back sets and any injury management news as you finalize your lineups. It’s a grind out there, but making those smart start/sit calls is how you win.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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