Fantasy managers are gaining a clearer picture of their rosters as the NBA season progresses. Week 4 features 14 teams playing four games, 14 teams with three games, and Brooklyn and Minnesota each playing twice. Back-to-back sets and injury management remain key factors for lineup decisions.
Guards
Consider starting: Jeremiah Fears (NOP) – Opponents: @GSW, BKN, MEM, DEN. Despite Dejounte Murray's return, Fears has scored at least 19 points in five of his last six games, averaging 1.5 steals per game over that span and ranking as a borderline top-50 player. With four games this week, he warrants a starting spot.
Consider sitting: CJ McCollum (ATL) – Opponents: LAL, @CHI, @MIL. McCollum's role has decreased, averaging 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 three-pointer in 23.1 minutes over his last three games. With only three games, moving him to the bench is advisable.
Consider sitting: Nolan Traore (BKN) – Opponents: @NOP, @MEM. Traore has scored double digits in seven of his last eight games, averaging 15.1 points, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers in 25.1 minutes as a starter. However, his minutes cap limits his ceiling, and with only two games, he is a viable bench candidate.
Forwards
Consider starting: Collin Murray-Boyles (TOR) – Opponents: MEM, BOS, @PHI, NYK. After a slow start, Murray-Boyles posted his best game of the season with 33.9 minutes, averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.7 three-pointers, and 2.6 combined steals and blocks over his last three games. With four games upcoming, he is worth a lineup spot.
Consider starting: Saddiq Bey (NOP) – Opponents: @GSW, BKN, MEM, DEN. Bey has scored double digits in six straight games, including a 25-point outburst, averaging 16.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 three-pointers in 28.8 minutes over the past two weeks. He belongs in most starting lineups for the short term.
Consider sitting: Christian Braun (DEN) – Opponents: @HOU, @MEM, @NOP. Braun has cooled off, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 31.3 minutes over his last three games, ranking outside the top 100. With Denver's rotation getting healthier and only three games, a bench spot is warranted.
Centers
Consider starting: Aday Mara (OKC) – Opponents: @POR, @POR, @LAC, @SAC. Mara has averaged 10.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks on 65.2% shooting over his last seven games, starting two of the last three. He provides needed boards and blocks for fantasy managers.
Consider sitting: Rudy Gobert (MIN) – Opponents: DAL, CHI. Gobert has averaged 7.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks through 10 games, shooting 50% from the field and 41.5% from the line. With only two games this week and production below preseason expectations, benching him is a smart move.
