I've been sifting through box scores and watching more late-night League Pass than I care to admit. Here are eight guys, all under 50% rostered in most competitive leagues, who could absolutely swing your matchup this week. Forget the big names; these are the grinders.
**De'Anthony Melton (PG/SG - 48% Rostered):** Look, Melton has been a fantasy darling and a fantasy headache for years. The Sixers have been cautious with him, but he’s finally healthy and looking like the "Mr. Do-Something" we know. Over the last two weeks, he’s putting up 13.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.8 APG, and a ridiculous 2.4 stocks (steals + blocks). With Tyrese Maxey shouldering a huge offensive load, Melton’s defense and opportunistic scoring are back. He had 19 points, 5 boards, and 3 steals against the Knicks last Tuesday. If he can stay on the court for 28-30 minutes, those stock numbers alone make him a must-add.
**Isaiah Hartenstein (C - 42% Rostered):** This one feels obvious, but too many people are sleeping on the big man. Mitchell Robinson is still out, and Hartenstein has been feasting. His two-week averages are 10.3 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.8 stocks. He’s not a flashy scorer, but the boards and blocks are elite, and he’s chipping in assists, which is gold for a center. He pulled down 15 rebounds and blocked 3 shots against the Kings just last Friday. New York is playing meaningful games, and Hartenstein is a huge part of their interior defense and rebounding. Grab him if you need boards and defensive stats.
**Aaron Nesmith (SF/PF - 35% Rostered):** Nesmith is finally getting consistent minutes and showing why the Pacers traded for him. He's always had the motor, but the shot is falling now. Over his last six games, he’s averaging 15.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, and 1.2 steals, shooting 46% from deep. He dropped 22 points on 5-of-9 from three against the Grizzlies last week. The Pacers need his defensive intensity and floor spacing, especially with Bennedict Mathurin still finding consistency. Nesmith is a strong play for points and threes with decent defensive contributions.
**Keyonte George (PG/SG - 29% Rostered):** This is a speculative add, but the upside is there. George has been inconsistent, but in his last four games, he's averaged 18.0 PPG, 5.0 APG, and 1.5 steals. The Jazz are out of the playoff picture and are letting the young guys run. He had a 26-point, 7-assist outburst against the Wizards last Wednesday. He’s going to have some duds, but the flashes of offensive creation are undeniable. If you need a guard who can score and dish, and you don’t mind a bit of a rollercoaster, George is worth the flyer. The minutes are guaranteed.
**Dereck Lively II (C - 23% Rostered):** With Daniel Gafford now in Dallas, it’s been a bit murky for Lively, but I think he’s trending up again. Over the last two weeks, he’s averaging 8.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and 2.1 blocks in just 24 minutes. He had a 12-point, 13-rebound, 4-block game against the Thunder. He’s a dominant rim protector and rebounder when he’s on the floor, and the Mavs desperately need his defensive presence. Gafford might get some starts, but Lively’s energy and athleticism often close games. He’s a block specialist who won’t kill your percentages.
**Patrick Williams (SF/PF - 18% Rostered):** Real talk: I've been burned by Williams before, but he's finally healthy and getting consistent usage in Chicago's wing rotation. The last two weeks, he's put up 12.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 1.0 block. He’s never going to be a high-usage guy, but he’s efficient and can give you a bit of everything. He had 18 points, 7 boards, and 2 blocks against the Blazers. With Lonzo Ball still out, the Bulls need reliable wings, and Williams is stepping up. He’s a safe, low-ceiling option if you need to fill out your forward spots without hurting your team.
**Trey Murphy III (SF/PF - 15% Rostered):** Murphy is one of those guys who can go off any given night, and the Pelicans are fighting for positioning. Over the last two weeks, he’s averaging 14.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 3.2 made threes per game. He’s a three-point specialist who can get hot in a hurry. He torched the Raptors for 25 points on 7-of-12 from deep. He’s still a bit inconsistent with his overall stat line, but if you need a pure shooter for threes and points, Murphy is your guy. His minutes are secure in a competitive Pelicans rotation.
**Jalen Johnson (SF/PF - 12% Rostered):** Okay, this is my hot take of the week: Johnson is going to be a league winner for someone. The Hawks are playing faster, and Johnson is thriving in that environment. His two-week averages are 16.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, and 1.5 stocks. He’s doing everything for Atlanta. He had a monstrous 24-point, 11-rebound, 5-assist, 2-steal game against the Warriors. De’Andre Hunter is back, but Johnson’s versatility is too valuable to keep off the floor. He's an absolute stat stuffer who should be rostered in every league.
Bold prediction: By the end of the fantasy playoffs, Jalen Johnson will be over 70% rostered and will have won at least one manager their league.
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