Fantasy Basketball Buy or Sell: Friday, November 15

It’s Friday, and you know what that means: another edition of Buy, Sell, or Hold!

Yes, we’re far enough into the season to start forming some opinions -- but don’t get too comfortable! It’s still early, and the fantasy landscape can flip instantly. Just because Player A is off to a rough start doesn’t mean they’re doomed, and Player B lighting it up might just be riding an unsustainable wave.

In this weekly piece, I will mention a handful of guys I believe fit the following criteria: sell high, buy low, or hold. This list will be rooted in data and context, as opposed to emotional tilts or excitement over individual performances. So, let’s dive in -- this is where the real magic happens!

Tyler Herro, G - Miami Heat

Baller Move: Sell High

Tyler Herro has been absolutely on fire these last two weeks, torching defenses with 27.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 5.4 threes per game across his last seven outings. The grand finale? A dazzling 40-point explosion on Wednesday, capped off by 10 threes.

This might be the hottest stretch of Herro’s career, but here’s the catch: this level of production isn’t likely to last. His numbers are being bolstered by wild efficiency -- shooting 55% from the field and a jaw-dropping 51.6% from deep during this stretch. Those percentages are practically impossible to sustain, especially for a volume shooter like Herro.

TYLER HERRO HITS 3 STRAIGHT THREES TO SEND GAME TO OT 🤯

HE'S MADE A CAREER-HIGH 10 SO FAR TONIGHT pic.twitter.com/sy6WHDm4HV

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2024

There’s no doubt that Miami’s offense is funneling more through Herro, often at the expense of Jimmy Butler’s usage, which adds some legitimacy to his breakout. But if I can flip Herro now for a top-50 player -- or one with a top-50 upside -- I’m making that move while he’s still riding this red-hot streak. Get value while you can because this heater can’t go on forever.

Franz Wagner, F - Orlando Magic

Baller Move: Sell High 

I see Wagner’s current production like Herro’s: high but temporary. Unlike Herro, Wagner’s numbers aren’t inflated by unsustainable shooting -- his volume is driven by opportunity.

With at least 20 shots in four of his last five games, Wagner has thrived as Orlando’s primary scorer while Paolo Banchero recovers. But Banchero will return, and when he does, Wagner’s role will likely dial back, limiting his second-option workload.

Yes, Banchero is two weeks into a four-to-six-week recovery timeline, but the art of selling high often means knowing when to cash in at peak value. It’s sometimes worth sacrificing a few hot games if it means upgrading for the rest of the season.

Once we start hearing positive recovery updates on Banchero, that window to sell at top value might close. If I have Wagner -- and I do in several leagues -- I’m actively looking to upgrade now for a player who can keep producing through the entire season, not just the next few weeks.

Brandon Ingram, F - New Orleans Pelicans

Baller Move: Sell High

I hesitate to call Ingram a “sell high” because he isn’t exactly lighting up the stat sheet. But if he’s on my roster, I’d take advantage of a few strong performances to make a strategic upgrade. My biggest concern this season has been his usage dropping with all the talent New Orleans has packed onto the roster.

Due to various injuries, he’s been carrying the offensive load -- but with Dejounte Murray nearing his return and Trey Murphy III already back, that role could shift fast. And honestly, it’s starting to feel like Ingram’s days as a Pelican might be limited.

Ingram was someone I avoided in drafts for this very reason. But if you have him on your roster and want to pivot, now’s your chance. The current window of heightened usage has presented a prime opportunity to make a move.

Bennedict Mathurin, G - Indiana Pacers

Baller Move: Hold

Last year was a rough one for Bennedict Mathurin, and early signs this season suggested more of the same with his inconsistent role. But things turned fast when Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard went down, thrusting Mathurin into a starting spot.

Over the last seven games, he’s made a strong case to stay there, averaging a rock-solid 24.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.5 free-throw attempts with heavy minutes.

Bennedict Mathurin is leading the Pacers in total rebounds this season with 73 boards as his breakout season continues

19.7 PPG (career high)
6.6 RPG (career high)
1.7 APG
53.4 FG% (career high)
46.5 3P% (career high)
81.4 FT% pic.twitter.com/dcyfXFqABp

— 🆁🆄🆂🆃🆈 (@PacersStatsMuse) November 14, 2024

Sure, his recent ranking of 17th over the last week is unsustainable, but his season-long rank of 87 feels like a solid baseline if he continues to start. Unlike Tyler Herro’s hot streak, Mathurin’s numbers aren’t inflated by wild shooting efficiency -- they’re a product of a bigger role.

While Nesmith or Nembhard might cut into his minutes when they return, they’re unlikely to take away significant shots. Mathurin has shown he can thrive alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner, which bodes well for his season outlook.

Myles Turner, C - Indiana Pacers

Baller Move: Buy Low

You don’t hear a lot of buzz about Myles Turner as a buy-low candidate, likely because his stats look pretty typical -- except in one area -- free throws. A career 77% shooter from the line, Turner is currently down to 68%, and last week that dipped to an alarming 58%. This slump is impacting his scoring and has nudged his per-game ranking just outside the top 100.

The silver lining? Turner’s numbers in steals, threes, and blocks are right in line with his value last year. Plus, he’s benefiting from increased minutes with backup Isaiah Jackson out for the season and no trustworthy backup center on the Pacers roster. Turner is set up to correct his free-throw percentage and regain his top-50 form.

If the Turner manager in your league is frustrated with his current rank or a rough stretch, this could be the perfect moment to strike. Consider flipping a lower-upside asset to land Turner while his value is temporarily deflated -- he’s primed to turn things around as the season progresses.