The 2024 fantasy basketball playoffs are set to start over the next few weeks, and it’s time for some last-minute waiver wire adds. The current season has posed many challenges to the Memphis Grizzlies since many of their players have sustained injuries. The Grizzlies have a low likelihood of qualifying for the playoffs.
Ziaire Williams
Ziaire Williams appears to be gaining popularity rapidly in many leagues. Yahoo leagues rostered Williams in eight percent despite him starting in the Grizzlies four latest games. Williams played well, scoring 27 points in the Grizzlies final game against the Milwaukee Bucks before the All-Star break. Williams performed well in Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves, where he amassed 16 points, eight rebounds, two 3-pointers, and two assists.
Williams has averaged 14.8 points, 1.8 3-pointers, 1.5 steals, 1.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over his last four games. Is Williams’ return sufficient to make him earn an urgent slot in fantasy drafts? It doesn’t. That said, Williams starting status and improved production help him pique the interest of anyone in a tough spot as the playoffs approach. Williams still has to provide more value to become an everyday player, but he can still end up being a schedule play if Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane don't play in the end of the season.
Ziaire Williams to beat the halftime buzzer ? pic.twitter.com/mF7NgGJIgW
Obi Toppin
Aaron Nesmith has been nursing an ankle injury, and his absence on the court has favored Bennedict Mathurin. Rick Carlisle opted to include him in his starting lineup. However, Obi Toppin played well on Wednesday as he collected 16 points had two 3-pointers, two blocks, two assists, and six rebounds in 24 minutes.
Toppin’s fantasy value was crushed when Pascal Siakam was traded to the Pacers. Toppin’s value will increase, assuming he's able to play 20-25 minutes per game.
windmill alert ?
Obi Toppin getting it done on both ends with the block and windmill dunk ? pic.twitter.com/JIQwSaCXqs
Andre Drummond
Last week, Andre Drummond had a great performance despite the Cleveland Cavaliers losing to the Detroit Pistons. The Cavaliers excluded Alex Caruso from their starting lineup due to a hamstring injury and added Drummond.
The team’s selection was worthwhile as Drummond scored 17 points, had three blocked shots, one steal, and 26 rebounds in 36 minutes. Right Drummond has an average of about 27 minutes per game this season. Drummond is a 6th-round player in 9-cat formats and even in standard leagues if he starts alongside or backs Nikola Vucevic.
ANDRE DRUMMOND STOP IT RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/STrlyWtynJ
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James thrilled spectators when the Los Angeles Lakers made an unprecedented fourth-quarter comeback against the Clippers. During that game, it was Hachimura’s first time in the starting lineup. The forward didn’t let Darvin Ham down as Hachimura amassed 17 points, had one 3-pointer, one steal, and two rebounds in 29 minutes.
Hachimura’s low defensive production reduces his fantasy ceiling. That said, Hachimura’s consistent play with starting minutes will give him enough production to become fantasy-relevant.
Underrated Play of the Night:
Rui Hachimura getting his hands on a pass, then HUSTLING to tip the ball inbounds to a zooming Reaves for the dunk.
You can tell how locked in (or not locked in) the Lakers are in any game by the way they respond to 50-50 balls.
Rui wanted Rampage pic.twitter.com/upPapFktcV
