In many leagues playoffs have already begun, others are finished and champions are crowned. But, in many leagues playoffs begin from week 20. Starting from March 11 it’s crunch time for many of us, every free agency addition is worth a ton, and no mistakes can be made. If there are any mistakes - do your best to not hurt yourselves too much. And that’s the point of this article. My playoffs also start next week and my own goal is to help everyone with this work. In this article I will go through the teams and point out all the best waiver wire additions in my opinion. Also, some other basic playoff advice.
RULE #1 COLLECT AS MANY GAMES AS POSSIBLE. During week 20 there are twelve teams in total with 4 games each. Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, LA Clippers, Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio, Toronto and Washington. It’s crucial in my opinion to collect as many games as possible. Unfortunately, there are also teams with only two games each, so you better don't add anyone from the LA Lakers or Minnesota. In my early years of fantasy I made this mistake. Someone played well, I added that player right away, but I only later realized that he’s not playing anymore that week and I used my free agency move for nothing. So, be aware, my fellow fantasy players. I'll give you my personal advice, opinions about players who are worth adding,
The Boston Celtics
have a pretty good schedule this week. Games against Portland, Utah, Phoenix and Washington. They also have back to back games against Portland and Utah. Portland, Utah and Washington are likely out of the playoff contention and I think that players like Porzingis, Tatum and Brown might probably be rested for at least one game this week. If that happens - you should undoubtedly consider the additions of Horford (20.4% rostered), Tillman (3.4% rostered), Pritchard (1.6% rostered) and Hauser (0.9% rostered). My fellow Latvian Porzingis will be rested this week for sure. And usually Al Horford has been the biggest beneficiary if that happens. His averages are really solid if KP is out - add Horford if KP is out for some time. The same thing goes with Tatum and Brown. Pritchard and Hauser have produced some high scoring games when both are out. Really good additions especially for three pointers.
The Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are a big unknown this season. Pretty hard to predict who could be sidelined this week. But, besides that, everyone playing on Charlotte's roster is worth the stream. Vasilije Micic (4.6% rostered), believe it or not, is one of the best players of Charlotte's roster lately. He’s been starting at the PG position in place of Tre Mann (6.2% rostered) who is out with a groin injury. During this stint Micic averaged 15.7 points, 5,7 assists, 4,4 rebounds and 93% from the line. If Tre Mann is still out for some time and Micic is available. What are you waiting for? But, in case Tre Mann is available in your waiver wire - add him as well. He will put up the same numbers when he gets back.
From The Chicago Bulls I have only two players on my mind. Ayo Dosunmu (24.9% rostered) and Andre Drummond (11.7% rostered). Ayo has been a stable starter lately for Chicago. His stats are consistent and he delivers every night. And he’s only rostered in 24.9% leagues in ESPN formats. If he is available - go for it. Andre is the guy who to grab if you need rebounds, especially if Vucevic is out and Drummond starts.
From The Dallas Mavericks
I see multiple streaming options for week 20. Tim Hardaway Jr. (20.8% rostered) is the best one in my personal opinion. He’s been productive lately. Hardaway is that type of player who’s not really consistent, unfortunately. But, he seems to be on a pretty good hot streak lately and who knows what his production might be if someone in the starting unit sits out some games this week? He’s shown up this season in some high scoring games when given the minutes. So, I think it’s worth the gamble. Derrick Jones Jr. (1% rostered) and Josh Green (1.6% rostered) are pretty similar players statistically, but they are really good options if you’re in need of some stocks.
From The Denver Nuggets there’s only one player that really stands out in my opinion. Kentavious Caldwell - Pope (19.2% rostered) is my favorite fantasy player. He pretty much always delivers, yes, he was in a little bit of slump not so long ago. He also missed some time for personal reasons. But, in the last 14 days KCP played 5 games. He’s ranked #27 in that period of time. KCP is averaging 0.571 FG%, 100 FT%, 3.0 3PM, 13.8 points, 2.6 boards, 2.4 assists, 2.0 steals, one block and one turnover. I knew that it was worth holding onto KCP and I hope that he’s available on your waiver wire.
Talking About Detroit Pistons I highly recommend monitoring what's happening with Cade Cunningham this week. Detroit are surely out of playoff contention. Someone could be rested, especially Cade. In that scenario statistically Marcus Sasser (0.8% rostered) was the best ‘next man up.’ But, besides all that, Simone Fontecchio (4.8% rostered) has been great lately. He had two high scoring games last week. Simone scored 22 against Miami and 27 against Dallas. He’s only rostered in 4.8% leagues. He can be really useful for you this week.
The LA Clippers rested Kawhi Leonard, Paul George Sunday against Milwaukee. Norman Powell (10.9% rostered) stepped up immediately and he was the leading scorer that night. Norm scored 26. I think that N. Powell at this moment is the only legitimate streamer on the Clippers roster. Whether Kawhi and PG play or not Powell is productive every game. He’s only rostered in 10.9% leagues and that’s really interesting. Norm is exactly that player who gets hot during fantasy playoffs time.
The Phoenix Suns have two legitimate streamers that come to mind instantly. Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen. Also Eric Gordon (6.7% rostered) makes this list, but he’s currently out with a knee contusion, so don’t rush things with him. Royce O’Neal (31.4% rostered) is known as a defensive megamind. Scoring isn’t really there but he’s the one to grab if you need stocks, boards and assists. Grayson Allen (31.7% rostered) was amazing last week. He scored 28 against Denver and 26 against Toronto.
Portland can give you a headache this week
The whole team is a stream team. Especially when players like Ayton, Grant, Simons are sidelined. It will be hard to pick up the best one available. Dalano Banton (5.4% rostered) is the best one for now. But, Scoot Henderson is back and there will be a usage bump for Banton for sure. Besides that, Thybulle (2.8% rostered), Duop Reath (3% rostered), Kris Murray (0.9% rostered) and Toumani Camara (1.4% rostered) are the best ones if starters are sidelined.
Sanantonio Spurs are stacked with a handful of streamers that have been producing lately. But, there are only a few worth mentioning. Malaki Branham (3.7% rostered) have been great lately. I added him last week and he was one of the main reasons I won my last week's matchup.He’s been making the most out of opportunities and during the last 4 game span he’s been averaging 20.2 points. Of course, Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell missed some games, but that will happen more and more and that’s the time when guys like Branham, Sochan, Champagnie and Z. Collins will step up.
The Toronto Raptors injury report is stacked today. Quickley, Trent Jr, Brown and Boucher are all out for today and it looks like RJ Barrett is the only one from the starting lineup who will play. Dick, Olynyk and McDaniels are the ones worth adding today against Denver. If Gary Trent Jr. (17.3% rostered) is cleared to play for remaining games this week - he’s the add. Averaging 21.5 points in the last 4 contests is something that has to get your attention.
The Washington Wizards are finally the last team with a four game week. While Marvn Bagley III is out this week with a back injury. Richaun Holmes (1.6% rostered) should be the one who is worth adding, but, unfortunately Holmes missed Sunday's game with a toe injury and he is considered day-to-day. If he is healthy. He’s the one if you need a big man. There are two more players I want to pan out. Corey Kispert and Bilal Coulibaly. Both were really productive yesterday. Definitely worth adding if someone of the starting unit sits.
I hope I was able to help someone with my insight. One last piece of advice is - don’t rush things. Patience is vital in fantasy playoffs. Check daily injury reports and try to be ahead of your opponent with the smartest moves possible. Good luck in the playoffs!
