As I said a week ago. This is the crunch time - fantasy playoffs. Same thing as a week before, I will write about all the best waiver wire adds for the fantasy basketball playoffs!
Game Count Is a Huge Factor
It’s really important in my view to collect as many games as you possibly can. During week 21 there are again twelve teams with 4 games each. Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Golden State, Indiana, Miami, Minnesota, New Orleans, Philly, Portland, Sacramento and Utah. Better be smart as I was suggesting last week as well. Don’t take someone from the teams that have only two games this week. Try to avoid adding someone from Charlotte and Dallas.
Boston Bench Players Are Worth the Gamble
Last week I mentioned that players like Hauser (2.2% rostered) and Pritchard (2.2% rostered) can be useful, especially for three pointers. Hauser was ballin’ against Washington yesterday. He made 10 threes on just 13 attempts, setting his career high 30 points. Unfortunately, Hauser is out tonight against Detroit. He injured his ankle during yesterday's game.
If he gets back, I think he will. Grab him immediately. If Pritchard is available he’s the best option for tonight. Holiday is out, Tatum & Brown are questionables. Pritchard was awesome yesterday.. In 35 minutes of playing time he scored 14 points. He also had 14 assists and 5 rebounds and one steal. Production should stay the same this week if Boston's stars miss some games this week. Pritchard or Hauser (if healthy) is the next man up.
Cleveland Cavaliers
It's hard to predict things in Cleveland, but if I have to, Niang (1.8% rostered) Okoro (7.4% rostered) & Merrill (0.5% rostered) are the ones I suggest. Niang at this moment is the safest bet for me. But, it all depends for how long Wade will be out. Niang & Allen are currently the only legitimate big guys left for Cleveland. For the past two weeks Niang is ranked #97. He’s been great lately. Niang is averaging 13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 three pointers and 0.556% from the field. He hasn't missed a single free throw in the last seven games. Speaking about Okoro & Merrill. It all depends on Donovan Mitchell. If he’s out for some time, Okoro and Merrill are the ones who can also shine this week.
Detroit (Here We Go Again)
The Pistons are a complete headache when it comes down to fantasy. But, this week Evan Fournier (0.2% rostered) believe it or not, is the one who makes the ‘’stream team.’’ Tonight will be the second leg of the back-to-back set. And it seems that Detroit will be cautious. With Ausar Thompson still out and Cade Cunningham questionable, bench players like Marcus Sasser (0.7% rostered) and Simone Fontecchio (10.4% rostered) will need to step it up. But, as I said. Fournier could be the one if, for example, Fontecchio also sits. Yesterday against the Miami Heat Fournier had team-high 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 31 minutes off the bench.I predict that he can repeat this kind of statline this week as well at some point.
The Golden State Warriors Are Finally Healthy
The Golden State Warriors are finally healthy and that changes a lot. For me, Brandin Podziemski (12.8% rostered) and Trayce Jackson - Davis (4.6% rostered) are the only ones. I’m amazed to see that Kevon Looney is still rostered in 41.7% of ESPN leagues. He’s definitely a drop. Podz is still productive despite Golden State being healthy. I don’t really think that starters could miss some time this week. Golden State seems to be desperate and they have to win games to make it to the playoffs safely. But if that happens, bench players of Golden State can be useful. Even Moses Moody (1.1% rostered).
The Pacers Are Stacked With a Useful Force Off the Bench
When it comes down to the Pacers there's a handful of players to choose from - T.J. McConnell (27.9% rostered) have been great despite the fact that he’s having only 17.8 minutes of playing time this season. For example, for the last 12 games he’s been averaging 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.57% FG and 0.886% FT and he’s ranked #94 in category rank. Because of Mathurin's injury Aaron Nesmith (9.8% rostered) seems to be the biggest beneficiary.
Nesmith has been great lately. For the past two weeks Nesmith has been averaging 12.3 points (1.8 threes), 1.3 blocks and only 0.2 TO. Nesmith struggles with making shots, but from the line he’s been stellar averaging 0.952% FT in the last 6 games. Great option for points and some stocks. Andrew Nembhard (2.6% rostered) is the last one that can give you some production now, but he’s just not as good as the ones I mentioned before. Starters are also playing a huge role. Toppin, Smith, Jackson and Walker can shine if SIakam or Turner sits. Same goes with Haliburton. McConnell definitely will take off if he sits.
The Miami Heat Have Been Widely Known for Their Talent to Use Bench and Role Players
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (20.7 rostered) & Duncan Robinson (17.1% rostered) & Caleb Martin (6.4% rostered) are surely the best options. Especially when Jimmy Butler sits. For example, against Detroit Butler was out and Duncan Robinson delivered a season - high 30 point performance. Pay attention to the situation with Jimmy this week and make the right moves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot to offer especially because of Karl - Anthony Towns being sidelined. Kyle Anderson (20.3% rostered) is one of the best options if you need stocks, rebounds and assists. Nickeil Alexander - Walker is a great option for points and three pointers, but unfortunately he is too inconsistent. Same goes with Jaden McDaniels (7.1% rostered). A talented player, but too inconsistent. Anthony Edwards could be a game changer if he sits a game. But I don’t see that happening. Ant Man is a beast.
New Orleans Pelicans
There are only two players from the New Orleans Pelicans that are worth adding. Trey Murphy III (34.8% rostered) was struggling this season. But right at the time for fantasy playoffs he’s been stepping it up. He’s been a beast lately. Scoring 17.4 points and 3.9 threes in the last 30 days ranks him #62 in category ranks. Herbert Jones (29.5% rostered) is one of the best defensive players in the league. Not so long ago he even had 7 steals in one game. I doubt that they might be available in your league. But if they are. What are you waiting for?
Philadelphia 76ers
Kyle Lowry (11.6% rostered) & Cam Payne (2% rostered) & Paul Reed (16.7% rostered) are the ones. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but I know that they can come in handy for you this week.
Portland as a Whole 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 (7% 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 (2.9% rostered), Kris Murray (0.7% rostered) and Toumani Camara (1.4% rostered) are the best ones if starters are sidelined. Jabari Walker (1.4% rostered) is finally healthy and also makes the list of the ‘’Stream Team Of Portland.’’
Sacramento Kings
Harrison Barnes (27.9% rostered) is the best option. Struggled the whole season. Have been really inconsistent. But in the past week he was stellar. Averaged 18.3 points (4.3 threes), 4.7 boards, 0.7 TO and 100% from the line. What if Harrison finally woke up at the right time of the season? (Fantasy Playoffs)
The Utah Jazz Rookies
Keep an eye on what’s happening with Jordan Clarkson, because Keyonte George (23.4% rostered) have been ballin’ lately. A lot of fantasy managers have added him to their rosters lately, and that’s for a reason. In the last three games Keyonte averaged 23 points (2.3 threes), 4,3 assists and 0.900% from the line. Utah’s rookie big man Taylor Hendricks (2.3% rostered) missed some time lately with a toe injury. But since coming back he’s been useful. His weak side is his shooting percentages, but defensive game is there. He averaged 10 rebounds and 2 blocks in the last two games and that has to attract your attention.
Unfortunately, my fantasy season is over. I got knocked out in the first round because of injuries and bad luck. But, that's the game we all love and hate, right? I hope this was useful for the second week in the row. Good luck my fellow fantasy players!
