Sunday, December 22, 2024

Fantasy Basketball

Fantasy Basketball Waiver-Wire Focus

With the NBA All-Star game over, the fantasy basketball playoffs are swiftly approaching. This fantasy basketball waiver-wire focus could make the difference-making the playoffs or being on the outside looking in. Don’t hesitate to make a move!

Point Guards

Reggie Jackson, expected to sign with LAC, 36.1% Owned
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Jackson and the Detroit Pistons have reached a contract buyout agreement. He is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has missed time with injuries this season but started the Pistons’ last six games before the All-Star break. He mixed in three 20 point games during that span.

He will probably face a reduced role with the Clippers. Patrick Beverly is expected back but L.A. might want to rest him and many other regulars down the stretch. Jackson can score and dish the ball and could come up big in the fantasy playoffs.

Coby White, Chicago Bulls, 23.9% Owned
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White can fill up a stat sheet, as his 14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and four steals performance against the Washington Wizards can attest. He has scored double figures in 4 of the last 5 with more than 7 assists in 2 of the last 3 games. While his shooting isn’t especially efficient, If point guard help is the need, he can certainly help fill it.

Shooting Guards

Danuel House Jr, Houston Rockets, 37% owned
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While it is clear that the vast majority of the scoring for the Rockets is going to come from James Harden and Russell Westbrook, House has scored in double figures in 4 of the last 5 games and grabbed 9 rebounds in 2 of those. The Rockets take a lot of 3 point shots and many of those will not fall, giving House tons of put back and rebound opportunities. If help is needed at shooting guard, give House a call.

Malik Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves, 47.1% owned
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Beasley has scored at least 20 points in two of his first 3 games for the Timberwolves. With the announcement that Karl Anthony Towns will be out indefinitely, Beasley moves up as a scoring option for Minnesota. That will keep him useful in the short term, especially for fantasy managers in need of scoring and three-pointers.

Kevin Huerter, Atlanta Hawks, 44.7% owned
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Huerter has scored in double figures in 8 straight games for the Hawks. He gives Atlanta a scoring option other than Trae Young and John Collins. While Young dominates the ball handling, it is surprising to learn that Huerter has 6 or more assists in 3 of the last 4. With Clint Capela set to miss two more weeks with an injury, there will be scoring chances for Huerter. He is definitely worth giving a look for fantasy help.

Small Forward

Jae Crowder, Miami Heat, 48.5% owned
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Crowder has only played two games since joining the Heat, but he sure has looked impressive. He has played over 30 minutes off the bench in both games, piling up 39 points, 19 rebounds and 5 steals combined. Those totals are well above what he was providing with Memphis and the scoring may come down some. Even if that happens, he can give a fantasy squad a boost if there’s a need at small forward.

Duncan Robinson, Miami Heat, 42% owned
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If your team needs a boost in three-pointers, look no further than Robinson. He is averaging 4.7 made threes on 44% shooting since the calendar flipped to February. He has made at least 6 three-pointers 10 times this season, 3rd in the NBA. Only Damian Lillard and James Harden have more. He is coming off an 18 point game before the break and any team can use that kind of scoring. The Heat are trying to make their way to the 2nd seed of the Eastern Conference, and the above two players can help your fantasy team as well.

Power Forward

Thon Maker, Detroit Pistons, 20.8% owned
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Now that Andre Drummond is in Cleveland, Maker is the clear starter in Detroit. That will give him an outstanding opportunity to markedly increase his stats. Thon is averaging 12.7 points and 7.3 rebounds the past 3 games and has double figures in points in 3 of the last 4. If that uptick in stats continues as the season winds down, he will make a valuable fantasy addition.

Eric Paschall, Golden State Warriors, 29% owned
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Paschall scored 23 points in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday in Chicago at the All-Star game festivities. He is averaging 13.2 points per game for the Warriors this season. He comes out of the break outside the top 200 players in fantasy, but that could soon change. He will get plenty of opportunities to play major minutes on a nightly basis down the stretch. For those that have a need at power forward, he is definitely worth kicking the tires on.

Center

Dewayne Dedmon, Atlanta Hawks, 35.5% owned
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Center is no longer a big-time position in the NBA, but it still has a spot in fantasy basketball. If you happen to have Karl Anthony Towns, there could be a huge hole in the roster. Dedmon has scored in double figures and grabbed 8 or more rebounds in 2 of the last 3 games. Clint Capela has had heel problems since coming over from the Rockets. Dedmon could see steady playing time with the Hawks going nowhere fast

Marquese Chriss, Golden State Warriors, 80% owned

If there is a need at center, or anywhere else on the roster, check to see if Chriss is available. He has scored 26, 17 and 18 points in his last three games. If he is there, and he probably isn’t, but if so, grab him quick!

It’s hard to believe, but the basketball fantasy playoffs are just 3 weeks away. Use this basketball fantasy playoff waiver-wire focus to help improve your team. And most importantly, if there is a need, don’t hesitate to make a move!

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