Fantasy Basketball Mid-Week Streamers: Week 16

Mike Barner looks at some mid-week waiver wire options for fantasy basketball leagues. These players may be free agents to target on waivers in Week 16.

The rest of the week has the potential to be messy for fantasy basketball with the trade deadline arriving Thursday afternoon. We could see a lot of players change teams, and it might take them some time to be eligible to play for their new squads. Still, at least we have a straight-forward schedule in which all teams having either one or two games remaining.

Let’s look at the remaining schedules for each team and discuss some players to consider streaming. For those in daily lineup leagues, streaming players with favorable schedules can be key to having a winning week. However, be sure to be aware of your league rules. If you have games played cap for the week, then streaming too much might not be ideal.

All roster percentages used in this article are from Yahoo.

Weekly Schedule: Thursday to Sunday

Teams that play only game (AVOID): LA Clippers, Miami, Minnesota, Utah

Teams that play two or three games (TARGET): Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Golden State, Indiana, Memphis, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio

Teams that play back-to-back (TARGET): Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Houston, LA Lakers, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Toronto, Washington

Shallow League Streaming Options

Brandin Podziemski, SG (50%)

The Warriors could be active at the deadline as they look to improve their chances of making the playoffs. It would be a surprise if they moved Podziemski, who has emerged as a key contributor off their bench. Over their last 10 games, he has averaged 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He also shot 50.0 percent from the field during that span. With two more games left and potentially limited depth around him if the Warriors do make a trade, Podziemski is a prime player to add.

Nick Richards, C (49%)

There is a chance that the Hornets trade Richards. However, he is under contract for just $5 million next season, and another $5 million (non-guaranteed) the season after. He could still fit into their long-term plans, especially with how well he has played since Mark Williams (back) went down. Across 28 games as a starter this season, Richards has averaged 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.

Ayo Dosunmu, SG (44%)

The Bulls brought Dosunmu off the bench against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, deciding to go big and start Andre Drummond alongside Nikola Vucevic. That was likely to match up with the duo of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. Over his previous 10 games, Dosunmu had averaged 15.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers. With Zach LaVine (foot) and Patrick Williams (foot) out, Dosunmu should remain in a prominent role.

Precious Achiuwa, PF/C (36%)

Injuries have taken a toll on the Knicks. They continue to churn out wins, thanks to players like Achiuwa thriving in expanded roles. He has started each of the last five games, averaging 13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks. Julius Randle (shoulder) won’t be back anytime soon, so Achiuwa is an extremely appealing option for not just the Knicks’ remaining two games of the week, but for the foreseeable future.

Deep Leagues Streaming Options

Dillon Brooks, SG/SF (35%)

The Rockets are going to be without Fred VanVleet (thigh) for at least their final two games this week. Brooks stepped up with him out Tuesday against the Pacers, posting 23 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers over 31 minutes. He attempted 15 shots, which was an increase from his season average of 10.9 shot attempts per game. Expect his usage rate to remain elevated until VanVleet returns.

Amen Thompson, SG/SF (31%)

Thompson is another member of the Rockets who should benefit from VanVleet being out. He started in his place Tuesday, logging 34 minutes along the way. He certainly didn’t disappoint, recording 13 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Add him now before it’s too late.

Jacob Gilyard, PG (12%)

No team in the league has been hit as hard by injuries as the Grizzlies have been. With their depth chart so decimated, they have turned to several unexpected players to be regular contributors. Gilyard has started each of the last three games and performed well, averaging 13.7 points, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 4.0 three-pointers. That type of production is difficult to find on the waiver wire in deeper formats, so taking a chance on Gilyard could prove to be worthwhile.

David Roddy, SF/PF (5%)

For those in even deeper formats, don’t overlook Roddy. He’s another member of the Grizzlies who has been forced into more playing time, logging an average of 27 minutes over their last 15 games. During that span, he provided 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers. If there is a downside, it’s that he shot 40.5 percent from the field and 69.2 percent from the charity stripe during that span. Still, for fantasy managers who can absorb his lack of efficiency, he makes for an intriguing pickup. The Grizzlies traded Xavier Tillman to the Celtics on Wednesday, removing yet another option from their frontcourt.

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