NBA Waiver Wire: Four-Game Fantasy Basketball Sleepers (1/26 - 2/1)

This weekly column is geared toward anyone playing in a head-to-head format, and especially those of you in weekly lineup leagues. It is a great idea to keep up with which players are scheduled to play four games during the upcoming week (1/26 - 2/1), as fantasy basketball managers can use this information to gain an advantage in games played over an opponent. Simply put, the more games played, the more potential there is for production.

Based on their respective four-game schedules, the following four players should be viewed as “sleepers” for next week. Advising fantasy owners to play the likes of LeBron James or Anthony Davis is a waste of time and effort; hopefully it is common knowledge that studs of that nature should be in lineups regardless of how many games they are slated to play.

Position Eligibility & Ownership Rate Based On Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues.

 

Top Four-Game Sleepers (1/26 - 2/1)

Langston Galloway (NYK, PG/SG) - 26% Owned

The Knicks may have really found something here with Galloway. He was putting up some impressive numbers in the D-League, and that has carried over at the NBA level. In his short eight game NBA stint, he is averaging 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.5 treys. Those numbers will play in standard leagues if they hold.

With the injury to Jose Calderon, Galloway got the start at point guard on Saturday. He ran the point a lot in college at St. Joseph’s, as well as during his time in the D-League. Calderon may not be out too long, but he has been rumored to be on the trading block.

The Knicks are going nowhere this season, and have every reason to develop their younger players. They are also not very deep right now due to a number of injuries, so there is plenty of playing time to be had for Galloway. If the Knicks decide to shut down Carmelo Anthony, his stock would rise tremendously.

The schedule for the Knicks next week includes games with Sacramento, Oklahoma City, at Indiana, and LA Lakers. The Thunder will be a tough draw, but the other three matchups are ideal. Galloway should only get better as he gains more experience. It would not surprise me if he held solid value for the rest of the season. Take a flier on him and see how this situation plays out.

 

Brandon Bass (BOS, PF/C) - 20% Owned

The Celtics have recently made some lineup changes, and Bass has been the primary beneficiary. He has spent the majority of the season lost in the rotation, as Boston has a plethora of big men. The last two games, however, coach Brad Stevens has made the switch to insert Bass into the starting lineup at center.

Bass has capitalized on this opportunity, averaging 15.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in these two starts. He played more than 30 minutes in both games, and he is capable of putting up excellent numbers if the minutes continue to be there.

Kelly Olynyk just went down with an ankle injury, and he is expected to be out until at least the All-Star break. The Celtics have already shipped Brandon Wright out of town. Therefore, a whole bunch of minutes have opened up for Bass for the time being.

The problem here is that the Celtics are rebuilding. They have made several trades already this season, with the idea of developing their younger players. Bass does not really fit this mold. Boston is probably showcasing him right now for a potential trade. Bass is a good veteran player that can help a contending team. If he is traded, his value would take a major hit, as he would likely come off the bench again for a contender.

However, as long as he stays in Boston he will be worth owning. Their once deep frontcourt has really thinned out, opening up playing time. This week Bass will do battle at Utah, at Minnesota, Houston, and Miami. He will provide excellent value in the short-term at the very least. Give him a look this week.

 

Timofey Mozgov (CLE, C) - 67% Owned

It was thought that the trade sending Mozgov from Denver to Cleveland was really going to hurt his value. However, the opposite has been true. Mozgov is thriving with the Cavaliers, and it is about time we all took notice.

His minutes have actually gone up since joining the Cavaliers, and so has his production. In eight games since he switched jerseys, Mozgov is averaging 10.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 58.3 percent shooting. He is taking more shots and making them at a higher rate. His numbers are up in nearly every category since the trade.

It appears that Denver just did not know how to use this guy. Mozgov brings the presence of interior defense, which is something the Cavs sorely need. LeBron James called Mozgov a “walking double-double” and “the best true big he has played with since Big Z.” Zydrunas Ilgauskas had an excellent career, so this is high praise for Mozgov.

The Cavaliers appreciate his game, and they are letting him play to his strengths. They are finally clicking now, having won five games in a row. Mozgov deserves a lot of credit for their sudden resurgence. He has three consecutive double-doubles.

The upcoming schedule for Mozgov features games at Detroit, Portland, Sacramento, and Minnesota. There is really no one to challenge him for playing time, so his minutes appear to be safe going forward. Pick him up if he is available in your league, and make sure to get him active this week.

 

Nikola Pekovic (MIN, C) - 67% Owned

It seems like it took forever, but Pekovic has finally made his return to the court. He has been pretty good in his first two games back, averaging 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He has managed to do this in just over 20 minutes of action.

Pekovic is capable of helping owners in points, rebounds, and the occasional block. He offers solid percentages as well, but does almost nothing in the other categories. He does get a little bump in 9-cat leagues due to his low turnover rate, but is a bit of an injury risk as well.

Further complicating matters for Pekovic is the emergence of Gorgui Dieng. Dieng has been sensational for the Timberwolves, and they would be crazy to take him off the court. However, coach Flip Saunders has said that he will play these two together, with one sliding over to power forward. Thaddeus Young is an impending free agent, and will probably be dealt to a contender before the trade deadline. These developments would be great news for Pekovic, as it would open up more minutes.

Next week, Minnesota will play at Oklahoma City, Boston, at Philadelphia, and Cleveland. Even if Pekovic continues to come off the bench and play 20-25 minutes per game, he should still do enough to be worth owning in standard leagues. He is worth using this week if you need help in the big man stats. Big Pek makes for an excellent stash with upside moving forward. Grab him now if he is still available in your league.