RADIO
Stan Son looks at some mid-week waiver wire options for fantasy basketball leagues. These players may be free agents to pick up off waivers in Week 3.
Welcome back. If you're reading this, you either love my writing (I love you guys), are dominating through two weeks and continue to look for edges (hat tip to you), or are desperate to scratch and claw to victory lane for the first time (Everything gonna be alright). That's why I'm here, to break down the rest of the week and help you find players who could grab victory from the jaws of defeat with those couple of three-pointers or steals or blocks or points or whatever you may need.
Our one and only, Milos Zvekic broke down the Week 3 streamers earlier this week and will continue to do so all season long. I will be chiming in mid-week to add some sprinkles and frosting onto the beautifully baked Zvekic cake.
For the rest of Week 3 (Thursday to Sunday), there are 13 teams with a back-to-back and five teams who play three games. As usual, I will try and isolate players who are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues and could contribute.
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ATLANTA HAWKS
The Hawks only play one game, Saturday at Charlotte. CHA is 9th in pace and 16th in defensive efficiency. De'Andre Hunter was rostered in 40% of leagues when I mentioned him last week, but is now at 67%. The Son effect is real! I kid, he's been balling out so I was just the messenger. With the Hawks only playing one game, there are no viable options.
BOSTON CELTICS
The Celtics host the Wizards on Friday then the Heat on Sunday. WAS is 3rd in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency. MIA is 16th in pace and 9th in defensive efficiency. The three-headed center monster in Boston is annoying for fantasy managers because it nukes the upside for any. Over the last week, Robert Williams (25% rostered) has averaged 17 mpg, Daniel Theis (41% rostered) 20 mpg, and Tristan Thompson (39% rostered) 24 mpg. Williams has the highest upside due to his rebounding and contributions in both steals and blocks. The field goal percentage is tremendous as well. Theis will provide blocks, good field goal percentage, and a sprinkle of three-pointers, but he's the blandest of the three. Thompson will play the most minutes and provide rebounds with some blocks and good field goal percentage. Payton Pritchard (14% rostered) was the darling last week, as he averaged 24 mpg due to injuries for Marcus Smart and Jeff Teague. If those two miss time this week, then it's all systems go again. Even if one or both returns, everyone loves Pritchard so he will be a part of the rotation. It's just a matter of how many minutes he gets. Pritchard provides some points, three-pointers, assists, and steals.
BROOKLYN NETS
The Nets host the 76ers on Thursday then travel to Memphis the following day. They then host the Thunder on Sunday. PHI is 11th in pace and 1st in defensive efficiency. MEM is 13th in pace and 14th in defensive efficiency. OKC is 18th in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (5% rostered) had been starting for Spencer Dinwiddie but was replaced last game by Bruce Brown (1% rostered). TLC can provide some three-pointers while Brown provides more rebounds, assists, and steals. Chris Chiozza (0% rostered) could be viable for one of the back-to-back games if the Nets choose to sit Kyrie Irving. Chiozza didn't start the last time Irving missed, but he ended up playing 27 minutes and contributed 14 points, three three-pointers, one rebound, and four assists. Jeff Green (1% rostered) and Taurean Prince (3% rostered) are both viable since Kevin Durant will miss the rest of this week's games. Green received the start last game but only played 19 minutes and didn't do much, scoring two points and grabbing five rebounds. The usage rate was a laughable 6.7. Now, the game against the Jazz was a blowout so that may not be indicative of his production in normal games. With that said, Green has always been an inconsistent player. There's a reason he's played for seven teams in the seven years. Crazy. Anyways, Green can provide points and three-pointers when he's engaged. Prince got the start alongside Green in Durant's absence and only played 20 minutes as well. The blowout had something to do with, but at least his usage rate was a 20. The shooting efficiency can be awful at times, but Prince can get lucky and drain some three-pointers on occasion and grab some rebounds. He will also stumble into a block or steal from time to time.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
The Hornets travel to New Orleans on Friday then host the Hawks the following day. NO is 26th in pace and 5th in defensive efficiency. Bismack Biyombo (30% rostered) is the only viable Hornets player rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues. In six starts since Cody Zeller went down, Biyombo is averaging 28.6 minutes, 9.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1 block per game while shooting 51% from the field. That ain't bad, yo. The assists are a pleasant surprise since he has never averaged more than 0.9 in a season.
CHICAGO BULL
The Bulls travel to Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Friday then the Clippers on Sunday. LAL is 3rd in pace and 3rd in defensive efficiency. LAC is 29th in pace and 22nd in defensive efficiency. Lauri Markkanen is dealing with a calf issue and has also been in COVID protocols. If he returns for these games, then the following players all get affected. I'm going off the assumption that he misses the rest of the week. With Markkanen out, Otto Porter Jr. has seamlessly started and been producing top 20 numbers. Behind him, Garrett Temple (1% rostered) and Thaddeus Young (8% rostered) have seen elevated playing time. Since Markkanen has been out, Temple has averaged 25.4 minutes, 7.3 points, 1.5 three-pointers, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1 steal. Young has averaged 25.3 minutes, 9.5 points, 0.8 three-pointers, four rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1 steal, and 0.5 blocks on 51% shooting from the field. They aren't the sexiest options, but they are getting minutes and can provide some fantasy goodies. It's just a matter of what you need. Hey, every stat counts. Patrick Williams (15% rostered) is averaging 24.3 minutes over the past four games. He's not overwhelming in any category, but he does contribute a smidgen in each one.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The Cavaliers travel to Memphis on Thursday then host the Bucks on Saturday. MEM is 13th in pace and 14th in defensive efficiency. MIL is 4th in pace and 10th in defensive efficiency. Darius Garland is dealing with a shoulder injury and Dante Exum went down, so that has opened up playing time for Cedi Osman (13% rostered) and Damyean Dotson (1% rostered). Dotson received the start last game and played 29.2 minutes, scoring 16 points with three three-pointers, one rebound, two assists, and one steal. He's not going to shoot 60% from the field every game but he could get the minutes and hoist up shots. Osman played a robust 38 minutes last game. Not sure that's the New World Order, as the game was a blowout, but he was getting 25 minutes a game prior to that. Osman can provide points, three-pointers, rebounds, and assists, while Dotson is more of a three-point specialist.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
The Mavericks travel to Denver on Thursday then host the Magic on Saturday. DEN is 24th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. ORL is 9th in pace and 6th in defensive efficiency. Dorian Finney-Smith (9% rostered) isn't sexy due to the low usage rate and limited scoring ceiling, but he will grab some rebounds, hit the open three-pointer, and get some steals. Willie Cauley-Stein (5% rostered) got the start last game, moving Dwight Powell to the bench. WCS played 24 minutes and contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. Rick Carlisle said that lineups will be fluid dependent upon matchup and/or need, so I wouldn't pencil him as the starter going forward. Plus, Kristaps Porzingis is returning at some point in the future. With that said, taking a flyer could well be worth it.
DENVER NUGGETS
The Nuggets host the Mavericks on Thursday then have a back-to-back on Saturday/Sunday, in Philadelphia and New York. DAL 26th in pace 11th in defensive efficiency. PHI 11th in pace and 1st in defensive efficiency. NYK 26th in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. Will Barton (48% rostered) has slowly been playing better, but the most important thing is that he's averaging 31.2 minutes over the past three games. He had been in the low-to-mid 20s prior to that. The shooting efficiency is still an issue, as he's converting sub-40% of his attempts, but he's providing double-digit points, three-pointers, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The blocks aren't sustainable but the rest should be there. JaMychal Green (10% rostered) has been great in the three games he's played so far, providing points, three-pointers, rebounds, and steals. He's coming off the bench and playing around 20 minutes, though. Monte Morris (16% rostered) is averaging 27 mpg on the season. He will rarely provide a ton of points but can contribute some assists, three-pointers, and steals. Gary Harris (7% rostered) used to be a top 40 player for fantasy. Seems like a different lifetime ago. Now, Harris has been gross this year, as he's shooting sub-40% from the field. With that said, he's playing over 30 mpg and can provide some steals if you're into that sort of thing.
DETROIT PISTONS
The Pistons host the Suns on Friday then Utah on Sunday. PHX is 30th in pace and 4th in defensive efficiency. UTA is 21st in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency. With news that Killian Hayes could miss substantial time, Derrick Rose gets the biggest bump but could it be Delon Wright (32% rostered) time? Wright got off to a decent start to the season, starting two games, playing 42 minutes in one, and scoring double-figures in two games. Then the minutes ticked down, from 28 to 22 to 18 then finally at 10 last game. He's in Dwayne Casey's dog house for some reason but Casey could be forced to play Wright backup point guard minutes for Rose while Hayes is out. Who else is there? It's something for sure to monitor going forward. Wright can provide points, three-pointers, rebounds, assists, and a sprinkle of defensive stats. The percentages are good as well. It's all about playing time.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors host the Clippers on Friday then the Raptors on Sunday. LAC is 29th in pace and 22nd in defensive efficiency. TOR is 5th in offensive pace and 7th in defensive efficiency.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
The Rockets host the Magic on Friday then the Lakers on Sunday. ORL is 9th in pace and 6th in defensive efficiency. LAL is 20th in pace and 3rd in defensive efficiency. David Nwaba (1% rostered) received the start for injured Danuel House last game and could continue starting because House is dealing with back issues. Nwaba played 29 minutes last game and isn't a great fantasy option, but he could provide steals.
INDIANA PACERS
The Pacers only play one game, hosting the Suns on Saturday.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
The Clippers travel to San Francisco on Friday then host the Bulls on Sunday. GSW is 1st in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency. CHI is 2nd in pace and 23rd in defensive efficiency. Mmmmm, yummy matchups. As long as Marcus Morris continues to miss games, Nicolas Batum (35% rostered) is a viable fantasy option. Over the past four games, he's been a top 50 player on a per-game basis, averaging 32 minutes, 13.8 points, 2.3 three-pointers, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.8 steals. Patrick Beverley (12% rostered) has been shooting the lights out recently (53% over the past four games). That's going to regress at some point, but ride the hand while it is hot. Beverley can provide three-pointers and he rebounds very well for a guard.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
The Lakers host the Spurs on Thursday then the Bulls on Friday. On Sunday, they travel to Houston. SAS is 8th in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency. CHI is 2nd in pace and 23rd in defensive efficiency. HOU is 21st in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. Kyle Kuzma (48% rostered) can provide points, three-pointers, and rebounds. His fantasy prospects are better when he comes off the bench, as the usage is 26.5 compared to 13.3 as a starter, but he plays six more minutes as a starter. With three games and a back-to-back for the Lakers, Kuzma could fill both roles this week. Marc Gasol (27% rostered) only plays 20 mpg and the usage rate is super low at 10, so don't expect many poits. He will grab some rebounds, dish out some assists, and block a few shots.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
The Grizzlies hosts Cleveland on Thursday then the Nets on Friday. CLE is 25th in pace and 2nd in defensive efficiency. BKN is 6th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. Gorgui Dieng (12% rostered) has only averaged 22 minutes the last four games but he's put up top 60 production, averaging 12.3 points, 1.5 three-pointers, 6.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks on 57% shooting from the field. When did Gorgui morph into Brook Lopez? Dieng, man. Tyus Jones (20% rostered) is playing 29 minutes per game in place of Ja Morant. He won't provide points, but assists and steals should be plentiful. Desmond Bane (7% rostered) looks good out there. He should play around 20 mpg and provide some points, three-pointers, and steals.
MIAMI HEAT
The Heat travel to DC on Saturday then to Boston on Sunday. WAS is 3rd in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency. BOS is 18th in pace and 19th in defensive efficiency. Kelly Olynyk (25% rostered) received the start last game and balled out in 28 minutes, contributing 19 points, five three-pointers, eight rebounds, and one assist. He's not going to shoot 77% every game and it remains to be seen if he even starts going forward, but the prior two games he played 29 minutes off the bench, so his role seems secure. Olynyk can provide points, three-pointers, rebounds, and trip into some steals and blocks.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
The Bucks host the Jazz on Friday then the Cavaliers on Saturday. UTA is 21st in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency. CLE is 25th in pace and 2nd in defensive efficiency.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
The Timberwolves travel to Portland on Thursday the host the Spurs on Saturday/Sunday. POR is 12th in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency. SAS is 8th in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency. Juancho Hernangomez (4% rostered) has started the last two games and played 26 and 34 minutes. He can provide points, three-pointers, and rebounds but he's a streaky shooter. If he continues to start and play over 25 mpg, then he's a viable option. Naz Reid (20% rostered) has been hampered by foul trouble the last few games, so the minutes haven't been there. Now, Ed Davis has started the last two games but Reid will still play over 20 mpg regardless of his role. He can provide points, rebounds, and blocks. Jarrett Culver (8% rostered) has started the last four games and is averaging 24 mpg. He's not sexy but he can provide rebounds and steals.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
The Pelicans host the Hornets on Friday.
NEW YORK KNICKS
The Knicks host the Thunder on Friday then the Nuggets on Sunday. OKC is 18th in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency. DEN is 24th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. Immanuel Quickley (10% rostered) has played two games since returning from injury and received 15 and 19 minutes of run. Quickley is an excellent shooter and has shown good play making ability. The usage rate has been 24 in both games. He can also contribute in the defensive categories. There's upside in that he could potentially start but that's complete speculation. In the meantime, a solid contributor off the bench. Austin Rivers (3% rostered) played 33 minutes last game due to Alec Burks being out. Rivers can provide points and three-pointers and is likely only viable for as long as Burks is out.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The Thunder travel to New York on Friday then host the Nets on Sunday. NYK is 26th in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. BKN is 6th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. George Hill (31% rostered) averages 24 mpg and can provide points, three-pointers, and assists with a smattering of rebounds and steals. Lugentz Dort (41% rostered) is starting and playing a ton of minutes. The season-average number is distorted due to a number of blowouts. Now, Dort can tank your field goal percentage but he does have the ability to score points and provide three-pointers, rebounds, and steals. Isaiah Roby (2% rostered) is someone to keep an eye on. He started a game and played 24 and 18 minutes in two others. Now, those games were blowouts so Roby is probably nothing, but if he does start any of the games, then he could contribute in points, rebounds, and blocks.
ORLANDO MAGIC
The Magic travel to Houston on Friday then Dallas on Saturday. HOU is 21st in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. DAL is 26th in pace and 11th in defensive efficiency. Cole Anthony (11% rostered) can provide points, rebounds, and assists. The shooting efficiency has been awful, though, as he's shooting 29% on the season. Now, Evan Fournier and Michael Carter-Williams are both dealing with injuries, so an increase of playing could be in the offering.
PHILADELPHIA 76ers
The 76ers travel to Brooklyn on Thursday then host the Nuggets on Saturday. BKN is 6th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. DEN is 24th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency.
PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns travel to Detroit on Friday then Indiana on Saturday. DET is 17th in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency. IND is 23rd in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. Jae Crowder (38% rostered) has averaged 32 mpg over the past three games. I hate recommending Crowder because his shooting is so erratic but I just wrote something on Cole Anthony so I'm obligated to write up Crowder now. He provides three-pointers, rebounds, some assists, and steals. Cameron Johnson (30% rostered) only plays around 20 minutes and is a three-point streamer.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
The Trail Blazers host the Timberwolves on Thursday then travel to Sacramento on Saturday. MIN is 7th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. SAC is 13th in pace and 25th in defensive efficiency. Gary Trent Jr. (15% rostered) is a points and three-point streamer. He's very volatile, though, as both the scoring out and playing time fluctuate. Derrick Jones Jr. (7% rostered) is starting and playing 30 mpg. He won't score many points but can provide rebounds and defensive stats.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
The Kings host the Raptors on Friday then the Trail Blazers on Saturday. TOR is 5th in pace and 7th in defensive efficiency. POR is 12th in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The Spurs travel to Staples to play the Lakers on Thursday then go to Minnesota to a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. LAL is 20th in pace and 3rd in defensive efficiency. MIN is 7th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. Patty Mills (15% rostered) is the Aussie Steph Curry. He usually torches Team USA and makes an occasional appearance in the NBA. Mills is a microwave off the bench for the Spurs but isn't always hot. When that happens, he plays in the low-20s. When he's on fire, though, he gets close to 30 minutes. Points and three-pointers are his specialty. Don't expect much else. Rudy Gay (24% rostered) is averaging 24 minutes per game, even with the return of LaMarcus Aldridge to the mix. He's scoring, providing three-pointers, grabbing rebounds, and getting steals and blocks. The shooting efficiency hasn't been good (40-41% range), but he's contributing top 125 numbers. Lonnie Walker (17% rostered) is starting and playing around 28 mpg. With news that Derrick White had another set back with his toe, the minutes will be secure for a bit. Walker isn't an efficient shooter, but he can provide some points, three-pointers, and a sprinkle of defensive stats. Not a great fantasy asset but not a zero either.
TORONTO RAPTORS
The Raptors travel to Sacramento on Friday then to San Francisco on Sunday. SAC is 13th in pace and 25th in defensive efficiency. GS is 1st in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency.
UTAH JAZZ
The Jazz travel to Milwaukee on Friday then host the Pistons on Sunday. MIL is 4th in pace and 10th in defensive efficiency. DET is 17th in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
The Wizards travel to Boston on Thursday then host the Heat on Friday. BOS is 18th in pace and 19th in defensive efficiency. Raul Neto (2% rostered) could play one of the games if the Wizards sit Russell Westbrook. In two starts this season, Neto has averaged 27.3 minutes, 17 points, 2 three-pointers, 2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals.
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