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 12.
Our one and only, Milos Zvekic broke down the Week 12 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 11 (Thursday to Sunday), there are 11 teams with a back-to-back (GS, LAL, MEM, MIN, ORL, PHI, PHX, POR, SAC, SAS, and UTA), four teams play three games (LAL, ORL, PHX, and POR), while two teams (LAC and MIL) play one game. Check out the schedule grid for a better picture. 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 host the Thunder on Thursday then travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Saturday. OKC is 14th in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. LAL is 18th in pace and 1st in defensive efficiency. Tony Snell (SG/SF - 1% rostered) is gross to roster, as you can literally get a bagel across the board on any night. With that said, he played 31 minutes last game and contributed 15 points, five three-pointers, three rebounds, and five assists. He has started the last 10 games and scored double digits in six games. Nathan Knight (PF/C - 1% rostered) has played 22 and 23 minutes the last two games and contributed 15 points, one three-pointer, three rebounds, and one assist in one game and 16 points, one three-pointer, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block in the other. He's played because Clint Capela has been out so he's not a sure thing. With that said, he's someone to monitor going forward when Capela misses time.
BOSTON CELTICS
The Celtics host the Kings on Friday then the Magic on Sunday. SAC is 9th in pace and 30th in defensive efficiency. ORL is 18th in pace and 19th in defensive efficiency. Daniel Theis (C - 47% rostered) has had two fantastic games in the last three. 15 points, one three-pointer, 11 rebounds, and six assists in 26 minutes for one and 17 points, one three-pointer, eight rebounds, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes for the other. He also played seven minutes in the other game because the Rockets went small, but the Kings and Magic won't be doing that. In addition, Tristan Thompson has been out due to health and safety protocols, so the playing time should be secure.
BROOKLYN NETS
The Nets travel to Orlando on Friday then host the Wizards on Sunday. ORL is 18th in pace and 19th in defensive efficiency. WAS is 1st in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
The Hornets travel to Los Angeles this week, playing the Lakers on Thursday then the Clippers on Saturday. LAL is 18th in pace and 1st in defensive efficiency. LAC is 24th in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency.
CHICAGO BULL
The Bulls travel to Denver on Friday then to Detroit on Sunday. DEN is 28th in pace and 18th in defensive efficiency. DET is 24th in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. Tomas Satoransky (PG/SG - 17% rostered) should not be on any waiver wires. He has started the last two games and played 31 and 26 minutes. The usage rate and point totals will rarely be high, but he contributes in every category, with an emphasis on assists. He's dished out seven in each of the two games. He could be the next T.J. McConnell.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The Cavaliers host the Spurs on Friday then the Raptors on Sunday. SAS is 15th in pace and 9th in defensive efficiency. TOR is 10th in pace and 14th in defensive efficiency.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
The Mavericks travel to Portland for a double-dip, on Friday and Sunday. POR is 20th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. Maxi Kleber (PF/C - 19% rostered) is inconsistent, as evidenced by his three points, one three-pointer, five rebounds, one steal, and one block performance game last time out. With that said, he played 36 minutes in that contest and has averaged 31.9 minutes over the last five. He's a low usage rate player so the points won't always be there, but he provides three-pointers from the big man position and contributes rebounds and defensive stats.
DENVER NUGGETS
The Nuggets host the Bulls on Friday then the Pelicans on Sunday. CHI is 6th in pace and 16th in defensive efficiency. NOP is 16th in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency.
DETROIT PISTONS
The Pistons travel to Houston on Friday then host the Bulls on Sunday. HOU is 4th in pace and 13th in defensive efficiency. CHI is 6th in pace and 16th in defensive efficiency. Josh Jackson (SG/SF - 28% rostered) has seen the playing increase in each of the last three games since returning from a two-game absence. He's played 20, 22, and 27 minutes. Jackson is a hucker and a chucker, as the usage rate is often in the mid-20s and higher, so when he's on the floor, you can count on volume. The shooting efficiency is always the question. What makes him a nice option is that he also contributes in the defensive categories while grabbing rebounds and dishing out a few assists.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors travel to Memphis for a back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. MEM is 8th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. Jordan Poole (PG/SG - 10% rostered) has played 21, 22, 20, and 26 minutes in the last four games after a 16-game absence. The usage rate has been 28, 25, 22, and 27. He's scored double figures in every game and hoisted up double-digit shots in each as well. Now, three of those games were blowout so there is a bit of uncertainty to his role, but it does look like he's going to get playing time in the low-20s and be a source of offensive output. He doesn't provide much outside of points, though.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
The Rockets host the Pistons on Friday then the Thunder on Sunday. DET is 24th in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. OKC is 14th in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. Jae'sean Tate (SG - 26% rostered) has started 26 games this season. Over the last 12 games, he's averaged 30.4 minutes, 12.8 points, 0.9 three-pointers, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 51% from the field. Now, the Rockets have been devasted by injuries but Tate looks to have carved out a significant role and will likely remain a top 100 player.
INDIANA PACERS
The Pacers travel to Miami for a double-dip on Friday and Sunday. MIA is 26th in pace and 4th in defensive efficiency. Doug McDermott (SF/PF - 15% rostered) won't provide much outside of points and three-pointers, but if you need help in those categories, he's scored double figures in five straight games and drained at least two three-pointers in four straight. He will also chip in some rebounds.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
The Clippers host the Hornets on Saturday. CHA is 10th in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
The Lakers host the Hornets on Thursday, the Hawks on Saturday, then travel to Phoenix on Sunday. CHA is 10th in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency. ATL is 22nd in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. PHX is 29th in pace and 6th in defensive efficiency.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
The Grizzlies host the Warriors on Friday and Saturday. GS is 2nd in pace and 7th in defensive efficiency.
MIAMI HEAT
The Heat host the Pacers on Friday and Sunday. IND is 10th in pace and 11th in defensive efficiency.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
The Bucks host the Spurs on Saturday. SA is 15th in pace and 9th in defensive efficiency.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
The Timberwolves travel to Phoenix for a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday. PHX is 29th in pace and 6th in defensive efficiency.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
The Pelicans travel to Portland on Thursday then to Denver on Sunday. POR is 20th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. DEN is 28th in pace and 18th in defensive efficiency. Josh Hart (SG/SF - 34% rostered) can be hit or miss with the points, but he's rock solid with the rebounds. He plays close to 30 minutes per game and does rack up some steals. Inconsistent? Yes, but he's had a few ceiling games this season.
NEW YORK KNICKS
The Knicks host the Magic on Thursday then the 76ers on Sunday. ORL is 18th in pace and 19th in defensive efficiency. PHI is 7th in pace and 2nd in defensive efficiency.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The Thunder travel to Atlanta on Thursday then to Houston on Sunday. ATL is 22nd in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. HOU is 4th in pace and 13th in defensive efficiency. Moses Brown (C - 26% rostered) has been great since entering the rotation, as he's been a top 55 player over the last four games, averaging 25 minutes, 12.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 60% from the field and 80% from the line. Now, Darius Bazley and Al Horford were out so there's uncertainty as to what his role will be when everyone is healthy. With that said, Horford will have rest days and will likely be traded before the deadline. There are optimistic paths to playing time in the future. Aleksej Pokusevski (SF - 30% rostered) has also benefitted from the Bazley and Horford injuries. Like Brown, though, he could get significant playing time in the future because of trades and the Thunder wanting to develop their young players. Pokusevski is a talented big man who has guard skills, so he can stuff the stat sheet. With that said, the shooting efficiency can be brutal and he's inconsistent. The upside is high, though.
ORLANDO MAGIC
The Magic travel to New York on Thursday, host the Nets on Friday, then travel to Boston on Sunday. NYK is 30th in pace and 5th in defensive efficiency. BKN is 10th in pace and 22nd in defensive efficiency. BOS is 21st in pace and 22nd in defensive efficiency. Michael Carter-Williams (PG/SG - 19% rostered) plays around 30 minutes per game and provides close to six assists. He's shooting 40% from the field, though. If you can handle the field goal drain and need assists, enjoy the MCW experience. Don't forget your barf bag.
PHILADELPHIA 76ers
The 76ers host the Kings on Saturday then travel to New York on Sunday. SAC is 9th in pace and 30th in defensive efficiency. NYK is 30th in pace and 5th in defensive efficiency. Complete opposite teams on different sides of the country. Dwight Howard (C - 34% rostered) will tank your free throw percentage but he will provide plenty of rebound and blocks while providing excellent field goal percentage. With Joel Embiid out for a few weeks, Tony Bradley starts, but Howard has been the more productive fantasy player.
PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns host the Timberwolves on Thursday and Friday then the Lakers on Sunday. MIN is 3rd in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency. LAL is 18th in pace and 1st in defensive efficiency. Dario Saric (PF/C - 12% rostered) doesn't play a ton of minutes (22 mpg) but he provides points, three-pointers, and rebounds. The usage rate is 21 when he's on the floor.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
The Trail Blazers host the Pelicans on Thursday then the Mavericks on Friday and Sunday. NOP is 16th in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency. DAL is 23rd in pace and 25th in defensive efficiency.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
The Kings travel to Boston on Friday then to Philadelphia on Saturday. BOS is 21st in pace and 22nd in defensive efficiency. PHI is 7th in pace and 2nd in defensive efficiency. Nemanja Bjelica (PF - 4% rostered) could see an extended role with Marvin Bagley out for a while. In his lone start this season, Bjelica played 35 minutes and produced 25 points, two three-pointers, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The usage rate was 27.7. That kind of production shouldn't be expected but it's within the range of outcomes. If he does get the playing time, he can contribute in points, three-pointers, and rebounds.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The Spurs travel to Cleveland on Friday then to Milwaukee the following night. CLE is 26th in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency. MIL is 4th in pace and 9th in defensive efficiency.
TORONTO RAPTORS
The Raptors host the Jazz on Friday then travel to Cleveland on Sunday. UTA is 17th in pace and 3rd in defensive efficiency.
UTAH JAZZ
The Jazz travel to Washington D.C. on Thursday then to Florida the following night to play the Raptors. WAS is 1st in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency. TOR is 10th in pace and 14th in defensive efficiency.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
The Wizards host the Jazz on Thursday then travel to Brooklyn on Sunday. UTA is 17th in pace and 3rd in defensive efficiency. BKN is 10th in pace and 22nd in defensive efficiency.
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