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If you're one of those fantasy basketball players that sets a lineup at the beginning of the week, checks out, and then comes back seven days later to see how things shook out, this post is not for you.
This is for those who are grinding through each day and keeping track of categories as the days tick off. Maybe you need a handful of assists to get you over and win the week, or maybe a key injury is forcing you to rethink a category you previously considered stable. The goal is here to is target specific players who are rostered in less than half of Yahoo! leagues who will help you get you into the winner's circle. Mostly we're looking at players who might be available in 12-team leagues, but there will be some deeper options too when available.
As is always the case when streaming, it's possible that some of these recommended options are worthy of a longer-term add. But in order to hold long term, you first have to make the pickup. Regardless of where you're deficient, here are some names to consider to help you make up ground in the short term.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including NBA Writer of the Year, Best NFL Series, MLB Series, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!Be sure to check out my Twitter (@Maxadelphia) for my nightly NBA plays, as well. Let's get into it!
Points - Streaming Options
Furkan Korkmaz - SG/SF - Philadelphia 76ers (10% rostered)
With Tobias Harris a surprising scratch against the Kings on Monday night, Korkmaz scored in double figures for the first time in 7 games. The Sixers are dealing with a plethora of injuries to not only Harris; but Seth Curry as well, and with Joel Embiid's return still not set in stone, Korkmaz finds himself with the same opportunity for volume that we saw earlier in the year when Harris missed 6 games previously. Korkmaz is a true gunner and if you need someone off of the waiver with a high ceiling, Korkmaz might be exactly who you're looking for.
Other streamers:
- Anfernee Simons - PG/SG - Portland Trail Blazers (13% rostered)
- Eric Gordon - SG/SF - Houston Rockets (14% rostered)
- Luke Kennard - SG/SF - Los Angeles Clippers (23% rostered)
- Terrence Ross - SG/SF - Orlando Magic (18% rostered)
Assists - Streaming Options
Patrick Beverly - PG/SG - Minnesota Timberwolves (35% rostered)
Running Pat Bev back for another week because he is clearly the best option at our criteria of sub-50% ownership. Beverly's APG has actually risen since we last spoke a week ago from 4.5 to 4.7. It doesn't seem like a big jump, but it shows that his ability and role wasn't just a flash in the pan. As mentioned last week, Beverly is a contributor on the defensive end as well and is capable of delivering very solid performances across multiple stats.
Other streamers:
- Eric Bledsoe - PG/SG - LA Clippers (43% rostered)
- Monte Morris - PG/SG - Denver Nuggets (43% rostered)
- Shake Milton - PG/SG - Philadelphia 76ers (19% rostered)
- Thaddeus Young - PF/C - San Antonio Spurs (46% rostered)
Rebounds - Streaming Options
Jared Vanderbilt - C - Minnesota Timberwolves (6% rostered)
Vanderbilt has seen his role, and subsequently; his production increase over the last 5 games. The former 2nd round pick has played 20+ minutes in 5 straight games. In those 5 games he hasn't grabbed less than 7 rebounds in a single game, and even has a double-double to show for his most recent performance against the Pelicans. Vanderbilt's ownership has gone up nearly 30% since last week, so he might be a hot commodity (if he's even still available).
Other streamers:
- Darius Bazley - SF/PF - Oklahoma City Thunder (29% rostered)
- Precious Achiuwa - SF/PF - Toronto Raptors (28% rostered)
- Deni Avdja - SF - Washington Wizards (7% rostered)
- Chimezie Metu - PF - Sacramento Kings (13% rostered)
Blocks - Streaming Options
Darius Bazley - SF/PF - Oklahoma City Thunder (29% rostered)
Blocks are a tough stat to fish for; so many of the players (under the criteria of sub-50% rostered) who can get you blocks are typically guys who don't offer much else. This is why I think Bazley is the premier option in this category right now. He's played 30+ minutes in 3 straight games, and 25+ minutes in 9 straight. He's an adept rebounder, averaging 6.9 (nice) per game. The floor in general with Bazley is high, which isn't something that can typically be said this deep on the waiver.
Other streamers:
- Patrick Beverly - PG/SG - Minnesota Timberwolves (35% rostered)
- Isaiah Hartenstein - PF/C - LA Clippers (19% rostered)
- Matisse Thybulle - SG/SF - Philadelphia 76ers (49% rostered)
- Thaddeus Young - PF/C - San Antonio Spurs (34% rostered)
Steals - Streaming Options
Pat Connaughton - SG/SF - Milwaukee Bucks (34% rostered)
Last week we talked about Connaughton's capabilities from 3, in the absence of Kris Middleton. Well now with Middleton back; Connaughton has shifted back to a more defensive-heavy role. Don't get me wrong - the 3s are still there, which is a nice bonus. Connaughton has 6 straight games with 1+ steals, and the Bucks as a whole have been playing better defense over that period.
Other streamers:
- Dorian Finney-Smith - SF/PF - Dallas Mavericks (24% rostered)
- Royce O'Neale - SF/PF - Utah Jazz (41% rostered)
- Gary Payton II - PG/SG - Golden State Warriors (17% rostered)
Threes - Streaming Options
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - SG/SF - Washington Wizards (30% rostered)
The Wizards are quietly one of the best teams in the league through the first 18 games, and Caldwell-Pope has had a sizable role, and one of the greenest lights in the league. The 8-year vet is averaging 5.5 3's per game and averages 2.5 3's made per game; both of which is good for 3rd on the team after Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma. I know I constantly preach about opportunity, but when you're this deep looking for an option there are no guarantees in terms of production. Should Beal or Kuzma miss time, that attempts number could jump to 7, potentially even 7.5 per game which would make KCP a great add.
Other streamers:
- Malik Beasley - PG/SG - Minnesota Timberwolves (24% rostered)
- Anfernee Simons - PG/SG - Portland Trail Blazers (33% rostered)
- Furkan Korkmaz - SG/SF - Philadelphia 76ers (40% rostered)
- Luke Kennard - SG - Los Angeles Clippers (28% rostered)
Field Goal Percentage - Streaming Options
Dwight Powell - PF/C - Dallas Mavericks (8% rostered)
Powell is our least sexy fantasy asset of the week (not the most prestigious title, but someone has to have it), BUT that's ok because if you are strictly looking for FG% help Powell is a legitimately great asset. The Stanford alum is known for his offensive rebounding ability, which in-turn leads to high % looks around the basket. Powell is a sturdy 6'10" and 240 LBs, making him a formidable inside presence. We also know Kristaps Porzingus is injury prone, and he is a candidate to take those minutes should Porzingus exit the lineup.
Other streamers:
- Daniel Theis - PF/C - Houston Rockets (40% rostered)
- Hamidou Diallo - SG/SF - Oklahoma City Thunder (10% rostered)
- Gary Payton II - PG/SG - Golden State Warriors (24% rostered)
Free Throw Percentage - Streaming Options
Georges Niang - SF - Philadelphia 76ers (21% rostered)
We're going full circle to end this week's article by featuring another 76er provided with more opportunity due to injuries. Niang is a willing and capable shooter and is also willing to drive to the hoop when given the opportunity. Niang currently boasts a 91.7% FT%, and at such a thin stat, you're getting scoring and 3 point upside with Niang as well.
Other streamers:
- Eric Bledsoe - PG/SG - Los Angeles Clippers (30% rostered)
- Terrence Ross - SG/SF - Orlando Magic (17% rostered)
- Shake Milton - PG/SG - Philadelphia 76ers (38% rostered)
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