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 19.
It's championship week for some! If you're reading this, good luck!
Our one and only, Milos Zvekic broke down the Week 20 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 19 teams with a back-to-back (BOS, BKN, CHA, CHI, DEN, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIL, MIN, NYK, ORL, PHI, PHX, SAC, SA, and TOR), and six teams play three games (TOR, SAC, PHX, PHI, ORL, NYK, MIN, MIL, MIA, MEM, LAC, IND, DEN, CHI, and CHA). 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 Magic on Thursday then the Rockets on Sunday. ORL is 16th in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency. HOU is 7th in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency.
BOSTON CELTICS
The Celtics travel to Minnesota on Saturday then to New York the following night. MIN is 2nd in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency. NYK is 30th in pace and 4th in defensive efficiency. Tristan Thompson (PF/C - 23% rostered) provides rebounds and blocks. With Robert Williams dealing with a turf toe injury, Thompson could be in line for heavy minutes. Keep an eye on the injury reports.
BROOKLYN NETS
The Nets host the Bulls on Saturday then the Cavaliers the following night. CHI is 14th in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency. CLE is 28th in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
The Hornets host the Clippers on Thursday, travel to New York on Saturday, then head to the nation's capital on Sunday. LAC is 26th in pace and 10th in defensive efficiency. NYK is 30th in pace and 4th in defensive efficiency. WAS is 1st in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency.
CHICAGO BULLS
The Bulls host the Raptors on Thursday, travel to Brooklyn on Saturday, then host the Bucks on Sunday. TOR is 12th in pace and 11th in defensive efficiency. BKN is 11th in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency. MIL is 4th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The Cavaliers travel to Washington D.C. on Friday then to Brooklyn on Sunday. WAS is 1st in pace and 20th in defensive efficiency. BKN is 11th in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency. Isaac Okoro (SG/SF - 16% rostered) is inconsistent and has benefitted from some recent injuries. That said, he's averaged 36 minutes over the last eight games and minutes are half the battle. Yo, Joe! Over the last three games, he's attempted 20, 15, and 11 shots. He will chip in some rebounds and a few three-pointers, assists, and steals. Not exciting, but if you need someone with a little more than a pulse, then Okoro could be your man. He plays three games and has a tinge of upside if things break right.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
The Mavericks host the Raptors on Friday then travel to Minnesota on Sunday. TOR is 12th in pace and 11th in defensive efficiency. MIN is 2nd in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency. Dwight Powell (PF/C - 19% rostered) has feasted with Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber out. Over the last four games, he's been a top 30 player, contributing rebounds, defensive stats, and excellent percentages. Make sure Porzingis is out before utilizing Powell.
DENVER NUGGETS
The Nuggets travel to Minnesota on Thursday, to Detroit on Friday, then to Portland on Sunday. MIN is 2nd in pace and 28th in defensive efficiency. DET is 22nd in pace and 18th in defensive efficiency. POR is 20th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. Facundo Campazzo (PG - 34% rostered) has been a top 20 player over the last seven games. He's been averaging 33.5 minutes, 12.7 points, 1.7 three-pointers, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.4 steals. Now, Monte Morris is set to return this week, so the minutes will come down to the mid-20s, but he will still be a viable option. Austin Rivers (PG/SG - 4% rostered) is playing a ton of minutes due to the injuries in the backcourt. The return of Monte Morris will likely impact Campazzo more than Rivers. Will Barton would be the player to most negatively impact Rivers but there's no timetable for his return. Rivers is playing over 30 minutes per game and contributing points, three-pointers, steals, and a tinge of rebounds and assists.
DETROIT PISTONS
The Pistons host the Nuggets on Friday then the Heat on Sunday. DEN is 24th in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency. MIA is 29th in pace and 6th in defensive efficiency. Killian Hayes (PG/SG - 24% rostered) is the present and the future for the Pistons. They started playing him in back-to-backs and he received 39 minutes last game while garnering a 30 usage rate. Hayes contributes in every category but blocks and should get all the playing time he can handle.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors host the Pelicans on Friday then the Grizzlies on Sunday. NOP is 13th in pace and 23rd in defensive efficiency. MEM is 9th in pace and 7th in defensive efficiency. Juan Toscano-Anderson (SF/PF - 6% rostered) has been a top 60 player over the last four games. He's averaged 29.6 minutes and provided rebounds, assists, steals, and some three-pointers and blocks. He's benefitted from the Eric Paschall injury but he should still have a significant role even when Paschall returns. Kent Bazemore (SG/SF - 14% rostered) has been playing 30 minutes a game due to the Kelly Oubre Jr. injury. Bazemore provides some three-pointers, rebounds, and defensive stats. In uptempo game environments, he has been able to access some ceiling games.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
The Rockets host the Clippers on Friday then travel to Atlanta on Sunday. LAC is 26th in pace and 10th in defensive efficiency. ATL is 26th in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency. Outside of Christian Wood, Kelly Olynk, Jae'sean Tate, and Kevin Porter Jr., every player is viable. It just depends on who is sitting or not. Kenyon Martin Jr. (SF - 35% rostered) has been the most viable player, as he's averaged 40.5 minutes and been a top 20 player over the last four games. He's been contributing across the board and even provided excellent percentages. He should play regardless but keep an eye on the injury report and rotations.
INDIANA PACERS
The Pacers host the Bucks on Thursday, the Lakers on Saturday, then travel to Florida/Toronto on Sunday. MIL is 4th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. LAL is 15th in pace and 1st in defensive efficiency. TOR is 12th in pace and 11th in defensive efficiency.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
The Clippers travel to Charlotte on Thursday, to Houston on Friday, then to Oklahoma City on Sunday. CHA is 16th in pace and 18th in defensive efficiency. HOU is 7th in pace and 26th in defensive efficiency. OKC is 6th in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency. Marcus Morris (PF/C - 37% rostered) has cooled off recently, but he's still playing close to 30 minutes and providing points, three-pointers, and rebounds.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
The Lakers travel to Indiana on Saturday then to New Orleans the following night. IND is 5th in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. NOP is 13th in pace and 23rd in defensive efficiency.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
The Grizzlies host the Kings on Thursday and Friday then travel to San Francisco on Sunday. SAC is 8th in pace and 30th in defensive efficiency. GS is 3rd in pace and 5th in defensive efficiency.
MIAMI HEAT
The Heat host the 76ers on Thursday then travel to Milwaukee on Saturday then to Detroit on Sunday. PHI is 9th in pace and 2nd in defensive efficiency. MIL is 4th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. DET is 22nd in pace and 18th in defensive efficiency. Trevor Ariza (SG/SF - 19% rostered) has been disrespected all season long. All he's done is play over 30 minutes and contribute a little something in every category. Top 70 player over the last six games.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
The Bucks travel to Indiana on Thursday, host the Heat on Saturday, then travel to Chicago on Sunday. IND is 5th in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. MIA is 29th in pace and 6th in defensive efficiency. CHI is 14th in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
The Timberwolves host the Nuggets on Thursday, the Celtics on Saturday, then the Mavericks on Sunday. DEN is 24th in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency. BOS is 16th in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency. DAL is 23rd in pace and 13th in defensive efficiency. Jarred Vanderbilt (SF/PF/C - 12% rostered) has started the last two games and played 36 and 22 minutes, the latter being a blowout. The usage rate is low so the points will rarely be voluminous but he provides rebounds and defensive stats.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
The Pelicans travel to San Francisco on Friday then host the Lakers on Sunday. GS is 3rd in pace and 5th in defensive efficiency. LAL is 15th in pace and 1st in defensive efficiency. Jaxson Hayes (C - 19% rostered) has been a top 45 player over the last three games despite playing only 24.5 minutes. The usage rate has been 24, which is likely unsustainable and has propped up the 16.7 points. Hayes is all about the rebounds and blocks, and blocks, and blocks. He's averaged three per game!
NEW YORK KNICKS
The Knicks host the Spurs on Thursday, Hornets on Saturday, then Celtics on Sunday. SA is 21st in pace and 13th in defensive efficiency. CHA is 16th in pace and 18th in defensive efficiency. BOS is 16th in pace and 17th in defensive efficiency. Reggie Bullock (SG/SF - 37% rostered) has averaged 34.5 minutes and 3.3 three-pointers over the last 15 games. If you need three-pointers, there may not be a better option, especially since he plays so many minutes that he trips into other stats.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The Thunder host the Jazz on Friday then the Clippers on Sunday. UTA is 19th in pace and 3rd in defensive efficiency. LAC is 26th in pace and 10th in defensive efficiency. Everyone is an option. We just don't know who is playing and who is sitting. Moses Brown (C - 38% rostered) has been a staple in the starting lineup, though. He's only averaging around 24 minutes and the production has been spotty and inconsistent, but Brown can provide rebounds and defensive stats.
ORLANDO MAGIC
The Magic travel to Atlanta on Thursday, then to Philadelphia on Friday and Sunday. ATL is 26th in pace and 21st in defensive efficiency. PHI is 9th in pace and 2nd in defensive efficiency. Moritz Wagner (PF/C - 6% rostered) has started the last six games and averaged around 25 minutes. He can provide some points, three-pointers, rebounds, and blocks. The shooting efficiency is a terrible 36%, though. On the season, he's at 44% so some positive regression could be coming. Dwayne Bacon (SG - 9% rostered) has started the last five games and averaged 28.9 minutes, 15 field goal attempts, and 19.6 points. He's even chipped in 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals. RJ Hampton (PG - 38% rostered) hasn't been starting but he's averaged 31.1 minutes over the last five games. He's contributed 1.2 three-pointers, 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while garnering a 22 usage rate. Ignas Brazdeikis (SF - 0% rostered) has played 35, 24, 30, and 32 minutes. He's attempted 11, 11, nine, and eight shots so he's involved when on the court. He will provide some rebounds, three-pointers, and assists. He's been playing since Chuma Okeke, Otto Porter, James Ennis, and Terrence Ross have been out.
PHILADELPHIA 76ers
The 76ers travel to Miami on Thursday, then host the Magic on Friday and Sunday. MIA is 29th in pace and 6th in defensive efficiency. ORL is 16th in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency. Danny Green (SG/SF - 41% rostered) will tank your field goal percentage but he provides a little something in every other category. He's a top 90 player on the season. Mattise Thybulle (SG/SF - 17% rostered) is only playing 18 minutes per game but is contributing 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. That's insane.
PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns host the Trail Blazers on Thursday then travel to San Antonio for a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. POR is 20th in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency. SA is 21st in pace and 13th in defensive efficiency.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
The Trail Blazers travel to Phoenix on Thursday then host the Nuggets on Sunday. PHX is 25th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. DEN is 24th in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
The Kings travel to Memphis for a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday then host the Jazz on Sunday. MEM is 9th in pace and 7th in defensive efficiency. UTA is 19th in pace and 3rd in defensive efficiency. Moe Harkless (SF/PF - 5% rostered) has been a top 60 player over the last three games. He's not exciting because he's a low usage player but he's averaging 33.4 minutes and contributing three-pointers, rebounds, assists, and steals.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The Spurs travel to New York on Thursday then host the Suns on Saturday and Sunday. NYK is 30th in pace and 4th in defensive efficiency. PHX is 25th in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency. Lonnie Walker (SG/SF - 19% rostered) has started the last three games and averaged 29.1 minutes, 2.3 three-pointers, 17.7 points, and 4.3 rebounds. With Derrick White out, Walker should continue to start and get plenty of minutes.
TORONTO RAPTORS
The Raptors travel to Chicago on Thursday, to Dallas on Friday, then host the Pacers on Sunday. CHI is 14th in pace and 15th in defensive efficiency. DAL is 23rd in pace and 13th in defensive efficiency. IND is 5th in pace and 12th in defensive efficiency. Khem Birch (PF/C - 45% rostered) has been a top 90 player over the last six games. He's averaging 32.6 minutes, 13.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, one steal, and one block. He is the center for the Raptors right now so the minutes are secure. Gary Trent Jr. (SG/SF - 45% rostered) missed six games but has played 36 minutes in each of the two games since returning. He's scored 18 and 25 points while contributing three-pointers, some rebounds, and steals.
UTAH JAZZ
The Jazz travel to Oklahoma City on Friday then to Sacramento on Sunday. OKC is 6th in pace and 24th in defensive efficiency. SAC is 8th in pace and 30th in defensive efficiency.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
The Wizards host the Cavaliers on Friday then the Hornets on Sunday. CLE is 28th in pace and 27th in defensive efficiency. CHA is 16th in pace and 18th in defensive efficiency. Raul Neto (PG - 8% rostered) is starting and has been a top 80 player over the last four games, averaging 29.8 minutes. He provides three-pointers, assists, and steals.
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