Fantasy Basketball Mid-Week Streamers: Week 8

December 14, 2023

Mike Barner looks at some mid-week waiver wire options for fantasy basketball leagues. These players may be free agents to target on waivers in Week 8.

We’re going to have a busy second half of the week in the NBA. All but three teams will play either two or three games. That means we also have a lot of back-to-back sets coming up.

In terms of injuries, there continue to be plenty impacting fantasy managers. One of the more significant ones earlier this week was the Knicks ruling out Mitchell Robinson (ankle) for at least the next eight weeks. On the bright side, Bradley Beal made his return for the Suns on Tuesday.

Let’s look at the remaining schedules for each team and discuss some players to consider streaming. For those in daily lineup leagues, streaming players with favorable schedules can be key to having a winning week. However, be sure to be aware of your league rules. If you have games played cap for the week, then streaming too much might not be ideal. All roster percentages used in this article are from Yahoo.

Weekly Schedule: Thursday to Sunday

Teams that play only game (AVOID): LA Lakers, Memphis, Toronto

Teams that play two or three games (TARGET): Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Golden State, Houston, LA Clippers, Miami, Minnesota, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, Utah, Washington

Teams that play back-to-back (TARGET): Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, Indiana, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia

Shallow League Streaming Options

Isaiah Hartenstein, C (46%)

The Knicks have started Jericho Sims in the two games since Robinson went down. However, he logged just 21 and 18 minutes, respectively. Hartenstein played at least 27 minutes in both games and averaged 9.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks. Even if Sims sticks in the starting five, Hartenstein should play enough moving forward to be worth rostering in most leagues.

Caleb Martin, SG/SF (44%)

There was an encouraging report Wednesday that Tyler Herro (ankle) could be return for the Heat within the next week. He hasn’t played in over a month, so when he does eventually retake the floor, his playing time could be limited for a bit. Still, the expectation is that he will not be back for either of the Heat’s final two games this week. That should continue to mean added run for Martin, who has averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers over the last eight games.

Dario Saric, PF/C (42%)

After getting ejected for hitting Jusuf Nurkic with a wild swing of his arm Tuesday, Draymond Green has been suspended indefinitely. This is a great opportunity to stream Saric since the Warriors are only one of three teams that will play three games the rest of the week. It seems like Green could be out for a while, so Saric also has value beyond the rest of this week. He has already been playing well, averaging 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers over 22 minutes per game this season.

Dante Exum, PG (41%)

It doesn’t sound like Kyrie Irving (foot) is going to be back anytime soon. He is in a protective walking boot and using crutches, so it’s likely that he at least won’t take the floor for the Mavericks’ final two games of the week. With him and several other players missing time recently with injuries, Dante Exum has logged at least 33 minutes in each of the last three games. He has made his opportunity count, averaging 21.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers. Expect him to remain in a prominent role until the Mavericks start to get healthy again.

Deep Leagues Streaming Options

Jonathan Kuminga, PF (29%)

Kuminga hasn’t been able to provide consistent production, which is why he is still available in this many leagues. However, he has picked things up a bit lately, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 three-pointers over his last five games. With Green suspended, Kuminga could also receive a boost in playing time. Saric is the better option between the two, but Kuminga is still a viable target in deeper leagues.

Talen Horton-Tucker, PG (17%)

The Jazz have dealt with a lot of injuries lately. They are especially hurting at guard with Jordan Clarkson (hamstring) expected to miss at least the next two weeks. To make matters worse, Keyonte George (foot) went down in the first quarter against the Knicks on Wednesday and has been ruled out for at least the rest of the week. Horton-Tucker ended up logging 24 minutes against the Knicks, producing 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one three-pointer. Expect him to fill a similar role for the Jazz’s final two games of the week.

Sam Hauser, SF/PF (15%)

The Celtics are another team that will play three more games this week. Hauser has become an important member of their second unit, mainly because of his three-point shooting prowess. He has shot 44.4 percent from behind the arc, which has helped him average 2.7 three-pointers per game. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he provides double-digit three-pointers over the Celtics’ three remaining games.

Isaiah Joe, PG/SG (8%)

Joe doesn’t offer much in terms or rebounds, assists, or defensive stats. That’s what makes him difficult to roster in most leagues. Still, he has averaged 2.5 three-pointers over just 20 minutes per game this season. The Thunder will play two more games, so for those in deep leagues who are desperate for three-pointers, Joe might be your man.

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