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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 21

Week 21 fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups, adds and sleepers for the 2018-2019 NBA season. Dicky Fung recommends guards, forwards and centers to target through waivers or free agency in fantasy leagues.

We are down to the final week of the fantasy basketball season. Hopefully most are able to move onto the playoffs following this week. With that said, owners should be looking at every realm of possibility to improve their team's chances of locking in a playoff berth. Make use of the daily streaming options and do anything it takes to keep you alive week to week. It's time to drop the dead weight and scout for the waiver wire for any production that would be helpful for your team. Looking into Week 20, there are a couple of must-add players that you shouldn't leave behind on your waiver wire.

With that said, we're here to bless you all with everything you guys need to stay ahead of your opponents in all your fantasy leagues. Below are our recommended waiver wire pickups for Week 21 of the fantasy basketball season, for those looking to beef up their teams. We wish everyone the best of luck in your leagues and may the odds forever be in your favor!

It's the best time to start exploring trades, and get out ahead before it's too late! Sell high, buy low - trying to look for ways to improve your team despite where you are in the standings will go a long way for you in case injuries and cold streaks happen. As a reminder for most leagues, it's crucial to plan ahead. Waiver wire adds, scheduling and player injuries are all things to consider. Drop the dead weight, make an effort to improve your team by maximizing your weekly adds and utilizing streamer spots via the waiver wire. Don't be attached to short-term pickups when there is a hot player on the horizon, especially if a hot player can stick with significant minutes the rest of the season. Be wary of weekly streaming options and stay ahead of your opponents. Our staff at RotoBaller has great insight and daily columns on how to improve your squad and tips to make your team successful, so be sure to check them out! Now let's get prepared for Week 21.

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Week 21 Schedule

4 Games - Suns, Sixers, Knicks, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Bucks, Heat, Mavericks, Bulls, Hawks

3 Games - Celtics, Nets, Hornets, Nuggets, Pistons, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, Magic, Trail Blazers, Kings, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Wizards

2 Games - Clippers, Cavaliers

Week 21 Standard Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

I write my columns based on H2H 9-category standard size leagues:

Kelly Olynyk - PF/C, HEAT (37% Ownership)

With Hassan White (hip pointer) out for the foreseeable future, Olynyk will remain in the starting lineup and has been on fire lately, making 9-of-13 from the field for 25 points with six rebounds, four assists, one steal, two blocks and three treys on Saturday night. He's been a top-15 player in nine category leagues for the past week and a top-40 player over the last two weeks. This upside is real and it's just a matter of the opportunity to get minutes for Olynyk. Get him in your lineup if he's available on your wire. The Heat plays four times this week.

Joakim Noah - PF/C, GRIZZLIES (39% Ownership)

Noah finally found a team that was willing to give him meaningful minutes, and could be a sneaky add that can turn your fantasy season around. Over his last month, the former Gator is averging 12.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 59.7% from the field and 80.5% from the foul line. We seen this level of upside before when he was healthy in Chicago, and the injury to Jaren Jackson J.R. (quad) could mean this is sustainable for a while.

Dwyane Wade - PG/SG, HEAT (36% Ownership)

We are appreciative for Wade's contribution to the league, and his last season has been a joy to witness. Aside from beating the Warriors on a game winner this past week, Wade County is averaging 14.8 points, 4.0 boards, 3.8 assists with 1.0 blocks and 1.6 steals per game over the last five contests. He's going to go out like a true champion and those numbers are absolutely roster-able in most leagues to help fantasy owners.

Luke Kennard - SG/SF, PISTONS (10% Ownership)

Kennard caught fire on Saturday, hitting 6-of-7 from deep on route to 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He doesn't do much outside of pointers and 3-pointers, but the minutes has slowly increased, which is encouraging. At this point of the season, we're going to have to gamble on guys like him.

Bam Adebayo - C, HEAT (29% Ownership)

Like Olynyk, anytime that Hassan Whiteside (hip pointer) is out, Bam is going to be a must-player in daily formats. He's going to hit shots at a high percentage, all while having contributions in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Adebayo had 16 boards in a start against the Nets on Saturday, adding nine points, six assists and two blocks in 28 minutes.

Dwight Powell - PF/C, MAVERICKS (37% Ownership)

Ever since being inserted into the starting lineup, Powell is averaging 16.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game over the last five games. That puts him in at must-own territory given that he'll have high field-goal percentage, all while being able to trickle in blocked shots. Get him in your lineup as he's been a top-75 player over the last month and was ranked #21 this past week.

Robin Lopez - C, BULLS (34% Ownership)

Lopez revived his season over the past month, as he's playing fantastic lately. Over the last six games, Lopez is averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 assists per game, all while shooting 66.1 percent from the field. He's going to cool off at some point, but he has to be added given how well he's played. At this point of the fantasy season, owners need to be making quick decisions when it comes to getting players who are contributing.

Cheick Diallo - C, PELICANS (17% Ownership)
With or without Anthony Davis, Diallo has gotten in a nice rhythm. He's coming off two straight double-doubles and Pelicans are going to play four times this week. He'll anchor your field-goal percentage and will be a double-double threat with a big upside in blocks. He's a intriguing add right now, and his play is very similar to Mitchell Robinson in New York. Get him in your lineup.

Mitchell Robinson - C, KNICKS (64% Ownership)

If Robinson is still on your waiver wire, change that immediately. He's going to challenge the league for most blocked shots post All-Star break and he's only going to continue to get better as the leash gets shorter for the tanking Knicks.

Dion Waiters - SG/SF, HEAT (15% Ownership)

I'm not sure how long it could last, but Waiters has scored in double-figures in six straight contests. Goran Dragic (knee) returned and could make things complicated in the Heat rotation, but he should be added right now given how well he's playing.

Cody Zeller - PF/C, HORNETS (45% Ownership)

Zeller has played well lately, and he should remain in the starting line up the rest of the way. He's not going to have any popcorn stat lines, but can be useful given that he's a double-double threat with a block every night. He's worth a roster spot in most 12 team leagues.

 

Week 21 Deeper Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

Reggie Bullock - SG/SF, LAKERS  (17% Ownership)

Bullock was traded before the trading deadline and he remains in the starting lineup with the Lakers as a floor spacer. He doesn't do much outside of 3-pointers, but he's still logging enough minutes on a team that desperately needs his shooting. Give him a look in 14+ team leagues.

Mason Plumlee - PF/C, NUGGETS (16% Ownership)

Coach Mike Malone started playing Plumlee at the power forward position next to Jokic, and that's worked well. He'll contribute in multiple categories in field-goal percentage, rebounds, and assists from a center position so he should be added in most leagues.

Landry Shamet - PG/SG, CLIPPERS (9% Ownership)

The Clippers are committed making Shamet their starter the rest of the way, so he's a useful add if you are in need of 3-pointers. He'll offer a hint of upside in steals and assists, but can be looked at mainly as a 3-point specialist. The Clippers do however play only twice this week.

Dirk Nowitzki - PF/C, MAVERICKS (22% Ownership)

You're not dreaming, because Nowitzki can actually be useful if you're in deeper leagues. The Mavericks play four times this week and there are no back-to-back sets, meaning Nowitzki should be able to get all four games in. The legendary hall of famer can help a bit in pointers, 3-pointers and boards.

Mikal Bridges - SG/SF, SUNS (23% Ownership)

Oddly, Bridges minutes goes down without Devin Booker but goes up with Booker in the lineup. He's still contributing in the defensive stats to be added in deeper settings.  At this point, he's worth a look in all 14+ team leagues given his defensive contributions and 3-pointers (1.8 steals, 0.8 blocks, 1.2 3-pointers over the last five) Keep your eyes on him and the tanking Phoenix Suns.

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis


By popular demand, RotoBaller has aggregated all of our fantasy basketball NBA waiver wire pickups into a running list of NBA waiver options, so bookmark the page and check back often for updates.



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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Back in Action to Begin Second Half
Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

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Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

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Mason Taylor

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Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

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Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
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Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
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a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
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Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
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Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
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