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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

Braden Schneider

Limited in Training Camp
Lars Eller

Recovering From Abdominal Procedure
Nick Jensen

in Danger of Missing Start of Season
Brandon Montour

to Miss Two Weeks After Ankle Surgery
Gabriel Landeskog

a "Full Go" for the Season
Samuel Girard

Avalanche Hope to Have Samuel Girard Available for Start of Season
Mackenzie Blackwood

Out Week-to-Week
Alex Tuch

Day-to-Day With Undisclosed Injury
Jordan Greenway

to Sit Out Training Camp
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Simon Edvinsson

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Mikael Backlund

Signs Two-Year Extension
Connor Ingram

to Be Waived by Mammoth
Zach Hyman

Misses Start of Training Camp
Nick Paul

Out Until November
Kris Letang

Cleared for Training Camp
David Pastrnak

Out for Start of Training Camp
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Be Out Until December
NBA

Trevelin Queen Joins Chinese Team
Damian Lillard

Not Rushing His Return
Brooklyn Nets

Keon Johnson Waived by Nets
Justin Verlander

Plans to Pitch in 2026
Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column

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