Week 18 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: NBA Forwards

No doubt you are still sorting through the fall-out of an explosive trade deadline. Rotoballer has you covered.  The following forwards, whether of the “sleeper” variety or just cashing in temporarily on an unforeseen opportunity, almost certainly deserve attention across the various formats during Week 18 of the campaign.

Position Eligibility & Ownership Rate Based on Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Player List

Waiver Wire Forwards for Right Now

Brandon Bass (BOS, PF/C) – 19% Owned

It is rather surprising to see Bass’s ownership numbers remain relatively stagnant over the last few days.  Not that Bass is any type of game changer, but one would have thought Jared Sullinger’s owners would have pounced on Bass as soon as word spread that Sullinger would be walking in a boot for two months.  Not including Monday night’s game against Phoenix, Bass has been putting in work on the court since the All Star Break.  He went for a double-double in 37 minutes against the Kings and then followed it up by playing 40 minutes against the Lakers.  He should get plenty of fantasy chances until Kelly Olynyk returns and may even be worthy of a stash in deep leagues after.

James Johnson (TOR, SF/PF) – 27% Owned

Quick- can you name who is currently ranked 12^th via Yahoo! rankings over the last seven days?  Hint:  it is probably the name above.  Johnson has been contributing across the board and is producing like he was drafted as a mid-rounder.  He will continue to split minutes with Amir Johnson and Patrick Patterson, but his size and athleticism should give him the leg-up on minutes from here on out.

Waiver Wire Forward in Deep Leagues

Alan Anderson (BKN, SG/SF) – 2% Owned

By no means is Anderson a long-term solution.  However, Jarrett Jack has been experiencing a sore hamstring and injuries like that typically affect player production even after a return.  During this timespan that Jack has been injured, Anderson has averaged double digits in scoring (13.5) and provided solid lower-tier numbers in field goal percentage (60%), rebounds per game (4.0) and assists per game (3.5).  He should be a shot term plug-in the 14+ team leagues.

Waiver Wire Forward To Keep An Eye On

The KD Replacements

Watch closely in Oklahoma City over the next couple days to see which back-up swingman will attempt to replace some of the workload that Kevin Durant produces.  Jeremy Lamb (SG/SF) and Anthony Morrow (SG/SF), both owned at 6%, will be involved in the competition to see which can come off the bench to platoon with Dion Waiters. More than likely this will be a daily fantasy situation in which one guy will get the nod on a given night over the other, but maybe- just maybe- one will seize the opportunity and take advantage.  If the latter is the case, Morrow is clearly the more viable option.  But until fantasy owners can confirm, it is best to wait and see.