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Congratulations are in order in making this far into the season, as we head to the final week of the regular season in most formats. We wish everyone the best of luck in your upcoming playoffs and may the odds forever be in your favor!
As a reminder for most leagues, fantasy playoffs will begin on Week 21 which begins March 12th. 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 pick ups when there is a hot player on the horizon. Be wary of weekly streaming options and stay ahead of your opponents. Owners should try to do anything in their power to squeeze their way into the playoffs, as it's a completely different ball game. This is not the time to hang on to struggling players, even if it means you have to drop them to just make it into the playoffs.
Our staff at RotoBaller has great insight and daily columns 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 20.
Week 21 Schedule
4 Games – Jazz, Raptors, Magic, Pelicans, Heat, Grizzlies, Lakers, Pacers, Rockets, Warriors, Nuggets, Cavaliers, Bulls
3 Games – Hawks, Celtics, Nets, Hornets, Mavericks, Pistons, Clippers, Bucks, Knicks, Thunder, 76ers, Suns, Trail Blazers, Kings, Spurs, Wizards
2 Games – Timberwolves
Week 21 Standard Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups
Montrezl Harrell, PF/C, Los Angeles Clippers (21% Ownership)
Harrell has been terrific, despite only playing 21.4 minutes per game over the last five contests. However, he's responded well by averaging 16.4 points and 1.0 block in an ultra efficient 69 percent shooting. He's ranked No. 55 over the past week and No.66 in the past month in nine-category leagues. I'd add him Harrell now as the Clippers has the best fantasy playoffs schedule with four games from Week 21-23.
Jakob Poeltl, C, Toronto Raptors (15% Ownership)
The Raptors success this season was most noteworthy because of their bench play. Poeltl has been outstanding this season in limited minutes, and it also helps that his game is very fantasy friendly. If the Raptors ever decide to move Jonas Valančiūnas, Poeltl would become a must own player. Give him a look if you need some extra help in rebounding and blocks. Keep deploying him as Poeltl is averaging 2.4 blocks over the past five games.
Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, Charlotte Hornets (38% Ownership)
Kaminsky is rolling, scoring double-figures in five straight and averaging 16.4 points in that span. He doesn't turn the ball over and hits 3-pointers from a big man position, which evaluates his value. His outlook would be a lot more promising without having to fight off the likes of Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams, and Cody Zeller, but he's worth an add with him being this hot.
Jarell Martin, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies (10% Ownership)
Martin is capitalizing on the opportunity because the Grizzlies are tanking for lottery balls, as he's averaging 33.2 minutes per game over the last five. Martin can stretch out to the 3-point line and grab rebounds, so he's a nice end of the bench option for your team. He's coming off 19-point, 11-board double-double on Saturday and looks to keep it going on Monday against the Spurs.
George Hill, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers (59% Ownership)
Hill hasn't been what most owners were hoping for when they picked him up at the trading deadline, but he's still capable of putting up value when his shot falls. If you look at his box score, he seems to have a good game every other contest, but he's worth a gamble to see if he can keep it up. The Cavaliers have play four times this week.
Wilson Chandler, SG/SF/PF, Denver Nuggets (47% Ownership)
Chandler belonged on the waiver wire for most of the year, but he's really picked it up in the month of February, averaging 12.2 points per game. The minutes are up and he looks healthy, so he's definitely worth using while he's playing well. Chandler is capable of hitting the open shot and the Nuggets has been moving the ball extremely well this season. The Nuggets also play four times this week, so grabbing him now makes a lot of sense.
Ed Davis, PF/C, Portland Trail Blazers (7% Ownership)
The Trail Blazers start the week off with a Monday-Tuesday back-to-back set, and Davis could give you a nice boost in rebounding and blocks to start the week. He doesn't hurt you anywhere and is consistent at what he does best. There's no threat to his minutes as he will continue to stabilize the Blazers bench. Get him and stay ahead of your opponents.
David Nwaba, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls (22% Ownership)
Nwaba is going to start for the Bulls the rest of the way as they continue to tank for lottery balls and focus on youth movement. He is a coaches favorite and his ability to play multiple positions bodes well for his value and minutes. He won't do much outside of scoring and rebounding, but his minutes upside makes him a nice player to have at the end of your bench.
J.J. Barea, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks (33% Ownership)
Barea has been on and off all season, but his consistent contribution in 3-pointers and dimes remains valuable in competitive leagues. He's been playing very well lately, despite him dropping a dud on Friday with only six points and four assists. I would at least wait to drop him until after Tuesday's match up against the Nuggets, and would look to pick him back up for Saturday and Sunday's back-to-back set.
Week 21 Deep Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups
Shabazz Napier, PG, Portland Trail Blazers (4% Ownership)
Much more Ed Davis, Napier also have a back-to-back set with start the week off against the Lakers and the Knicks. Both of these games are likely to be fast paced with minimal defense played, so Napier is certainly worth a gamble to see if he can give you some low end value.
James Johnson, SF/PF, Miami Heat (44% Ownership)
The Miami Heat is also starting the week off with a back-to-back stat, and while Johnson hasn't been what most owners hoped this season, he's still capable of putting up defensive stats whenever the minutes are available. He's a low risk, high reward player to start your Week 21 on a high note.
Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Boston Celtics (33% Ownership)
Morris has been a nice addition for the Celtics this season, as he's capable of putting up points in the high teens. He's someone who can play multiple positions and that bodes well for his value. Morris dropped 21 points, three steals, to go along with five triples on Saturday.
Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Orlando Magic (3% Ownership)
Isaac hasn't had the best rookie year due to nagging injuries. But he's worth keeping an eye on to see if he can continue to get defensive stats, as he's averaged 2.0 blocks in the last two outings. His long wiry frame allows him to really rack up rebounds and blocks in a hurry, which really helps his appeal. The Magic plays four games this week, so he's worth a deep league add if you're desperate need for blocks.
Ben McLemore, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies (1% Ownership)
McLemore is one of the last healthy guards the Grizzlies has left, and he's coming off a 20-point, seven-rebound, four-assist performance in 38 minutes on Saturday. The Grizzlies don't have much incentive to win anymore games, so it makes sense for them to give McLemore more minutes to evaluate him further heading into the off season.
Mario Hezonja, SG/SF, Orlando Magic (25% Ownership)
The Magic couldn't get anything in return for Hezonja in the trading deadline in February, so they're giving him minutes to perhaps showcase him heading into free agency this summer. Mario is coming off a full line, with 16 points, two boards, two assists, three blocks and a steal on Saturday. Give him a look in all 14+ team leagues.
Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors (14% Ownership)
Iggy has finally shown his age this season, as he's battled nagging injuries here and there, which really put him off the radar in fantasy. He's always been productive in recent seasons, providing low-end value in percentage and category leagues with his across-the-board contributions. He's now healthy and has played very well as of late, putting him on the radar for deep leagues. The Warriors play four times this week, and he's in jeopardy of missing a game due to rest, so play him with caution.
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