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Week 21 Essentials - Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire

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.

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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.

 

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis

 

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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

Brandon Miller

Remains Sidelined Thursday
Norman Powell

Considered Doubtful for Thursday
Chet Holmgren

Remains Out Thursday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Probable for Meeting With Warriors
Trae Young

Scheduled for MRI on Thursday
CFB

Arch Manning Listed as Questionable for Vanderbilt Matchup
CFB

Arion Carter Listed as Questionable Ahead of Oklahoma Matchup
Anthony Davis

Exits Early Wednesday With Leg Problem
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Expected to Return in "Next Couple of Games"
LeBron James

Targeting Mid-November Return
Zach Werenski

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Point Night
Charlie Coyle

Sets Up Four Goals Wednesday
John Tavares

Joins 500-Goal Club
Zach Hyman

Will Not Return This Week
Robert Thomas

Doubtful for Thursday
Brad Marchand

on Track to Return Saturday
Minnesota Twins

Twins Name Derek Shelton as Their New Manager
Santi Aldama

Available Versus Phoenix
Jalen Green

Ruled Out Against Grizzlies
Keon Ellis

Available Versus Bulls
Daniel Gafford

Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford Out Again on Wednesday
Cameron Johnson

Will Play Against New Orleans
Anthony Davis

Available Versus Indiana
Zaccharie Risacher

Will Play Wednesday
Jalen Johnson

Available Against Nets
Samuel Ersson

Questionable for Thursday
Jordan Greenway

Set for Season Debut Thursday
Jaxson Hayes

Available On Wednesday
Conor Garland

Ruled Out for Thursday
Quinn Hughes

to Remain Out Thursday
Logan Cooley

Signs $80 Million Deal With Mammoth
Erik Gudbranson

Remains Out Wednesday
Isaiah Collier

Unavailable on Wednesday
William Nylander

Won't Play on Wednesday
Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Wednesday Evening
Lamar Jackson

Removed From Injury Report, Will Return on Thursday
Daniel Gafford

Unlikely to Suit Up Versus Indiana
Tyler Shough

to Start at QB the Rest of the Season
Dante Exum

Out of Action Against Pacers
Terry McLaurin

Re-Injures Quad, Out for Week 9
Brock Bowers

Practicing in Full, "Looking Great"
Myles Garrett

"No Chance" Myles Garrett Gets Traded
Rico Dowdle

to Become Panthers Featured Back in Week 9?
Aidan Hutchinson

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Lions
Joe Flacco

Week 9 Status in Doubt With AC Joint Sprain
Cam Skattebo

Facing 4-6-Month Recovery Timetable
CFB

Jordyn Tyson Questionable for Iowa State Matchup with Hamstring Injury
Jake Oettinger

Collects First Shutout of the Season
Chuba Hubbard

Panthers Don't Want To Move Chuba Hubbard
Connor Bedard

Produces First Career Hat Trick
Victor Olofsson

Has Career Night With Five Points
Thomas Harley

Signs Eight-Year Extension With Stars
Shayne Gostisbehere

Suffers New Injury Tuesday
Conor Garland

Joins Canucks' Growing Injury List
Mikael Granlund

to Miss 2-3 Weeks
Adam Gaudette

Could Miss Time
George Springer

Not in the Lineup for Game 4 of World Series
Malik Nabers

Should be Ready for Start of Next Season
Lamar Jackson

Says he's "Ready to Go Now"
Isiah Pacheco

Week-to-Week With MCL Sprain
Tyler Shough

Named Saints' Starting Quarterback
Kareem Hunt

Scores Twice in Monday Night Win Over Washington
George Springer

Pulled Early in Game 3 With Side Injury
Terry McLaurin

Questionable to Return in Week 8 After Aggravating Quad Injury
Baltimore Orioles

Orioles Finalizing Deal to Hire Craig Albernaz as the Next Manager
William Byron

Dominates at Martinsville and Advances to the Championship Round
Kyle Larson

Advances to the Championship Round After Top-Five Finish
Ryan Blaney

Falls Short of the Victory and Title Contention at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

Eliminated From 2025 Title Contention Despite Strong Martinsville Run
Lamar Jackson

Ravens Expect Lamar Jackson to Play on Thursday Night
Michael Carter

Cardinals Release Michael Carter on Monday
Carson Wentz

to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
CFB

Behren Morton Will Start Against Kansas State
Nico Collins

Trending Toward a Week 9 Return
Puka Nacua

Expected to Practice Wednesday, Play in Week 9
CFB

Lane Kiffin Says Money Won't Impact his Decision-Making
CFB

Arch Manning in Concussion Protocol, Misses Practice Monday
Christopher Bell

Eliminated From Championship 4 After a Too Conservative Season
Joey Logano

Lack of Championship-Caliber Speed Leads to Elimination
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Last at Martinsville
Denny Hamlin

Don't Think Denny Hamlin's Engine Failure Affects his Championship Prospects
Ciryl Gane

Fight With Tom Aspinall Ends In No-Contest
Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall Vs. Ciryl Gane Ends in No-Contest
Virna Jandiroba

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Mackenzie Dern

Wins Vacant Strawweight Title
Mario Bautista

Gets Outclassed
Umar Nurmagomedov

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Split Decision At UFC 321
Azamat Murzakanov

Remains Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher A Playable DFS option for Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

is an Intriguing DFS Option For Martinsville
Daniel Suarez

May be Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville This week?
Christopher Bell

Kyle Larson Should Advance to Championship 4
Joey Logano

Don't Expect Joey Logano to Significantly Contend for Championship 4
William Byron

A DFS Must-Start Due to Lap-Leader Points
Ross Chastain

Hail Melon Nostalgia Masks Ross Chastain's Martinsville Mediocrity
Josh Berry

a Top Contender for DFS Place-Differential Points
Brad Keselowski

an Intriguing Martinsville Option
Shane Van Gisbergen

Now Competent on Ovals, but Don't Start Him Here
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well but Probably Won't Have Staying Power
Carson Hocevar

Lack of Finesse Makes Him a Risky Martinsville Pick
Bryce Harper

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper
Bo Bichette

Starting at Second, Batting Cleanup in Game 1 of World Series
Bo Bichette

Makes World Series Roster
Ciryl Gane

Scheduled For A Title Fight
Tom Aspinall

Set for First Official Title Defense
Mackenzie Dern

Can Become The New Strawweight Champion
Virna Jandiroba

Set For UFC 321 Co-Main Event
Mario Bautista

Aims To Extend His Win Streak
MMA

Umar Numagomedov A Favorite At UFC 321
Jailton Almeida

Hopes To Get A Title Shot With A Win
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

In Dire Need Of Victory

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