Ayrton Oneill
Working the waiver wire is a key part of succeeding in fantasy basketball. With so many games, injuries, and endless shifts in rotations throughout the long season, it's important to source stats from free agency to maximise your imaginary roster. This means keeping an eye on players' minutes, their consistency, and their performance. It's also important to consider your end-of-bench players in direct competition with the talent floating in free agency. For example, Kelly Olynyk, who has been locked into a starting role since being traded to New Orleans, has been undervalued, while Gary Trent Jr. is a must-add, averaging 17.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 4.3 triples while shooting 48.5% from the field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Waiver wire pickups are important for | Succeeding in fantasy basketball |
| --- | --- |
| When to use waiver wire pickups | When there are injuries or lineup changes |
| --- | --- |
| Who to pick up | Reliable players who can help in specific categories like points, assists, steals, blocks, and rebounds |
| --- | --- |
| Example players to pick up | Kelly Olynyk, Gary Trent Jr., Keon Johnson, Kyle Filipowski, Alex Sarr, Kel'el Ware, Jeff Dowtin Jr., Kyshawn George |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Picking up reliable players
When considering which players to pick up, you should view your end-of-bench players as being in direct competition with the talent available in free agency. It is important to consider the number of games each team is playing in a given week, as well as the number of days between games. For example, if a team plays three games in four nights, that player will be more valuable to you that week than a player on a team playing fewer games or with more rest days.
You should also consider the specific statistical categories in which you need help. Some players are specialists, who can provide value in one or two categories, while others are more versatile and can contribute across multiple categories. For example, if you need help with 3-pointers, you might consider Grimes, who has been a top-20 value in 3-point production. If you need steals, Detroit's Ausar Thompson is a great option, as is Pippen, who is second only to Dyson Daniels in added value via steals over the past two weeks. If you're after blocks, look no further than Portland's Donovan Clingan, an elite rim protector.
It is also worth keeping an eye on players who are getting increased playing time due to injuries to other players. For example, Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors has become a key part of the rotation and is seeing more minutes due to an injury to Brandin Podziemski. Similarly, Jeffries of the Charlotte Hornets has been logging heavy minutes due to resting key players like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, and could see increased usage as the team continues to lose games.
Tennessee's Basketball Triumph: A Memorable Victory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rookies to add to your roster
When it comes to fantasy basketball, rookies can be a great addition to your roster, bringing fresh talent and potential to your team. Here are some notable rookies to consider adding to your fantasy basketball roster:
Reed Sheppard, SG, Houston Rockets:
Sheppard is an impressive shooter, showcasing his skills with the Kentucky Wildcats by making 52% of his 3-pointers last season. He brings a strong shooting and scoring ability to the Rockets and has also displayed natural leadership qualities on the court. While he may face competition for playing time, Sheppard is expected to be a key contributor off the bench.
Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies:
Edey has shown dominance and potential despite sitting out some summer league games due to an ankle injury. In one notable game, he scored 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. As the No. 9 overall pick, he has the chance to earn the starting center position and could consistently deliver double-doubles with good block numbers.
Donovan Clingan, C, Portland Trail Blazers:
Clingan is expected to be an exceptional shot blocker in the NBA, having already proven his rim-protecting abilities at UConn and in the Las Vegas Summer League. The question for fantasy managers is how many minutes he will see on the court with Deandre Ayton still on the roster. However, Clingan's talent makes him a promising addition if he secures significant playing time.
Ron Holland II, SF, Detroit Pistons:
Holland is part of the Pistons' future plans, but he will initially compete for minutes with veteran Tobias Harris. Holland's strong all-around game suggests that he could earn a starting spot before the season ends.
Rob Dillingham, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves:
Dillingham stood out in this draft class for his impressive isolation scoring. The Timberwolves need perimeter shooting, and Dillingham could step up as an heir apparent at point guard behind veteran Mike Conley. He is expected to see significant playing time and make an impact as a rookie.
Other Notable Rookies:
- Knecht, Los Angeles: While he may start with limited playing time, Knecht could earn meaningful rotational minutes by the end of the season.
- Robert Sarr, PF, Washington Wizards: Sarr has impressed in preseason games and is expected to be the Wizards' starting power forward. He could be a solid shot blocker and is worth considering for your roster.
- Nesmith, SF, San Antonio: Nesmith is an excellent shooter, knocking down 52% of his 3-point attempts during his sophomore season. He has the potential to be a shooting specialist for fantasy rosters.
Fanduel Basketball: Strategies for Success and Winning
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using the waiver wire for steals
Using the waiver wire is pivotal to succeeding in fantasy basketball. With so many games, injuries, and endless shifts in rotations throughout the season, you'll need to source stats from free agency to maximise your roster. When curating your roster, it helps to consider your end-of-bench players in direct competition with the talent floating in free agency.
- Keep an eye on players who can contribute in multiple categories, such as points, assists, rebounds, and steals. These players can make a significant impact on your roster, especially if they are consistently performing in multiple areas.
- Be aware of injuries and load management. If a key player on a team is injured, their replacement often becomes a valuable waiver wire addition, as they will see increased playing time and production.
- Look for players who are consistently performing and getting significant playing time. For example, Kelly Olynyk, who has been locked into a starting role since being traded to New Orleans, contributing points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
- Take a look at defensive specialists, such as Matisse Thybulle of the Portland Trail Blazers, who is among the league's best in steals and blocks. These players can provide a boost in specific categories and help your roster's overall balance.
- Keep track of players who are performing well in specific schedules or matchups. For instance, if a team has three games in four nights, their players might be worth adding for a quick boost.
- Stay informed about players who are undervalued or under-the-radar, such as Malik Beasley, who is surprisingly available in many leagues despite his impressive performance and perfect attendance.
- Be proactive and make every move count. Use transactions early in the week to evaluate your needs and stay ahead of the curve.
Mastering GamePigeon Basketball: Strategies for Victory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Waiver wire and streaming options
First, it is important to understand the difference between waiver wire and streaming options. The waiver wire refers to adding available free agents to your roster, while streaming typically involves picking up and dropping players from your roster based on their short-term value. Streaming is often done to target specific statistical categories.
When considering waiver wire options, look for reliable players who can consistently contribute to your team. For example, Malik Beasley is known for his availability and ability to play in every game, making him a valuable asset. Players like Kelly Olynyk, who has secured a starting role with the New Orleans Pelicans, can also be great additions, offering points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
Streaming options, on the other hand, are more situational. For instance, in Week 6 of the fantasy basketball season, Sarr was recommended as a blocks streamer, averaging 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 combined steals and blocks. Diabaté was also suggested as an elite rebounder with defensive upside, averaging 11.7 rebounds and 2.6 combined steals and blocks.
Keep in mind that streaming requires a keen eye for matchups and short-term value. Grimes, for example, was highlighted as a potential streaming option due to an injury to Luka Dončić, which presented an opportunity for Grimes to move into the starting lineup temporarily.
Additionally, consider targeting specific needs for your team. If you are in need of offensive production, look for players like Sharpe, who consistently delivers points and has the potential for high-scoring games. If your team requires a defensive boost, focus on players who can provide blocks and steals.
In summary, waiver wire and streaming options are essential tools for fantasy basketball team management. They allow you to adapt your roster, target specific categories, and improve your team's performance. Remember to stay informed about player availability, injuries, and matchups to make the most of these strategies.
Greatest International Basketball Match Wins Ever
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Managing your roster in the final weeks
Keep Up to Date with Lineup Changes
Stay informed about lineup changes and player availability. Teams may pull the plug on their season, leading to unexpected player rests and lineup shuffles. Keep an eye out for reliable players who can consistently fill your roster spots and contribute to your team's success.
Plan Ahead
Create a calendar for the final weeks of the season, mapping out when each of your players is active. This proactive approach will help you make informed decisions and adjust your roster accordingly. By planning ahead, you can ensure you don't miss out on valuable roster moves that could impact your performance.
Target Undervalued Players
Look for undervalued players who can provide value to your team. Players like Kelly Olynyk, who may not be on everyone's radar, can offer consistent production and help solidify your roster. Keep an eye on players who have been locked into starting roles or are seeing increased playing time due to injuries or team strategies.
Monitor Player Performance
Pay close attention to players who are on a hot streak or showing consistent improvement. For example, Gary Trent Jr. has been performing exceptionally well, averaging impressive stats across the board. Scotty Pippen Jr. is another player to watch, showcasing a full range of skills and stuffing the stat sheet. These players can help bolster your roster and provide a much-needed boost during the final weeks.
Be Strategic with Waiver Wire Pickups
While the waiver wire can be a valuable tool, exercise caution when making pickups. Consider the long-term benefits of adding a player, especially if it means parting with valuable bench players. Assess whether a waiver-wire addition will genuinely improve your roster for the remaining games or if it's better to stick with your current lineup.
Stay Adaptable
The final weeks of the fantasy basketball season require adaptability. Be prepared to make adjustments on the fly and seize opportunities that arise. Keep a close eye on player availability, injuries, and team strategies. By staying agile, you can ensure your roster remains competitive until the very end of the season.
Did Last Chance U Basketball Team Win the Championship?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kelly Olynyk, Gary Trent Jr., Keon Johnson, and Jeff Dowtin Jr. are some players that have been recommended by fantasy basketball analysts.
It is pivotal to stay on top of the latest news, injuries, and rotations in the NBA. Analysts recommend using a transaction early in the week for a team playing three games in four nights and evaluating your needs thereafter.
It is recommended to make every move count and to use a transaction early in the week for a team playing three games in four nights. However, it may be best to wait until the weekend to pick up a player if their team only has two games left that week, which are on Friday and Sunday.
Yahoo Sports, NBC Sports, and ESPN all provide articles on waiver wire pickups.
To add a player from the waiver wire, you will need to go to the "Waiver Wire" or "Free Agency" page on your fantasy basketball platform and select the player you want to add. The process may vary depending on the platform you are using.
