There aren’t very many unknowns heading into Week 6 of the NBA season but a combination of injuries and opportunities for a handful of key players could mean it makes sense for fantasy basketball GM’s to make a move. The schedule is always important so keep in mind that the Mavericks, Nuggets, Pistons, Warriors, Rockets, Bucks, Suns, Trail Blazers, Kings, Spurs and Wizards each play four games this week while the Hornets and Timberwolves will only play two games. Here is a look at the best waiver wire options for Week 6 of the fantasy basketball season.
C.J. Miles, Indiana Pacers
Small Forward
Miles is one player that absolutely needs to be picked up in your fantasy basketball league if he is somehow still available. He has been excellent for Indiana of late and should continue to produce with the Pacers playing three games this week. Miles has been given plenty of opportunity in Indiana and he has delivered for them in particularly of late with 19.0 points, 4.3 threes, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game over the last seven days. Indiana has found its offensive rhythm following a slow start and Miles should be owned in deeper leagues across the board.
Jerryd Bayless, Milwaukee Bucks
Point Guard
Milwaukee is among the teams that play four games this week (including Monday) and that makes Bayless a decent option to take a long look at in deeper leagues. He’s a point guard that can contribute in a number of areas including points, threes, assists and steals. Bayless and O.J. Mayo have at least temporarily replaced the struggling Michael Carter-Williams and Jabari Parker as the Bucks new starting backcourt duo and Bayless in particular has delivered from a fantasy perspective. Bayless has averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 3.3 three-point shots and 2.5 steals per game over the last week not including his somewhat pedestrian effort on Monday (seven points, four assists and a three). If he continues to get minutes and start, he’s worth owning.
Ed Davis, Portland Trail Blazers
Power Forward / Center
Portland plays four games this week and Davis’ dual-eligibility as a power forward and center makes him an attractive option. Davis has averaged 8.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.9 block over his last 10 games. The key is that his minutes have gone up as he’s played at least 24 minutes in four of his last five games. On the season, he’s still averaging just 21.8. He is definitely worth adding to your roster if you need help at either position with a focus on his ability to score and add rebounds to your totals.
Omri Casspi, Sacramento Kings
Small Forward
The Kings are still trying to figure things out and with DeMarcus Cousins dealing with a back injury, they have shifted their starting lineup again with Kostas Koufos starting at center and Rudy Gay moving to power forward to open a spot for Casspi on the wing. Casspi has delivered with 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 three-point shots and 1.8 assists per game over the last seven days, which is quite impressive. Is he a long-term solution? No. However, if you need a fill-in or are playing daily fantasy, he’s a great buy-low candidate.
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Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers
Power Forward / Small Forward
Not many people want to pay attention to the winless Philadelphia 76ers but forget the real-life wins and losses. In terms of fantasy, this is a team with plenty of quality assets.
Philadelphia plays three games this week but Covington’s recent numbers combined his dual eligibility as a power forward and small forward in fantasy basketball leagues makes him worth taking a shot with if you need help at the positions. Covington has averaged 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.3 threes shots, 2.5 assists and a ridiculous 6.0 steals per game over the last week of action (he has 21 steals in his last three games). The numbers in the steals category alone would be enough to justify adding him not to mention his strong contributions across the board.
