Fantasy basketball league championships are won and lost on the strength of the biggest superstars but any smart general manager will support the idea that in order to go far you need to be extremely smart when it comes to handling the waiver wire. For example, while Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan must start in fantasy basketball leagues this week the fact that they only play two games means that they likely won’t be responsible for many victories in head-to-head matchups this week. The good news is that there should still be plenty of capable help available on the wire this week with potential help available at every different position. Here is a look at the top NBA fantasy waiver wire picks available for this week.
PG: Cory Joseph, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors play three games this week – two more after Monday – so that should be enough to get Joseph off the waiver wire and in to your lineup if you need help at the point guard position. He had a relatively quiet game on Monday (seven points, one three-pointer and a pair of assists) but Joseph had heated up over the three games prior. He averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in just over 25,0 minutes per game over his last three contests and he his shooting 48-percent from the floor over his last five games overall. Joseph’s production should remain consistent as the third option in Toronto’s backcourt behind Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan and his value would spike if either Lowry or DeRozan were ever injured. And don’t forget that there are trade rumors swirling, so if Joseph did get moved to a team like the Philadelphia 76ers (as part of a trade involving Nerlens Noel), he would likely see a spike in playing time. He’s a valuable stash.
SG: Tyler Johnson, Miami Heat
Johnson has struggled from the field over his last couple of games but he has still averaged 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals over his last five games. Johnson’s scoring averages could climb even higher if he can start hitting his shots as the opportunities have certainly been there. Miami is set to play four games this week so if you need help at the shooting guard position than Johnson is probably a strong bet to add off the waiver wire.
SF: Dario Saric, Philadelphia 76ers
Saric has been playing some decent minutes for Philadelphia of late and he finally went off against the Boston Celtics on Saturday when he scored 21 points with 12 rebounds, two assists and three three-point shots in 27 minutes of action. The 76ers remain committed to giving him decent minutes and he will only continue to get more comfortable as he gets more opportunities. Saric is still just 22-years-old and the 2014 first-round pick has shown his considerable upside this season. The 76ers also play four games this week so Saric is worth taking a long look at as a potential waiver wire pickup at the power forward position.
PF: Frank Kaminsky, Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte will play four games this week so Kaminsky could be a smart addition in NBA fantasy leagues if you need help at the power forward position. Kaminsky exploded for 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three three-point shots in Saturday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and it was definitely a strong enough performance to warrant more playing time. The Hornets definitely need their young big man to take on a bigger role this season and he could be primed for a strong NBA fantasy performance this week.
C: Josh McRoberts, Miami Heat
McRoberts is another Heat player that could deserve consideration this week based on the fact that Miami is pretty beaten up right now. The veteran big man was owned in 0% of ESPN leagues as of last week but he has played at least 24 minutes in each of the Heat’s last two games and he has produced with the increased minutes. McRoberts has averaged 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steal over his last two games so he could provide some decent production in the short term for NBA fantasy league GM’s that need some help up front.
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