The biggest challenge heading into the final stretch of the fantasy basketball season is finding the necessary pieces to fill out your fantasy lineup off the NBA waiver wire. There aren’t many quality options available on the open market right now, but there are some notable sleeper picks that could be worth taking a chance on with the hope that they will reward your faith in them. Here is a look at the top forwards available on the NBA waiver wire right now.
Mirza Teletovic, Phoenix Suns
There is a strong chance somebody in your fantasy basketball league has already picked up Teletovic as one of the hottest waiver wire options for February, but if they haven’t, then jump on him while you can. Teletovic has been absolutely on fire since the Suns moved Markieff Morris before the NBA trade deadline and there is no reason at all to expect his production to slow down. Teletovic has averaged 20.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.6 three-point shots and 1.4 assists per game since the trade deadline and the month of February has been his best to date. He scored just 1.7 points per game in October, 8.2 in November, 10.6 in December and 12.0 in January, but he’s up to 16.7 in the month of February. He’s also giving you 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 threes and 1.0 assists per game. He’s a little bit disappointing in terms of the numbers across the board but if you needs points, threes and some rebounds, he’s a good source. He’s still playing just 24.6 minutes per game (in February) but his stats could be even better if those minutes escalate.
Jeff Green, Los Angeles Clippers
It took a few games for Green to get comfortable with the Clippers, but he has picked up his production of late and might be worth taking a chance on if you need help at the forward position. A lot of people laughed at the Clippers move to acquire him but Green has averaged 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 three-point shots and 1.7 blocks per game over the past seven days. Los Angeles has given Green 27.0 minutes per game over that span, which includes 31 in his latest contest. As long as he continues to get the opportunity, he should continue to produce.
Kent Bazemore, Atlanta Hawks
Bazemore showed flashes of being a very productive earlier in the season and after disappearing for parts of January and February, he looks to be back on track. Bazemore has averaged 11.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 three-point shots per game over the last week of action, but it’s important to be aware of his streakiness. Bazemore can produce in stretches when he heats up, but keep an eye on his playing time and usage because there is the potential for him to disappear again at some point.
Matt Barnes, Memphis Grizzlies
Barnes is another player that has been very streaky all season, but he has been heating up again of late and that might make him worth taking a chance on if you need help at the forward position. Barnes has averaged 13.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.7 three-point shots, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game over the last week of action. That includes scoring exactly 16 points per game in each of his last two outings. It’s a bit bizarre to see the 35-year-old become so valuable at this point in his career but that’s how the NBA waiver wire works. You have to have faith and this looks like one spot where he’s actually worth owning.
Justise Winslow, Miami Heat
Winslow has cooled off a bit over his last couple of games, but injuries have taken their toll on Miami’s roster and that is a big reason why their rookie forward has averaged 34.0 minutes per game over the past couple of weeks. Winslow has averaged 9.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game over that span so while he is coming off of a couple of quiet games there is a good chance his production will ramp up again over the next couple of weeks thanks to the increased opportunity with the Heat.
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