The fantasy basketball league playoffs are here. In a lot of leagues, this week represents either the final or the semi-finals. While the core of your team is obviously talented enough to bring you this far, we have identified a handful of potential waiver wire pickups that might help put your team over the top. Here is a look at the best NBA fantasy waiver wire picks for this week.
PG: Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker has been a disaster of late and that has opened the door for Mills. The Spurs need to win down the stretch as they continue to chase the Golden State Warriors. That means leaning a little more on Mills, who has averaged 22 minutes per game over his last five contests. Mills has averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steal and 2.2 three-point shots over that span. With San Antonio set to play four games this week, Mills should be a quality NBA fantasy option at point guard.
PG: Austin Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers
It sure looks like Doc Rivers’ time in Los Angeles is up. However, his son might be a player that has some value to you in NBA fantasy. Although the Clips are coming off another lousy effort (lost at home to Sacramento on Sunday), Rivers has played well. He has scored in double-figures for six straight games and is averaging 14 points per game over his last five. He doesn’t do a ton for you other than points and maybe threes, but he has been playing well in those areas and is available cheap.
SG: Denzel Valentine, Chicago Bulls
With Dwyane Wade shut down for the season, Valentine is in the perfect position to put up strong numbers this week. Valentine has averaged just 8.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.2 three-point shots per game over his last five. While those numbers aren’t outstanding, he has averaged 29 minutes per game over his last five outings. Valentine has the potential to improve his production so he might be worth the investment.
SG: Josh Richardson, Miami Heat
Dion Waiters is still out, which means Richardson should be on your radar. He hasn’t blown up or been the breakout star some people pegged him to be but he’s been solid. He’s hit double figures in three straight games. H’es averaging 9.8 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds with 1.2 threes in his last five. That makes him worthy of consideration for NBA fantasy. As long as Waiters is sidelined or isn’t at 100%, Richardson will offer up some value.
SF: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brooklyn Nets
Hollis-Jefferson scored 19 points with seven rebounds and two assists in a loss to the Washington Wizards on Friday. Two nights later, he scored 11 points with 13 rebounds in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. Jefferson has put up decent totals in limited minutes and the potential is there for more playing time. The Nets play four times this week so Hollis-Jefferson is a quality option if you need help at the small forward position.
PF: Skal Labissiere, Sacramento Kings
Labissiere has capitalized on his opportunity since the Kings traded DeMarcus Cousins. He has the potential to put up some monster numbers down the stretch. The Big Skal has averaged 15.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 0.8 steals over his last five games. He has also flashed his ability to put up big numbers in single games, including 32 points and 11 rebounds in a win over the Phoenix Suns a couple of weeks ago. Labissiere isn’t an elite option by any means. However, with Sacramento set to play four games this week he should be a quality waiver wire pickup.
C: Alex Len, Phoenix Suns
No fantasy GM will ever forget Devin Booker’s monster performance against the Boston Celtics. After all, Booker might have individually swayed an entire fantasy playoff matchup with his historic night. While Len doesn’t have the same potential he could be a decent waiver wire option in his own right. Len has averaged 10.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steal on 45-percent shooting over his last five games. If your NBA fantasy team needs help at the center position then Len could be a strong fit.
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