With the majority of NBA fantasy leagues set up with weekly head-to-head matchups the work done on the waiver wire can often be the difference between a win and a loss. It’s important to consider specific category needs when considering who to add and who to drop, rather than just holding on to the most talented players overall. We took those strengths in specific categories in to account when it comes to figuring out who are the best players that could still be available in your league. Here is a look at the top NBA fantasy pickups for this week.
PG: J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks
Barea opened the season with 22 points, six assists and two three-point shots in a loss to the Indian Pacers and while it would have been unreasonable to expect him to sustain those types of numbers over a long stretch he has been very steady overall so far. Barea has averaged 16.7 points, 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 three-point shots per game over the Mavericks’ first three contests. Dallas lost each of those three games but Barea has still managed 30.0 minutes per game over the last two and as long as he continues to play big minutes his averages should remain steady. He won’t carry your team in any one area but he could be a solid secondary source for points, assists and even three-point shots.
SG: Sean Kilpatrick, Brooklyn Nets
The lack of scoring options on the Nets could lead to a productive season from Kilpatrick as they continue to lean on him to put up steady scoring totals. The Yonkers-native has averaged 15.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 three-point shots in 23.7 minutes per game so far this season and he could see a minutes increase if he continues to perform at a high level. Brooklyn isn’t going to win many games but Kilpatrick could still be a via NBA fantasy source for points in a secondary role. The Nets have been a lousy team to start the season as they’ve dropped three of their first four games. Their only win came at home to the Indiana Pacers but other than that, they’ve lost their other three games by an average of more than 10 points per game.
SF: James Ennis, Memphis Grizzlies
Ennis’ long-term value is capped by the fact that Chandler Parsons won’t be out much longer but the fact that he is getting starts for Memphis and producing at a high level warrants him being picked up in deeper leagues. Ennis has averaged 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 three-point shots per game at the small forward position while averaging close to 30 minutes. His numbers will certainly regress once Parsons returns but for now you can consider Ennis a solid source for points and rebounds while also chipping in with three-point shots at the small forward position.
PF: JaMychal Green, Memphis Grizzlies
Ennis isn’t the only role player on the Grizzlies that has earned himself a look in deeper NBA fantasy leagues as Green has replaced Zach Randolph in Memphis’ starting five and has put up decent numbers out of the gates. Green has averaged 9.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 three-point shot in 32.7 minutes per game and as long as the minutes stay above 30.0 per game he should continue to produce. Green isn’t the best option from a points perspective but the fact that you can rely on him for a steady dose of rebounds with some three-point shooting makes him an intriguing option at the power forward position that is still available in the majority of fantasy basketball leagues.
C: Timofey Mozgov, Los Angeles Lakers
Mozgov will never emerge from the shadow of the massive contract that the Lakers gave him but he could be a reliable secondary option at the center position in deeper fantasy basketball leagues. Mozgov has averaged 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 block while shooting above 57-percent from the field in 23.0 minutes per game for Los Angeles so far this season. The Lakers’ lack of depth could lead to him taking on more minutes as the year progresses but for now he is still a capable secondary source for points, rebounds and even some blocks at the center position.
