While the biggest stars in the game will be the ones that drive championship contenders in fantasy basketball leagues, it is the smart waiver wire pickups that can often make the difference when it comes to winning it all. There will always be waiver wire options available to help target specific categories and the best GM’s are those that find these players and get them in their lineup. Here is a look at the best NBA fantasy waiver wire options for this week.
PF: Trey Lyles, Utah Jazz
Derrick Favors has been dealing with a knee injury that has opened up playing time for Lyles and the second-year forward has responded with some strong production of late. Lyles has averaged 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 three-point shots over his last two games and while Favors could return for the Jazz soon the fact that he is dealing with a nagging problem could lead to him missing more time. Lyles has been an underrated contributor for the last week and his ability to help out in the three-point category at the power forward position could make him that much more valuable as a waiver wire option in NBA fantasy.
PG: Jonathan Gibson, Dallas Mavericks
There aren’t many examples of 29-year-old rookie point guards being slotted in to the starting lineups of NBA teams but that has been the case for Gibson due to injuries in Dallas this past week. Gibson debuted with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and then shocked the world on Sunday when he scored 26 points with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five three-point shots against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Gibson will only play while injuries keep Deron Williams and J.J. Barea sidelined with injuries but considering his production in his first two games it is definitely worth taking a chance on him if you need help at the point guard position.
PF: Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls
Mirotic has struggled with consistency but he has the talent to be a key contributor for the Bulls and his overall numbers should be good enough to warrant taking a chance on him if you need help at the position. Mirotic has averaged 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 three-point shots per game so he might be another decent option on the waiver wire, especially if you are looking for a boost in three-point shooting numbers.
SG: Will Barton, Denver Nuggets
Gary Harris’ injury has opened the door for Barton to potentially play big minutes now that he has returned from a sprained ankle. Barton has averaged 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 three-point shots per game this season so while he was limited in his return to the lineup on Sunday against the Utah Jazz the potential is there for him to put up decent numbers as he finds his rhythm and timing this week.
SG, Dion Waiters, Miami Heat
Many people know Waiters are a me-first type of player that is talented, but often puts himself ahead of the team. While that’s bad news in reality, it works just fine for NBA fantasy owners. After all, you’d want your guy racking up the stats.
Waiters has been surprisingly effective in Miami early on this season. Remember, the Heat are one of the worst teams in the NBA and they lack depth and talent. That’s why it’s not surprising to see Waiters be one of their go-to guys. He’s got a role right now while Justise Winslow is out and he could maintain one of the two starting spots when he’s back. Entering Monday, he was averaging 19.3 points per game with 3.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 threes in his last four. On Monday, he scored 19 points, contributed five assists, three rebounds, a block and a pair of threes. He’s reliable and available in way too many NBA fantasy leagues.
PF: John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks
Henson’s minutes have been sporadic but he has received looks in the starting lineup for Milwaukee and his overall production might make it worth taking a chance on him in fantasy basketball leagues. Henson has averaged 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over his last two games so those in deeper leagues that need some help at the forward position might want to consider plugging him in to their NBA fantasy lineup.
