It is the most important time of the year when it comes to fantasy basketball leagues. After all of the hard work you put in and all of the decisions you make, this final month ultimately determines whether or not you are crowned champion. As you battle it out in the fantasy playoffs, you might be looking for help in different categories. One of the toughest to find help is with assists. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered. Here is a look at the assists players that can help you win your league.
PG/SG: Tyler Ulis, Phoenix Suns
Ulis has averaged just over 40.0 minutes per game for Phoenix over their last five contests. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity. The reason he’s got that opportunity is because the Suns have shutdown Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Night.
Ulis, a 2016 second round pick, has averaged 18.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and a whopping 9.2 assists per game over that span. If you take a look at the NBA’s leaders for assists per game in March, Ulis is actually tied with Chris Paul for seventh. He could be on the waiver wire but he’s definitely producing better numbers than many owned players.
The Suns are giving Ulis every opportunity to show what he can do at the NBA level. He might be the ideal waiver wire addition if you need help in the assist category.
PG: Jameer Nelson, Denver Nuggets
At the other end of the spectrum in terms of experience, Nelson is a smart veteran point guard that could also help in terms of assists. Nelson missed Sunday’s game against the Miami Heat with a calf injury but is expected to be back in the lineup this week. The veteran guard has averaged 11.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 three-point shots and a solid 6.0 assists per game over his last five contests. If he is healthy, he can really help your depth at the point guard position.
One thing you’ll have to keep an eye on with Denver is their playoff situation. They are currently a game and a half out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. If they fall much further out of that, they are likely going to bench a veteran like Nelson and give those minutes to a younger player. However, if they’re still in the running, he’s going to be one of their key cogs. Make sure you monitor their spot in the standings.
PG: T.J. McConnell, Philadelphia 76ers
McConnell is a second-year point guard that has also had the opportunity to play a bigger role for his club over the past couple of weeks. McConnell has averaged 8.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 8.6 assists while averaging 31.8 minutes per game over his last five contests. Taking a look further back, McConnell was actually 10th in the NBA in assists in the month of March. He averaged 7.4 assists per game, which is 0.1 less than Steph Curry. Not bad for a guy who is mostly scoffed at.
Philadelphia is clearly happy with what they have seen from the former Arizona guard. They also don’t have many options at the position. That means he’s going to get fed all of the minutes he can handle until the season ends. That means he’ll be a really big factor for assists the rest of the way.
PG: Ish Smith, Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have been an absolute mess of late. While Stan Van Gundy’s job might be in trouble, he seems to have no problem continuing to ride Smith. The veteran guard has averaged 15.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 29.2 minutes per game over his last five contests. Detroit might not win many more games, but Smith should be a decent source for assists.
SG/SF: Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz
Rodney Hood’s return forced Ingles back to Utah’s bench. However, he has still averaged 29.6 minutes per game over his last five contests. Ingles has put up 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 three-point shots and 4.4 assists per game over that span. The veteran journeyman won’t put up elite numbers. However, he could be a decent source for assists off the waiver wire down the final stretch of the season.
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