Special for Yahoo Sports
Most fantasy basketball leagues are playoff-centric, so fewer managers are vying for waiver wire pickups. Sticking with my recent method, I’ve separated these suggested additions into two categories: a few widely listed players you’ll want to check for availability, and another group of guys sitting on waiver threads in at least four of all the five leagues. As usual, a list of recently recommended players is also included at the end.
RECHECK
Caris LeVert, Cleveland Cavaliers (48% registered)
Over his past six showings, LeVert has averaged 15.2 points, 4.3 assists, 4.2 boards, 2.8 threes, 1.8 steals and 0.8 blocks in 32.3 minutes. Although Cleveland was missing Donovan Mitchell for one of those games and Darius Garland for another, LeVert has seemingly hit his stride lately, whether he’s starting in place of one of Cleveland’s star guards or in his usual role as the sixth man. Those who subscribe to the hot hand theory may want to add it.
Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings (42% registered)
Kevin Huerter (hamstring) left Thursday’s game against the Nets, and he may be forced to miss several games. Meanwhile, over the past five competitions, Monk has averaged 14.8 points, 4.8 cents, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 threes, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks in 23.5 minutes. . Fantasy managers shouldn’t rely on continuous defensive contributions, but offensively, Monk is a threat to fill him in every time he’s on the pitch.
At the very least, you’ll want to keep an eye on Huerter’s health, because if he’s out, Monk is an obvious addition. However, Sacramento is scheduled to play four games next week, so even if Huerter can give it a shot sooner rather than later, Monk still has plenty of upside.
Royce O’Neale, Brooklyn Nets (32% registered)
O’Neale was fielded in most leagues early in the season when he delivered stellar multi-category production on a title-seeking team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. It already feels like an eternity, but after enduring a tough playing spell in which fantastic managers largely let him down, O’Neale has got back on track. Over the past five outings, O’Neale has averaged 9.4 points, 8.4 boards, 2.6 dimes, 2.4 treys and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes. Considering Brooklyn is scheduled to play four games next week, O’Neale deserves consideration in most formats.
WIDELY AVAILABLE
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies (20% registered)
With the Grizzlies frontcourt hampered by long-term injuries to Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles), Aldama has stepped up lately, albeit in a reserve role. Having posted averages of 10.2 points, 6.0 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.0 threes in 24.2 minutes over the last five matchups, Aldama is a decent option in the deep leagues. Additionally, Memphis is expected to play four games each of the next three weeks, so they have an edge for the rest of the season.
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers (19% registered)
Tyrese Haliburton (knee) has missed three straight and is expected to miss at least three more. During his recent absence, Nembhard has been stellar, averaging 19.3 points, 6.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 threes in 32.2 minutes as a starting point guard. Indiana has four games on the schedule next week, two of which for Haliburton are sure to be sidelined, so Nembhard is an intriguing replay, especially for those already signed up for Haliburton.
If Nembhard, TJ McConnell and Jordan Nwora are no longer available, another Pacer to consider adding is Aaron Nesmith (7% of the roster), who averages 13.3 points, 5.3 boards, 2.5 treys , 2.0 dimes, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks in 30.0 minutes over the past four contests.
Joe Ingles, Milwaukee Bucks (8% registered)
Even though Khris Middleton is back to playing over 30 minutes a night, Ingles has remained a factor for the Bucks lately. Over the past six games, Ingles has averaged 11.2 points, 4.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 threes and 1.0 hits in 27.7 minutes. Fantasy managers in need of a well-rounded striker would be wise to keep Ingles in mind, as he’s looked quite comfortable running the show as a pick-and-roll playmaker for the second Milwaukee unit.
Trendon Watford, Portland Trail Blazers (4% registered)
Jerami Grant (quads) left Sunday’s game against the Pelicans, missed Tuesday’s game against the Knicks and is currently listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Celtics. It’s unclear how close Grant is to a return, but if he’s not ready to join the rotation this weekend, Watford deserve to be added to your watch list and could be a sneaky pick-up. solid for next week. In his last three appearances, Watford have averaged 10.7 points, 7.7 boards, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 threes in 29.3 minutes while filling the starting role .
Recent recommendations: Bruce Brown, Donte DiVincenzo, Talen Horton-Tucker, Monte Morris, Xavier Tillman, Jeremy Sochan, Austin Reaves, Dennis Smith Jr., Matisse Thybulle, Kris Dunn, TJ McConnell, Cory Joseph, Patrick Beverley, Jordan Nwora, Malaki Branham