Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers for this Week’s Fantasy Basketball Playoffs
Mar 25, 2012 Blog
Just about every league I’m in is starting the playoffs this week, and if you need a little help, the following list of players might fill some holes in your roster for the stretch run. These guys aren’t stars and most of the time they’ll have mediocre nights, but if you’re in a daily transaction league and need to gamble on a big fantasy playoff performance, these guys are solid bets for some big numbers this week.
Point Guard
CJ Watson (CHI) – If the Bulls continue to hold Derrick Rose out with his groin injury, Watson is a must play in leagues that allow daily transactions. He’s had some solid games in Rose’s absence and can put up decent points, assists and steals.
Gilbert Arenas (MEM) – I don’t think Arenas is going to get enough minutes to help fantasy owners this week. Tony Allen’s defense is just too important to let sit on the bench, which cuts the minutes that are available to Arenas. Leave Arenas on the wire.
JJ Barea (MIN) – Barea has seen a huge spike in value with Ricky Rubio out of action and he should be a solid play the last month of the season. If you need assists this week, go get him. He’s also one of those guys you have to grab if you are in a keeper league.
Delonte West (DAL) – West should return this week and the Mavs could definitely use some rest in their guard rotation. Look for Dallas to get West back up to speed as quickly as possible.
Tony Parker (SAS) – Be careful with Parker this week and keep an eye on who the Spurs might want to plug into the PG spot if Parker is forced to sit.
Charles Jenkins (GSW) – Stephen Curry is out and Nate Robinson left Saturday’s game with an injury, which leaves Jenkins as the starting PG if Robinson can’t go.
Shooting Guard
Randy Foye (LAC) – Mo Williams will miss some time with a toe injury, so Nick Young and Randy Foye will split time at the guard spots. Foye got the start Saturday with a solid 30 minutes and should be a nice play this week.
Greivis Vazquez (NOR) – Vazquez got a start at SG Saturday due to Trevor Ariza’s injury and he could pick up a couple more starts this week. He’ll help you with some extra assists.
Ben Gordon (DET) – I’m not sure what’s gotten in to Gordon, but he’s had a 45 point game and a 20 point game in his last three outings. He’s worth a gamble if you need points and threes.
JR Smith (NYK) – Strictly a play if you are trying to make up some ground in the three point category.
Courtney Lee (HOU) – Lee continues to frustrate fantasy owners with his inconsistency, but when he’s on he can really light it up. He’s big risk, big reward.
Small Forward
Marvin Williams (ATL) – Williams has returned from an injury and he’s had a couple of decent games, going for 13pt/3reb and 11pt/6reb in his last two. He’s not going to put up more than that, but if you need a SF he’s probably available.
Donte Green (SAC) – Green could get some extra run with Jason Thompson out. He’s not a big fantasy producer, but if he can get you 30-35 minutes he might be worth a daily stream.
Gary Forbes (TOR) – Forbes got a start Saturday with DeMar DeRozan out with an injury. Forbes jacked up 16 shots and would be a great offensive option this week if DeRozan is going to miss more time.
Power Forward
Carl Landry (NOR) – Landry returned Saturday after missing 23 games with an injury. He logged 29 minutes Saturday, going for 15pts/5reb. He’s a great pickup if he can maintain 30 minutes a night.
Udonis Haslem (MIA) – Haslem could pick up a couple of big minute games in the final month as the Heat might choose to give Chris Bosh some rest as the real NBA playoffs approach. If you are in a daily transaction league, keep an eye on Haslem.
Anthony Tolliver (MIN) – The Wolves have been hit with injuries to Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic, and Tolliver has been getting some extra run because of it. He’s picked up 44 and 31 minutes in his last two games and could get a couple more big minute games this week.
Shelden Williams (NJN) – Williams is picking up about 25 minutes a game and can give you some decent rebound numbers if you need help in that category. Brook Lopez is likely out for the next couple of weeks, which should keep Williams on the court.
Center
Ekpe Udoh (MIL) – Udoh got shipped out to Milwaukee where he’s now coming off the bench and I’ve seen him hit a lot of wires lately. He could still work his way into 25 minutes a game and is a prime pickup if you are trying to make up ground in the blocks category.
Brandan Wright (DAL) – The Mavs are missing Brendan Haywood and Ian Mahinmi isn’t doing much, which leaves Wright as a decent option at center. If you need blocks, he could be a great daily pickup.
Tristan Thompson (CLE) – The Cavs have handed the starting center job to Thompson and he could be a great play for the last month of the season. He’s put up two double-doubles in his last three games.
Taj Gibson (CHI) – There’s a small chance the Joakim Noah could get a one game suspension on Monday, which would make Gibson a great daily play. Check it closer to tipoff on Monday.
Tags: fantasy basketball, waiver wire