Top 10 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Warriors: Playoff Edition

Published: 4th Apr 12 3:19 am
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by Michael J. Igyarto
Michael J. Igyarto

If you are reading this, then hopefully you have advanced into the 2nd round of the playoffs and are still slugging it out, and I applaud you. With the shortened season, injuries have been the norm this year, and it’s taken it’s toll on my blood pressure. Most have gone diving into the waiver wire looking for help, and with good reason. Depending on how deep your league is, some can find some great value out there in these last few weeks. Some team’s philosophies change, some teams rest their stars for the playoffs, and some organizations give young talent a chance. Good luck the rest of the way, folks.

Top 10 Waiver Wire Players to own to finish off the 2012 season:

1.) O.J. Mayo SG – Memphis Grizzles
O.J. has caught fire in his last 5 games for the Grizzles. Scoring 15+ in 4 consecutive games and recording at least one steal in each of those four. He is a consistent 3 point shooter, very good from the free throw line, and keeps his turnovers at a minimum. The Grizzles have a GRUELING schedule these next two weeks and my guess is O.J. continues to see a consistent 30+ minutes off the bench. Grizzles play 4 games in the next 6 nights. He is currently owned in 67% of leagues, I’d go after him now before the next man does and burns you with him.

2.) Randy Foye SG, PG – LA Clippers
Foye has emerged as a legit threat for the Clippers. In the last 3 games he has totaled 65 points. Tied a franchise record, with 8 3 pointers against the Mavericks on Sunday night and is logging 30+ minutes every night. He is owned by roughly 18% of teams on ESPN. Clippers play 4 games in 6 nights, if he’s there, pick him up.

3.) Evan Turner SG, SF – Philadelphia 76ers
Mr. Turner has now scored in double digits in five straight games. He is also playing BIG minutes for Philly down the stretch. Against the Heat on Tuesday night, Andre Iguodala took a mean finger to the eyeball from Mario Chalmers and had to leave the game. Any time off would increase Evan’s production even more. Only 30% of teams on ESPN have him on their roster. If you need scoring and rebound help, this is the guy to target.

4.) Brandon Bass PF, C – Boston Celtics
I’ve seen enough from Brandon to include him on this list. He has gone 7 straight games with double digit scoring, 2 double-doubles in that span, a great shooting percentage, and a valuable source of rebounds. He has gone 3 straight games without a block, but is usually good for at least one or two a night. A must own down the stretch. Bass is owned by 70% of ESPN leagues, so grab him while you can.

 

5.) Isaiah Thomas PGSacramento Kings
With Marcus Thorton nursing a calf injury, Isaiah shined on Tuesday night against the Suns. He tallied 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. This is his 5th game in a row scoring double digits so it is certainly not a fluke. He puts up great shooting percentages and will give you a healthy dose of assists. Many have jumped on the bandwagon by now as 97% own him in ESPN leagues, but if he’s out there, GRAB HIM!

6.) Byron Mullens C – Charlotte Bobacts
Byron is finally getting his chance. The Bobcats season is over; it’s been over since the lockout ended. However, Coach Silas is a stubborn man and has stuck with struggling players like D.J. Augustin. However, on Tuesday night Kemba Walker started over D.J. and Mullens got 32 minutes and attempted 21 shots. Maybe coach has finally realized that his 7-44 record cannot be saved and the young guys deserve a chance. Two consecutive 20 point performances, as well as 14 rebounds on Tuesday night have my worries of him being an inconsistent player a thing of the past. As long as he is getting 30+ minutes a night, Byron should be a very valuable rebounder and scorer. Amazingly, only 9.3% of teams own him, so he is certainly available for anyone that wants to take a shot on him. I would.

7.) Gerald Green SG, SF – New Jersey Nets
Gerald Green is one of those quiet, sneaky players you can pick up and really aggravate your opponent. Yes, he is inconsistent and nobody really knows how much time he will play off the bench. However, the organization has been giving him more playing time over the past 3 games, and he makes every minute count. If you are looking for a guy to give you a quick boost in 3’s, steals, and blocks. This is the man to look for. Virtually un-owned in every league (10.1%) He has scored in double figures in 5 of his last 7 games, had 10 steals in his last 5 games and has a knack to fill the stat sheet. Nets play 3 games in the next 5 nights. He’s certainly worth a look in deep leagues in my opinion.

8.) Courtney Lee SG – Houston Rockets
With Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin still nursing injuries, Lee has become a primary scorer in Houston. He has scored double figures in 7 of his last 8 games, and will continue to be one of the most important offensive weapons for the Rockets alongside Scola and Dragic. He can be a good source for 3’s and can give teams a nice boost in steals as he has recorded at least one steal in 8 consecutive games. Lee is owned by only 18.8%, so he’s most likely there if you need him.

9.) Iman Shumpert PG, SG – New York Knicks
Linsantiy is dead, folks. Out with a torn meniscus, Shumpert owners are sitting pretty. Still though, he is only owned by 55% of leagues and should be on somebody’s roster at this point. He has been leading the Knicks in minutes alongside ‘Melo and will continue to produce across the stat sheet. He had an off night against the Pacers, but still logged 37 minutes. Before this stinker, he scored double figures in each of his last 4 games. He also has a knack for putting up big steal totals as seen against Cleveland where he tallied 5 of them, and 3 the night before against the Atlanta Hawks. He’s worth a look in every format if available.

10.) Kenneth Faried PF – Denver Nuggets
Kenneth has tons of energy and gives it his all when he’s out there. He can be a monster on the boards and has showed flashes of being a scorer as well. Don’t look for him if you need scoring help because he won’t do that every night, but if you are lacking rebounds and blocks, look his way. Only owned in 22% of leagues, Kenny can quietly help you out. He actually had scored in double figures in 5 of his last 7 games, but he had a poor 4 point performance against Orlando in his last outing. Look for him to bounce back in these next slates of games. The Nuggets play 4 games in the next 6 nights.

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