Austin Rivers (PG/SG, LAC) - NBA Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Blake Griffin undergoing knee surgery that will keep him out for 3-6 weeks will affect the Clippers in many ways. While Marreese Speights is in line for an increase in minutes, Doc Rivers will likely dial up more small ball units going forward. This points to an uptick in production for Austin Rivers, who has already been on a hot streak while filling in as a starter for Luc Mbah a Moute in a few recent games.

Last year, when Griffin missed time with hamstring and hand injuries, Rivers averaged 10.2 points on a .471 FG%, including 1.2 treys, in only 21.8 mpg. More importantly, his usage rate was 16.9% before Griffin got hurt last year, and 21.0% after the injury. This year, his usage rate has been 17.2% while Griffin’s been active, while his playing time has been much higher, especially as of late. If Rivers’ shot keeps falling, it appears he will be given the playing time and the usage rate to put up some of the best fantasy numbers of his career in the next few weeks.