RADIO
We're down to the final week of the Fantasy Basketball season. If you're still playing after this upcoming week, you need to revisit your league's settings, because it's officially shut down season. With that said, owners should be looking at every realm of possibility to improve their team's chances of securing a win. Make use of the daily streaming options and do anything it takes to keep you alive week to week. It's time to drop the dead weight and scout for the waiver wire for any production that would be helpful to boost your chances. Looking into Week 24, be mindful that you should be looking at every player that can help contribute on a nightly basis. At this point, games played is the the most important part.
With that said, we're here to bless you all with everything you guys need to stay ahead of your opponents in all your fantasy leagues. Below are our recommended waiver wire pickups for Week 24 of the fantasy basketball season, for those looking to beef up their teams. We wish everyone the best of luck in your leagues and may the odds forever be in your favor!
As a reminder for most leagues, it's crucial to plan ahead. Waiver wire adds, scheduling and player injuries are all things to consider. Drop the dead weight, make an effort to improve your team by maximizing your weekly adds and utilizing streamer spots via the waiver wire. Don't be attached to short-term pickups when there is a hot player on the horizon, especially if a hot player can stick with significant minutes the rest of the season. Be wary of weekly streaming options and stay ahead of your opponents. Our staff at RotoBaller has great insight and daily columns on how to improve your squad and tips to make your team successful, so be sure to check them out! Now let's get prepared for Week 24.
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Week 24 Schedule
4 Games - Nuggets, Wizards, Kings, Trail Blazers, Magic, Thunder, Grizzlies, Lakers, Clippers
3 Games - Hawks, Celtics, Nets, Hornets, Bulls, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Rockets, Pistons, Warriors, Pacers, Heat, Bucks, Pelicans, Sixers, Suns, Spurs, Jazz, Raptors
2 Games - Knicks
Week 24 Standard Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups
*Securing your categorical needs at this point is important, especially if you're playing in head-to-head leagues*
I write my columns based on H2H 9-category standard size leagues:
Miles Bridges - SF, HORNETS (32% Ownership)
That's three strong games from Bridges, whose suddenly emerged to have an impact at this point of the season. The Hornets was unwilling to give him consistent minutes all season, but the last four contests is a nice sample size of what he can do when given 30 minutes per contest. He's averaged 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals over the past four contests.
Thomas Bryant - PF/C, WIZARDS (32% Ownership)
Bryant has been re-inserted into the starting lineup and that's where he should've belonged once Dwight Howard (glute) was out. He'll be a very nice anchor in field-goal percentage, with strong contributions in rebounds and blocks. He's averaged 19.5 points and 9.5 boards since being inserted back into the starting lineup.
Tyus Jones - PG, TIMBERWOLVES (26% Ownership)
Teague (foot) is done for the rest of the year and Jones is a must-add due to his contributions in 3-pointers, assists, and steals. It's time to pick him up, as he's averaged 12.0 points and 7.6 asssists per game over the last three contests.
Kelly Olynyk - PF/C, HEAT (41% Ownership)
Olynyk has cooled off quite a bit, and struggled shooting the ball for the past few games. Still, he's doing enough picking up steals and 3-pointers to make up for the lack of production. Just when you thought about dropping him, he played 38 minutes on Saturday night, having scored 14 points, seven boards, five assists, three blocked shots, and two steals in a full line.
D.J. Augustin - PG, MAGIC (49% Ownership)
Chances are Augustine was dropped over the past week because the Magic played only twice in Week 23. However, he should be picked up as he's played very well over the past month. He's been a top-30 player over the last two weeks on 16.0 points, 7.6 assists on 48% shooting with only 0.4 turnovers. Give him a look if he's on your wire.
Larry Nance Jr. - PF/C, CAVALIERS (68% Ownership)
Nance could be a major contributor down the stretch, as he's played well over the past few games. Kevin Love can have random rest days and Tristan Thompson isn't much of a threat nowadays. Nance always been a very effective fantasy contributor, so he's a sure-fire pickup for anyone looking for a center who can provide out of position assists, with the upside to anchor your field-goal percentage with defensive stats. Get him in your lineup if he's available.
Nemanja Bjelica - PF, KINGS (32% Ownership)
Bjelica blew up for 13 points and 17 boards to go along with a full line on Saturday night (he also played 36 minutes) - so it's a good indicator that he's back into the rotation despite the return of Marvin Bagley. The Kings will have another nice schedule this week so he's certainly worth an add.
Shaquille Harrison - PG, BULLS (3% Ownership)
The Bulls announced Zach LaVine (knee, thigh) will be out Tuesday and Kris Dunn (back) is doubtful. Otto Porter Jr. (shoulder) could be out the rest of the season as well, meaning Harrison could get a huge opportunity to produce, especially on a Tuesday and Wednesday back-to-back set. He's not the most fantasy-friendly, but the minutes he's about to play could boost your chances to a championship this week. Stream away for the two games and move on.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - PG/SG, CLIPPERS (50% Ownership)
SGA has been heating up under the radar lately, averaging 13.4 points with 3.2 boards, 3.8 dimes, 1.4 steals and 1.0 triples on 54.3% shooting over his last five games. The Clippers being in the playoff picture hurts his outlook a bit, but his upside to contribute in multiple categories from a guard position is valuable.
Jakob Poeltl - C, SPURS (25% Ownership)
Poeltl took forever to shine on the Spurs this year but he's certainly peaking right now for desperate fantasy owners. Poeltl will help anchor your field-goal percentage while also being able to rebound the ball and block shots. Give him a look, just be wary that he'll only start if the Spurs are playing against bigger front courts.
Bam Adebayo - C, HEAT (52% Ownership)
Now inserted into the starting lineup, Bam is going to be a must-start player in daily formats. He's going to hit shots at a high percentage, all while having contributions in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
Dwight Powell - PF/C, MAVERICKS (58% Ownership)
Ever since being inserted into the starting lineup, Powell is averaging 16.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game over the last five games. That puts him in at must-own territory given that he'll have high field-goal percentage, all while being able to trickle in blocked shots. Get him in your lineup as he's been a top-75 player over the last month and was ranked #21 this past week.
Robin Lopez - C, BULLS (40% Ownership)
Lopez revived his season over the past month, as he's playing fantastic lately. Over the last six games, Lopez is averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 assists per game, all while shooting 66.1 percent from the field. He's going to cool off at some point, but he has to be added given how well he's played. At this point of the fantasy season, owners need to be making quick decisions when it comes to getting players who are contributing.
Mason Plumlee - PF/C, NUGGETS (20% Ownership)
Coach Mike Malone started playing Plumlee at the power forward position next to Jokic, and that's worked well. He'll contribute in multiple categories in field-goal percentage, rebounds, blocks and assists from a center position so he should be added in most leagues.
Mikal Bridges - SG/SF, SUNS (30% Ownership)
Bridges continues to be a very reliable steals specialist, and that's enough value to keep him owning in most standard leagues. He'll trickle in the occasional assists and 3-pointers, so he's certainly worth a stream. However, the Suns only play three times this week.
More Fantasy Basketball Analysis
By popular demand, RotoBaller has aggregated all of our fantasy basketball NBA waiver wire pickups into a running list of NBA waiver options, so bookmark the page and check back often for updates.
