It's never too early to start streaming. Whether you have an opening due to an injury, you auction-drafted a crew of stars and scrubs, or you just didn't bother putting any effort into your last couple draft picks, you probably have a player or two on your team who isn't must-own. You're better off using that roster spot to stream players to eke out wins in close categories in your weekly head-to-head matchups.
This year, RotoBaller will be making weekly recommendations for extreme short term category specialists every week in all six counting stat categories (points, assists, threes, rebounds, steals, and blocks). Your week one offensive category streamers for points, threes, and assists are below. All position eligibility and ownership percentages are based on Yahoo! fantasy leagues.
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Three Points Made Streamer
Jared Dudley, SG/SF/PF, PHX, Opponents: Friday @ IND, Saturday @ PHI (16% Owned)
Jared Dudley was recently demoted to a bench role in favor of developing Marquese Chriss. Although, since the move, Chriss has only seen 17.2 MPG as a starter against Dudley's 27.7 MPG off the bench. I don't think Earl Watson got the memo. The Suns are going the way of playing their old guys early and often because, you know, this team's here to win right now. *Ding* Shame. Fortunately for us, we can take advantage of Earl Watson's strategy.
Dudley's got the hot-hand right now and, in being one of Watson's guys, will see 25+ minutes to do his thing. He's averaged 3.7 treys in 29.7 minutes over the last three games. On top of that, he's shooting a blistering 57.9% from deep in that span. The Suns also rank first for pace (105.12) in the league, so we know Dudley's going to get looks in Earl Watson's Old & Fast lineups.
Phoenix will see Indiana and Philadelphia over the weekend, who have been great fantasy opponents this season. The Pacers have taken a step back defensively as they've yielded the fourth most threes per game (10.1), while the Sixers are tops in the league for opponent field-goals made (42.2) as well as second to last in Opponent FG% (47.3). Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Dudley is a solid candidate to provide a few treys over the weekend if you're in need.
Other Options: Channing Frye, PF/C, CLE (11% Owned); Ersan Ilyasova, SF/PF, PHI, (20% Owned in Yahoo); Jamal Murray, SG, DEN (22% Owned)
Points Streamer
Vince Carter, SG/SF, MEM, Opponents: Friday @ DAL, Saturday vs. MIN (12% Owned)
Vince Carter definitely got a hold of Michael's Secret Stuff because he's looking like a young man at 40 years-old. In season 19, Memphis has been leaning on Vinsanity for production because of early injuries. Tony Allen has been dealing with a lingering groin issue and could be out a little bit longer, while Chandler Parsons still isn't ready to take on a full workload. Vince should see decent usage until the they have no restrictions.
VC is averaging 2.0 3PTM, 17.0 PTS, 4.0 REB on 55.6% from the field in his last four games. For the season, he's playing 27.4 MPG, which has been a necessity because of the injuries. With a back-to-back approaching, David Fizdale could opt to rest Marc Gasol and/or Mike Conley as he did earlier in the season. With the Griz already thin, it'll mean all hands on deck.
Carter is widely available in Yahoo! leagues and should continue to see 25+ minutes while Memphis eases its players into action. Ride him while he's hot. When does Space Jam 2 start filming?
Other Options: Jamal Murray, SG, DEN (22% Owned); Gerald Henderson, SG/SF, PHI (5% Owned); Ersan Ilyasova, SF/PF, PHI (18% Owned)
Assists Streamer
Tony Parker, PG, SAS, Opponent: Saturday @ LAL (24% Owned)
We've got another old guy rounding out the list of streaming options. I'm pretty sure Tony Parker was a rookie when George Gervin had his run with the Spurs. Dude's old. While holding no upside, my man Tone is still a great option for assists. The Frenchman has the starting gig locked up and could be a decent hold option into the next week if you need those dimes. His prospects season-long stink since Greg Popovich hates your fantasy team. That's right, yours.
Since re-joining the Spurs on November 11, Parker has averaged 4.4 AST with only 1.0 TO. in 24.7 MPG. He'll probably sit around that minute mark for the season, so it's unrealistic to expect huge totals on a nightly basis. The assists, however, are still above league average, so don't let the age scare you away.
The Spurs will see the high-paced Lakers on Saturday, so Parker should have a decent chance of racking up a few assists to help you out with your matchup. Beyond that, San Antonio has a four game slate next week, in which Parker should play at least three. That should set you up nicely.
Other Options: Tomas Satoransky, PG/SG, WAS (2% Owned); T.J. McConnell, PG, PHI (2% Owned); Jameer Nelson, PG, DEN (3% Owned)
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.