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The NBA has resumed play following the All-Star break, ramping up the competition as teams gear up for the playoffs. Now is the perfect time for fantasy managers to ensure their lineups are primed for a championship run. Below are some players who remain available on the waiver wire in many Yahoo leagues that deserve your consideration.
Christie has quickly become a significant player for the Mavericks, averaging over 30 minutes in all six games since joining the team. He has started the last two games, logging an impressive 39 minutes in each. During this stretch, Christie has averaged 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.5 three-pointers.
Due to depth issues at center, the Mavericks may now lean towards smaller lineups. Although they signed Moses Brown to a 10-day contract on Wednesday, he is unlikely to see extensive playing time. This situation could lead to P.J. Washington seeing minutes at center while the Mavericks utilize guard-heavy strategies. Christie appears to have a solid opportunity for substantial playing time in the coming games.
Currently holding a 29-26 record, the Pistons have a genuine shot at evading the Play-In Tournament and clinching a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference. This means that their veteran players are less likely to receive rest days, unlike previous seasons. The recent addition of key veterans like Beasley has contributed to their improved performance.
Beasley has been a consistent offensive threat for the Pistons’ second unit, averaging 17.6 points and 4.6 three-pointers over his last 14 games. Overall, he has posted 16.5 points and 3.9 three-pointers per game this season. While he doesn’t contribute significantly in rebounds or assists, his scoring ability makes him a valuable addition.
As the Jazz aim for another high draft pick, expect them to prioritize giving more chances to their younger players. After a limited role early in the season, Collierhas earned a starting spot in January and has solidified his position by starting 19 of the last 21 games.
In total, Collier has been a starter in 21 games, averaging 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. He has improved his shooting efficiency significantly, hitting 45.5% from the field as a starter, compared to his bench shooting percentage of just 32.7%. There’s ample reason to anticipate that Collier will continue as a starter for the remainder of the season.
The Trail Blazers will be without Deandre Ayton (calf) until at least mid-March. Given their slim chances of making the Play-In Tournament, there’s little incentive to rush him back. If he experiences any setbacks in his recovery, it’s possible he may not return this season.
Ayton’s absence has paved the way for Clingan, who has started two games since Ayton’s injury. In his first game, Clingan tallied 17 points, 20 rebounds, and three blocks in 31 minutes against the Nuggets. He followed that up with six points, six rebounds, and three blocks in 17 minutes against the Lakers. His limited playing time against the Lakers was due to their small lineup strategy, but he could see 20 to 25 minutes per game moving forward. Now might be your last chance to grab Clingan before he becomes a sought-after player.
The Suns are currently on the outskirts of playoff contention, sitting as the 11th seed in the Western Conference. Despite efforts to enhance their roster at the trade deadline, Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause restricted any moves, leaving the Suns lacking quality depth as the season progresses.
In an effort to shake things up, the Suns have increased Bol’s playing time, and he has responded with averages of 13.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers over the last five games. He has played over 30 minutes in three of those outings. However, there is some volatility in his role, illustrated by only 10 minutes against the Spurs on Thursday. Despite this, his ability to contribute in various categories makes him a risky but potentially rewarding addition.
With the season-ending injury to Jalen Johnson (shoulder), the Hawks remain in a position to qualify for the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, two recent injuries will test their depth. Vít Krejčí (back) could be sidelined for at least three more weeks, while Larry Nance Jr. (knee) is anticipated to be out until late March.
LeVert played only 15 minutes in his Hawks debut, but with Krejčí and Nance Jr. unavailable, he has since played at least 28 minutes in the past three games. During that stretch, he has averaged 17.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers. LeVert showcased a well-rounded skill set last season as well, averaging 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 three-pointers per game for the Cavaliers. Expect him to average close to 30 minutes per game moving forward.
