NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
•Join Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball >
Recent weeks have seen a wave of significant injuries to key players, arriving at a crucial juncture for fantasy basketball as managers gear up for the playoff push. Fortunately, there are still numerous enticing players available on the waiver wire. Below are six names worth considering, most of whom can be found in a majority of Yahoo leagues.
The 76ers may be facing a challenging season ahead. Although they still have a chance at claiming the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, their task has become increasingly challenging with Joel Embiid (knee) sidelined. Tyrese Maxey (back) and Paul George (groin) have also been unavailable recently. If the 76ers continue to slide in the standings, there’s a possibility that George could be shut down as April approaches.
Due to a lack of personnel, Grimes has stepped into the starting lineup for the Mavericks. Over his last nine games as a starter, he has averaged 18.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.4 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 51.6% from the field. This season, he has maintained an efficient shooting percentage of 47.4% overall and 39.1% from three-point range. With more minutes available as the season winds down, he might soon be hard to find in more than half of the leagues.
Resting veterans is not an issue for the Hawks. They are vying for a place in the Play-In Tournament and are just two games back in losses from the seventh seed. Securing that seventh seed could bolster their chances of advancing beyond the Play-In Tournament and into the playoffs.
As the Hawks strive for postseason success, LeVert has emerged as a vital contributor to their second unit. In the last 10 games, his averages include 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers, while playing 29 minutes per game and shooting at 50.8% from the field. With Vit Krejčí (back) and Larry Nance Jr. (knee) both out, LeVert is set to receive ample playing time.
The Cavaliers are on track to secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference, sitting eight games ahead of the Celtics in terms of losses. A monumental collapse would be required for them to lose their standing. A significant factor in their success has been the enhanced performance of their bench, with Jerome serving as a key player in that unit.
Over his past 11 games, Jerome’s averages stand at 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers, accompanied by an impressive shooting percentage of 51.7%. His usage rate has risen to 23.1% this season, ensuring productivity despite averaging just 20 minutes on the court per game. Jerome’s ability to generate immediate offense makes him an ideal acquisition for fantasy managers looking for a scoring lift.
The Mavericks are missing several of their key big men, including Anthony Davis (thigh), Daniel Gafford (knee), and Dereck Lively II (ankle), with P.J. Washington (ankle) also dealing with inconsistencies in his availability. The news worsened when Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the season due to a torn ACL, coupled with reports suggesting that Davis may not return this season.
While the Mavericks’ roster challenges present a tough situation for the team, they create openings in fantasy basketball. Marshall is one of the standout players to consider adding; after moving into the starting five on Wednesday, he delivered 22 points, 10 rebounds, and two three-pointers in 32 minutes against the Bucks. Across 14 games where he has played at least 30 minutes this season, Marshall has averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers. His playing time should remain consistent going forward.
The Jazz currently hold the third-worst record in the NBA, with just one win more than the Hornets, which could further enhance their lottery odds if their standings continue to decline. Consequently, several veterans have been granted rest days, and even 23-year-old Walker Kessler has missed games for this reason.
With many starters sidelined, Filipowski has benefitted from a more significant role. In 13 starts this season, he’s averaged 11.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers. Over his last nine games overall, he has posted averages of 15.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers. While there will be instances when Kessler plays, potentially impacting Filipowski’s minutes, those in daily lineup formats who can manage Filipowski’s inclusion based on the nightly availability of Jazz players should consider adding him.
Despite a record of 25-38, the Bulls currently hold the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. While the Nets and 76ers are close behind, they have struggled to overtake the Bulls in the standings, even though Chicago has gone just 3-7 in their last 10 games. Injuries have plagued the Bulls, with Nikola Vučević (calf), Patrick Williams (knee), and Lonzo Ball (wrist) all recently missing time.
Regardless of who is on the court for the Bulls, they have demonstrated a desire to increase Buzelis’s playing time as the season wraps up. He averages 17 minutes per game for the season but has seen that number rise to 27 minutes over his last 16 games. During this period, he has averaged 13.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers. He has been a highly efficient scorer during this stretch, shooting 49.7% from the field and 85.7% from the free-throw line. Fantasy players in deeper leagues seeking an increase in blocks and three-pointers should definitely target Buzelis.
