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Fantasy basketball is navigating a rough patch at the moment. As managers gear up for the playoffs, they’re contending with an increasing number of significant injuries. Additionally, some of the league’s underperforming teams have begun resting their key players more frequently. For those seeking support from the waiver wire, here are some players worth considering who are predominantly available in Yahoo leagues.
After finishing last season with a field goal percentage of 40.6%, Sharpe has boosted his shooting efficiency to 44.9% this season, despite posting a mere 31.4% from beyond the arc. Following a period spent with the Trail Blazers’ second unit, Sharpe has been in the starting lineup for their last 11 games. During this stretch, he shot 46.1% from the floor while averaging 18.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 3-pointers per game.
Sharpe appears poised to remain a starter for the Trail Blazers as they wrap up the season. With Jerami Grant (knee) missing nine of the last 11 games, there’s a possibility he may not return if the team continues to slip in the playoff race. Even if Grant does return, the Trail Blazers are unlikely to cut back on Sharpe’s playing time given his strong performance.
Injuries to Victor Wembanyama (shoulder) and De’Aaron Fox (finger) have created opportunities for Spurs players in terms of minutes and shot attempts. While Stephon Castle has seen his fantasy stock rise, he no longer qualifies for this list as he’s only available in 42% of Yahoo leagues. Instead, let’s focus on Johnson, who is enjoying the most efficient season of his career, shooting 54.9% from the field.
Johnson has averaged 25 minutes per game this season, but recently his playing time has increased to 27 minutes over the last five games. In that span, he’s recorded averages of 14.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 3-pointers per game, while shooting 56.6% from the field. With four games scheduled for the Spurs next week, he could be a solid pick-up off the waiver wire.
As the Knicks press on towards the playoffs without Jalen Brunson (ankle), reports suggest he might be out until late March or early April. This means he could miss the Knicks’ upcoming four-game week entirely.
With Brunson out, the Knicks have turned to McBride to fill his spot in the starting lineup. He’s playing a significant role, averaging 34 minutes across the last seven games, generating 12.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.6 3-pointers. However, it’s important to note that he shot just 37.1% from the field during this period. His season field goal percentage stands at 40.7%, reflecting ongoing challenges with efficiency. Nevertheless, those who can accept this drawback or participate in points leagues may find considerable value in McBride.
Cam Thomas (hamstring) is out for the remainder of the season. He has been a key component of the Nets’ scoring, averaging 24.0 points and 18.2 shot attempts per game. With the Nets currently seven games behind the 10th seed, the remaining games present ample opportunities for younger players.
Since Thomas’s injury, Johnson has started all four games and has averaged 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 3.3 3-pointers. Despite averaging only 24 minutes per game this season, he’s putting up 10.1 points and 1.5 3-pointers. He may see close to 30 minutes a night moving ahead, making him a valuable addition for points and three-pointers, especially with the Nets scheduled for four games next week, three of which are against less defensively robust teams like the Mavericks, Raptors, and Wizards.
Injuries have taken a toll on the Mavericks, who have a dismal record of 1-9 in their last 10 games. Their latest defeat on Wednesday left them in the 11th position in the Western Conference. The Suns now occupy the 10th spot, but both teams have identical records of 33-37, which means the Mavericks still have a playoff push to contend with.
Due to the Mavericks’ depleted roster, Dinwiddie has been averaging 35 minutes over the past seven games, enabling him to score an average of 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers during that time. Even with recent returns to the lineup of P.J. Washington, Jaden Hardy, and Kai Jones, Dinwiddie logged 42 minutes on Wednesday against the Pacers. The Mavericks are set to play four more games next week, making Dinwiddie a tempting option on the waiver wire.
The Bulls still have a lot at stake in the closing games of the season. With a strong possibility of clinching a spot in the Play-In Tournament, they won’t be resting any starters despite their losing record, as they still have seed position to vie for. Currently, they sit in the ninth seed but have a real chance to finish anywhere between eighth and 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Huerter had a slow start after joining the Bulls from the Kings but has established himself in a significant role. Over the last 12 games, he has averaged 32 minutes and produced an impressive 15.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 3.4 three-pointers. Notably, he has shot 39.4% from three-point range recently. Despite earlier struggles, he holds a career shooting percentage of 37.5% from beyond the arc. Huerter aims to be a reliable source of points and three-pointers as the season progresses.
