As we head into the final month (with a little bit of change) of the fantasy NBA season, do not forget about bad teams. Bad teams who have no shot at making the playoffs will open up their rotations. Bad teams bring good opportunities for fantasy players. Even though Tyson Chandler was having a strong season defensively from a statistical standpoint, the Suns have had a miserable season and they are fazing Chandler out of the rotation. Bad teams are thinking about the draft and the only way to give a proper evaluation in regards to their overall assets, they have to play their up and coming talent. As always, playing time is key and if you see a relatively unknown player get a ton of playing time, take advantage of the opportunity that could be sitting on YOUR waiver wire.
Alan Williams PF PHX-23% Ownership: The youth movement has begun in Phoenix and there are a lot of minutes to be had and with Tyson Chandler out of the way (for now). Williams has played over 20 minutes in his last 3 games and has logged 2 double-doubles. The Suns need to have some sort of offensive attack up front and both Chandler and Alex Len have not been getting the job done. Williams uses his size to slash in the lane, draw contact and he has a couple of moves in the post. Williams has been helpful on the defensive end as he recently had a three-steal game and has had multiple multi-block games in the last month. He can be trusted as a volume add as well (even if Chandler returns to the rotation). He is one of the hottest producers since the All-Star break and he should absolutely be added.
Marquese Chriss PF PHX-20% Ownership: If you are looking to add the player with a tad more experience this season Chriss is your guy. He is more of an offensive threat than Williams, but has not been as much of an effective rebounder. Right now, based off playing time Chriss is a bit more trusted by the Suns Coaches to play deeper into games. Chriss can play a bit on the perimeter on both sides of the balls and can keep up with some of the skilled SG/SF drivers in the league. On the offensive end, teams forget about Chriss’ range and he has hit multiple three-pointers in two of his last four games. He can fit in the P.J. Tucker role better than Williams, but he won’t stay on the perimeter for a long time, as his size is needed inside. In his last five games, Chriss has had three games in which he grabbed six or more rebounds and then two others in which he grabbed just one board. Like Williams, Chriss is capable of having multi-block and steal games. If you want more offense, add Chriss.
Cory Joseph PG TOR-31% Ownership: With Kyle Lowry out for the next four to five weeks after having wrist surgery, Joseph takes over as the main playmaker. With the additions of Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker, he may not get as many shots as he would have before the trades, but he will get a lot of playing time and he will be a big assists and steals help. He will also score in double figures as he has in four of his last six games. It will be tough for Joseph to have multiple 20-point games with all of the other scoring options. Joseph has dished six assists in two of his last four games and he has a total of seven steals in his last four games. Joseph will also provide minor rebounding support as he does hang at the elbow until change of possession. He has grabbed at least three boards in three of his last six games.
Richaun Holmes PF/C PHI-34% Ownership: With Joel Embiid out for the rest of the season, Nerlens Noel traded and Jahlil Okafor limited defensively, the Sixers NEED Holmes on the floor. He can be expected to play 20 plus minutes most games for the rest of the way. Holmes has scored in double figures in three of his last four games and recently grabbed 10 boards in a game. Holmes has grabbed at least four rebounds in three of his last four games. Holmes is also on a steals streak as he has four consecutive games with at least one steal. Holmes is not flashy on either side of the ball, but has been a huge help with blocks. After having a five-block game, he followed it up with a three-block and two-block game. Holmes is absolutely a safe pick up.
Caris LeVert SG/SF BKN-6% Ownership: It’s uncertain how deep into games we will see LeVert, but Bojan Bogdanovic being out of the way will certainly help his cause. LeVert hustles, he can produce on both sides of the ball and he is on NBA Wasteland team in Brooklyn. LeVert has shown flashes of being able to play effectively on the ball. LeVert has grabbed three or more rebounds in three of his last six games and he had a three-steal game last time on the floor. LeVert can hit from distance when open and he will provide minor assist help. He has scored in double figures in his last two games and has short-term add written all over him until we see him play in at least the upper 20’s consistently.
Tony Parker PG SAS-27% Ownership: If you are desperate and need a short-term assist and scoring boost, we have to trust the veterans. Parker is a shell of what he used to be when it comes to game impact, but he can still run the offense effectively. Parker dished at least eight assists in three of his last six games and scored in double figures in two of them. Playing time is still safe and he will be a minor rebounding help as well. Parker swiped the ball twice in two of his last three games. Parker is still good at reading the top screen at the perimeter and cutting right to the basket. He still has success going reverse when driving in the lane. Parker SCREAMS short-term pick up, but the assist potential and playing time makes him attractive.
Bobby Portis PF/C CHI-22% Ownership: With Taj Gibson off of the team, the Bulls NEED help up front and the combo of Nikola Mirotic and Robin Lopez do not propel the Bulls offensively. Portis has scored in double figures in three of his last five games and played over 20 minutes in those 3 games. We can expect a lot more 20 plus minute games for him due to the lack of depth. Portis grabbed 13 rebounds in his last game and has grabbed at least 6 in 4 of his last 5 games. Portis will provide minor steals and block relief and has hit two three-pointers in both of his last two games. Portis has not had much of a chance to spread his wings and grow due to the depth this season, but he has certainly taken advantage of the player movement in Chicago.
Jaylen Brown SG/SF BOS-6% Ownership: As shocked as a lot of people were when the Celtics drafted Brown in the top 5 in 2016, the Celtics (as always) are starting to look like they made the right decision because Brown has been earning his playing time lately. Brown has scored in double figures and grabbed at least five rebounds in three of his last four games. Even though the Celtics are healthy again, Brown could be securing himself a rotation spot down the stretch. Brown has played over 20 minutes in his last 4 games. Brown has range as well as he has hit multiple three-pointers in three of his last four games. Brown has also grabbed a total of four steals in his last four games. As long as he can keep the turnovers down, he will continue to etch his spot in the Celtics rotation.
Kyle O’Quinn PF/C NY-18% Ownership: With Joakim Noah done for the season and Willy Hernangomez being the main beneficiary, we cannot forget about O’Quinn. On a per-minute basis, O’Quinn is one of the most productive big me. Look to add him for other categories besides scoring. O’Quinn has had five multi-block games in his last seven and recently had a five-steal game. O’Quinn is also one of the better passing big men in the league and has dished at least four assists in each of his last three games. O’Quinn is an efficient rebounder as well as he is tough to box out, tips the ball to himself and has grabbed at least five rebounds in his last four games. O’Quinn is one of a very small pool of players that does not need 20 minutes to be productive or considered a “safe” player. He is the dictionary definition of a volume player.
WILD CARD PICK UP: Nemanja Bjelica PF MIN-4% Ownership: Even though the Timberwolves rotation is tight, Bjelica has been able to crack the rotation on a semi-consistent basis and after playing over 30 minutes in his last 2 games, Bjelica produced logging 2 double-doubles. Bjelica will also be a minor assists help and dished five assists last game. He will also provide blocks and steals relief, as he is very gritty and hustles for the ball. He is hard to avoid on defense even through screens. His minutes are all over the place and it will be tough to determine how much playing time he will get down the stretch. Bjelica has shooting range as well and hit two three-pointers in two of his last three games.