The journey of improving never stops. It isn’t as simple as just looking for better options though as injuries continuously add a new variable. With that being said, it is always helpful to take a look at some NBA Waiver Wire options I have my eye on. At the same time, don’t forget to take advantage of all of the other great tools we have here at Fantasy Alarm for the NBA season. 

 

Fantasy Basketball NBA Waiver Wire Picks Week 13

Xavier Tillman, Memphis Grizzlies, PF/C

The Memphis Grizzlies are far from healthy. There is a last man standing approach here as those remaining healthy for the Grizzlies are going to receive increased playing time and volume. In the post, Xavier Tillman is the main beneficiary of this. With Jaren Jackson dealing with a knee injury, he sat on Saturday for that reason, Tillman continues to see extra run. In each of his last three games, Tillman has scored in double figures and is averaging 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Extra playing time continues to agree with Tillman, and that is a good thing. 

Vince Williams, Memphis Grizzlies, SG/SF

No, I really wasn’t kidding about Memphis being shorthanded. The struggle is real for the Grizzlies, but that has allowed for players like Vince Williams to emerge. On the season, Williams is averaging 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, but he is taking advantage of his extra playing time. With Ja Morant out for the year and Marcus Smart for week, there is clear void in the Grizzlies offense. That provides ample opportunity for Williams to step in. That was certainly the case on Saturday against the Knicks as Williams finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Over the next month, he will have ample opportunities to run that back. 

Lonnie Walker, Brooklyn Nets, SG/SF

While Lonnie Walker does come off the bench and only averages 20 minutes a game, the swingman is a productive option. He has broken 20 points six times in 20 games and Walker is averaging 13.4 points per game. Despite the fact that we are targeting Walker for his perimeter abilities, he is shooting 48.7% from the field. The 2.4 three-pointers he is averaging per game can be a real asset off the waiver wire. 

Caleb Houstan, Orlando Magic, SF

Caleb Houstan has been a part of Orlando’s rotation all season, but recent injuries have brought him into the starting lineup. Houstan has played at least 24 minutes in his last six games, and has eclipsed 30 minutes in five of those. Over that stretch, Houstan has averaged 13.2 points per game with a handful of rebounds and assists. When the Magic regain their health, the forward should move back to the bench, but for now, we have to follow the volume as he has been a solid contributor. 

Dominick Barlow, San Antonio Spurs, SF/PF/C

As your fantasy squads deal with injuries, flexibility is an important piece of roster management. As Dominick Barlow’s role expands with the San Antonio Spurs, that is an area where he can be of use. From a playing time perspective, Barlow is still in the low 20’s, but as he continues to produce and the season progresses, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the workload increase. In five of his last six games, Barlow has at least six rebounds. When he got the most playing time, Barlow also had 11 points and four assists as an indication of what he capable of. 

Taurean Prince, Los Angeles Lakers, SF/PF

While Taurean Prince is not the first player you think of on the Los Angeles Lakers, there is still a lot to like as a supporting option. Prince generally plays about 30 minutes per game, and he has scored between 10 and 15 points in each of his last six games. In addition to that, Prince has at least two three-pointers in all of those games. On the season, Prince is averaging 10 points per game with 2.2 three-pointers. 

Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans, SG

While the rookie is always going to have more value when key Pelicans players are sidelined, Jordan Hawkins has carved out a solid role regardless. After averaging 13 points per game in his last three, Hawkins took advantage of the situation with multiple starting pieces sidelined and flashed his true upside scoring 34 points while adding five rebounds and four assists. While that is not going to be an every game occurrence, Hawkins should continue to have a solid role scoring in double figures while chipping in a few rebounds and assists.