The pool play portion of the NBA play-in tournament is coming to a conclusion this week, and it is generating some exciting action. As the season begins to hit its stride and some defined strengths and weaknesses begin to make themselves apparent across your fantasy team, it is time to dig in. There is a lot to digest, analyze, and consider on a daily basis, let’s 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. 

 

Alec Burks, SG, Detroit Pistons

For the most part, there is always at least one factor that keeps a player on the waiver wire. In the case of Alec Burks, it starts with the fact that he is only averaging 22 minutes per game. If the playing time goes up, the production does too and he is a strong streaming option. Even at this level though, Burks has clear value as he is averaging 12.5 points per game with a few rebounds and assists. What we are really after though is how he accumulates those points. Burks is averaging 2.5 three-pointers a game while shooting 84.2% from the free throw line, and both are assets. 

Craig Porter, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

The value and immediate rush to add Craig Porter has decreased with the return to action of Donovan Mitchell from a hamstring injury, but the former should remain in the rotation and play a solid role for the Cavaliers. That was evident with Mitchell returning to action on Saturday as Porter finished with 11 points in 17 minutes off the bench. It was his fifth straight game with double figures offensively and that should continue as Porter also retains streaming potential with the increased chance of value moving forward for any additional injuries. 

Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Toronto Raptors

From a fantasy perspective, the bottom line here is that Precious Achiuwa needs more playing time. If anything happens to increase his volume, then Achiuwa almost immediately becomes a legitimate option. For now though, we can still take solace in his efficiency and the solid production that we are getting should you need to stream at either position. In 20 minutes of action per night, Achiuwa is averaging 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. With some more playing time, that is a clear double-double pace, so we just need Toronto to cooperate. 

Moses Moody, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors

As the Warriors tried to switch things up, Moses Moody moved into the starting lineup on Friday. At least for one game, that didn’t make much of an impact on his playing time, as Moody was on the court for just 18 minutes of action. In that stretch, Moody made all four of the shots he attempted while he also grabbed four rebounds. It was the fifth straight game in which Moody had at least four rebounds, and we know that he can score off the bench (or as a starter) when given the chance. It will be interesting to see if the move to the starting lineup sticks, with the biggest question ultimately being what his playing time looks like. What we do know, is that Moody certainly has earned it. 

Naji Marshall, SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans

Playing time might become an issue for Naji Marshall once Trey Murphy and Matt Ryan return, but the former is making his best case for retaining his playing time. Overall, Marshall is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while chipping in a few assists and 1.4 three-pointers. Marshall has proven to be a useful player who sees an increase in volume and opportunities whenever there is an injury. That should continue this season, but even the base case is pretty solid. 

Georges Niang, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

On a nightly basis, we should see Georges Niang play between 20 and 25 minutes per game off the bench for Cleveland. In most cases, the problem is that he doesn’t often do enough to contribute substantial volume. Overall, he is averaging 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game with the latter being light when it comes to power forwards. Where Niang does get an edge, is the fact that he is making 1.6 three-pointers per game. If you are looking to stream, Niang could be useful.