THIS IS IT! The final few days of the season are here and it’s time to crack down on those waiver wires and find those lesser-owned players who have been trending in the right direction. There are a lot of punt players on this list, but it’s those difference makers at the end of the bench who’ve been producing over the last few games that will lead you to victory. A lot of these players are auditioning for a roster spot on their own or another team for next season. Good luck to all!
Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, BKN - 7% Ownership)
Even with Jeremy Lin back in action, the Nets want to be cautious as it has been an injury-ridden season for Lin. Dinwiddie has shown that he can be a serviceable backup PG and we should expect him to be playing at least in the mid-20’s for the remainder of the season. While Dinwiddie has scored in double figures in three of his last five games, it’s the blocks and steals that have been impressive. He has four straight two-steal games and recorded a block in four of his last five games. The hustle and aggressiveness shows when he is on the court. He has been able to slow down the opposition’s pace on the perimeter. Owners can expect Dinwiddie to grab a couple of rebounds as well. Dinwiddie is a threat from downtown and can hit the spot up jumper.
Nene Hilario (PF/C, HOU - 6% Ownership)
Nene is a lot slower as he continues through the twilight of his career but teams forget that he has a mid range jumper and he has scored in double figures in four of his last five games. His minutes are a bit across the board, but he has played over 20 minutes in his last three games. Nene has also grabbed at least four rebounds in each of his last three games. He is getting minutes for a reason. Defensively, he is still very difficult to push around in the paint and he bangs in the post and makes it hard to grab positioning. He has grabbed three steals total in his last two games.
Ben McLemore (SG, SAC - 3% Ownership)
McLemore still hasn’t been able to prove that he can be a consistent offensive weapon in the scheme, but with the Kings resting a lot of their veterans, McLemore will be given a bit more run and certainly more shots as the Kings season is finished. He has scored in double figures in three of his last four games with two 22-point games. His minutes have been secure as he has been playing in the mid-20’s in 3 of his last 4 games. McLemore has grabbed at least three boards over his last three games. McLemore can score from the perimeter as he recently hit five three-pointers in a game. If you are looking for a scoring boost, grab him.
Tony Parker (PG, SAS - 23% Ownership)
Is rest a possibly on a per game basis? Yes! Parker has had a very strong last three games as he has scored in double figures in all three and he has shown that he can still control the pace of the Spurs offense with the Playoffs right around the corner. Even though Parker is aging, he still looks to attack the rim as much as possible. Parker will score most of his points driving. Parker has dished at least four assists in his last three games. Parker has also swiped the ball three times total in his last two games. Parker is proven and you will have to watch to see who is resting when considering picking him up, but the Spurs will want to keep him in rhythm for the post season.
Thomas Robinson (PF/C, LAL - 3% Ownership)
The Lakers front court depth is not something to write home about and Robinson has become the primary back up PF/C option for the Lakers and he has shown that he can bang for boards. Despite only playing 20 plus minutes in 2 out of his last 4 games, Robinson has scored in double figures in 3 of those 4 games. Robinson recorded a double-double in one of those games and has grabbed two steals in each of his last two games. The defensive prowess is there and he has grabbed at least seven rebounds in his last three games. It’s difficult finding boards on the wire, but Robinson has proven to be a good volume play at this time.
Justin Anderson (SF, PHI - 9% Ownership)
Yes, a different member of the Sixers is brought up to possibly add because they are THAT thin all over the place and Anderson has taken advantage of the playing time given to him and has been rewarded with 30 plus minute games. Anderson has scored in double figures and dished three assists in four of his last five games. Anderson does a great job taking advantage of screens off the ball and finding open spots on the court. Anderson has grabbed three or more rebounds in four of his last six games.
Shelvin Mack (PG, UT - 1% Ownership)
Mack is 100 percent healthy and has been playing in the mid to late 20’s consistently over his last 4 games. Mack has scored in double figures in all four of those games and grabbed at least one steal in three of those four games. Mack has shown rebounding potential as he grabbed at least four in two out of his last four games. Mack is an attacker and is very quick getting to the rim. He is a good change of pace option and with Dante Exum in pain; his minutes should stay stable as the Jazz head to the Playoffs.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas (F, NY - 2% Ownership)
RISKY, but necessary to look to add because the Knicks keep getting hurt. Kuzminskas mainly stays at the perimeter, but will take advantage of sleepy defenders and drive the lane and he has ups. He has scored in double figures in two out of his last three games and will provide minor rebounding and assist help. Kuzminskas is a floor runner and if you see Carmelo Anthony out, he is worth the spot start on your team. Lance Thomas has been in and out of the lineup and Kristaps Porzingis has been dealing with a Back injury so we should be seeing 20 plus minute games to end the season. Watch for injuries. The Knicks have nothing to play for and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Anthony and Porzingis benched.
Tyler Ennis (PG, LAL - 3% Ownership)
Another volume player to consider picking up. Ennis has had quite the surge in the final few weeks as he has scored in double figures in five of his last six games. Ennis has proven to be a decent defender and has stolen the ball at least once over his last NINE games. Yes, the same number of sick days Ferris Bueller took in a single High School year. Ennis has dished at least three assists in three of his last four games and has made multiple three’s in four out of his last five games. He has provided minor rebounding help and has kept the turnovers down. The Lakers have a ton of guard injuries and he will play meaningful minutes over the next few games.
WILDCARD PICK UP: Mario Hezonja (SG/SF, ORL - 1% Ownership)
Hezonja is a high- energy guy who hasn’t been able to translate fully. He’s a project. With Jeff Green suffering from a back injury, Hezonja can pick up more playing time as Orlando has nothing to play for. He has blocked three shots total over his last two games and has swiped the ball in two of his last three games. Hezonja has scored in double digits in his last two games and has also played 22 minutes in both of those games. Hezonja does have range and will spot up for open three-pointers. Hezonja will look to attack the rim and he has been good at taking contact and going to the free-throw line over his last few games. Coaches love hustle and Hezonja should pick up more shots and time to close the season.