Fantasy Basketball: Waiver Wire Gems to Bolster Your Playoff Push

The fantasy hoops playoffs are here, elevating the importance of every game as the NBA season winds down. Injuries are increasingly impactful, threatening to derail player seasons. Identifying available players stepping into significant roles is now crucial for strengthening your roster.

Let’s dive into some lightly-rostered players currently delivering fantasy-caliber numbers.

Point Guard

Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz (50.4% rostered in ESPN leagues)

Collier has been playing at a high level for over a month, regardless of whether he’s in the starting lineup. Over his last 14 games (including 10 starts and four off the bench), he’s averaging 17.8 points, 9.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. He missed a game for personal reasons but is expected to return soon. ESPN

Three Jones, Chicago Bulls (22.6% rostered)

Jones has started the last five games for the Bulls with Josh Giddey and/or Anfernee Simons sidelined, scoring in double figures in each game. He’s averaging 16.0 points and 4.4 assists in 28.4 minutes during that stretch.

Shooting Guard

Collin Sexton, Bulls (31.1% rostered)

Sexton was performing exceptionally well, averaging 25.0 points over four games, before suffering a lower leg contusion. If the injury isn’t severe, he’s found his offensive rhythm with the Bulls. If he’s sidelined, Rob Dillingham (1.6% rostered) could become a valuable “instant offense” option.

Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors (48.3% rostered)

Podziemski has earned a starting role due to his strong play amidst the Warriors’ injuries. In his last seven games, he’s averaging 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers in 35.1 minutes per game.

Small Forward

Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic (8.7% rostered)

Da Silva is increasingly being given the green light to shoot for the Magic, hitting at least one three-pointer in 13 consecutive games. Over his last eight games, he’s averaging 12.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 three-pointers in six starts and two games off the bench.

Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers (50.3% rostered)

Oubre returned from a two-game absence with 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 36 minutes. With Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe potentially sidelined, Oubre and Quentin Grimes (27.9% rostered) are poised to handle a significant portion of the 76ers’ offense.

Power Forward

Kyle Filipowski, Jazz (30.8% rostered)

Filipowski has developed into a consistent double-double threat as a starter for the Jazz, scoring in double figures in all nine of his recent starts. He’s averaging 14.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in 27.2 minutes per game over his last nine games.

Precious Achiuwa, Sacramento Kings (37.3% rostered)

Achiuwa has become an impactful starter for the Kings, recording three 20/10 double-doubles in his last nine games. He’s averaging 17.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 stocks (steals + blocks) during that span, with his playing time continuing to increase to around 40 minutes per game.

Center

Al Horford, Warriors (10.2% rostered)

Horford has been a consistent producer for the Warriors when healthy, contributing at least 17 points in three of his last six games, at least six rebounds in three games, and at least four assists in three games, while also hitting 15 three-pointers and recording 13 stocks.

Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers (5.2% rostered)

Williams, often referred to as “The Timelord,” is a nightly double-double threat with excellent defensive numbers when he plays. In his last five games, he’s averaging 11.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.0 stocks in 21.2 minutes off the bench.