Here we go! Another week, another waiver wire piece to dive into! Welcome to week 15! It’s been a wild ride this season dealing with tons of injuries and players in health protocols. This week features a mix of rookies and veterans who are set for extra minutes and bigger roles. Here are five players who are set to make significant impacts to your fantasy teams!
Week 15 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
Must add if available: Jalen Suggs
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C – Detroit Pistons (65% rostered)
Kelly Olynyk returned to game action last week with a bang dropping 22 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 3PTM. Olynyk missed just a little over two months due to a knee injury and proved why he’s a must-add player due to his point, rebound, and three-point potential from the Power Forward/Center position. The bad news is Olynyk was just placed in health protocols and missed his last game. The good news is his rostered level might drop over the next few days but don’t let it! We all have seen players return shortly after, but the main reason is the Pistons do not have a frontcourt making Olynyk’s upside too juicy to pass on. Olynyk was great averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 2 3PTM a week in October.
Chris Duarte, SG/SF – Indiana Pacers (55% rostered)
The Indiana Pacers are dealing with multiple injuries at the moment and Chris Duarte is taking full advantage. Duarte is on a tear right now posting at least 17 points in three of his last four games averaging 22.7 points during that span. Over his last four games, Duarte is also averaging a solid 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.3 3PTM. I am done supporting Malcolm Brogdon as he’s one of the biggest band-aids in the league and has been shut down another 10 days due to an Achilles injury. The Pacers also may become sellers at the deadline so make sure you don’t miss out on Duarte for another day! This rookie is on the rise and is setting the pace in Indianapolis…
Nicolas Batum, SF/PF – Los Angeles Clippers (29% rostered)
Nicolas Batum is back! Batum was a hot waiver wire candidate to start the season when he began November on fire, and he’s returned to being a hot commodity once again. Batum battled a few minor injuries and health protocols but is back in the starting lineup and he has been posting some monster games of late. The veteran forward posted a 32- points, 5-rebound, 7-3PTM performance last week and followed that game up with a 15-point, 7-rebound, 2-steal game… oh baby! The biggest key is Batum is averaging 30 minutes per game over his last three so let’s keep the good times rolling in Los Angeles with plenty of opportunities available due to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard being on the injured list.
Ayo Dosunmu, PG – Chicago Bulls (47% rostered)
After taking the fantasy world by storm averaging 18 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2.5 steals over two games Ayo Dosunmu has come back down to earth but the rookie is still worthy of our attention. The Bulls are absolutely decimated by injuries and Dosunmu is still going to get playing time with Lonzo Ball out 6-8 weeks. Ayo has posted at least six assists in four of his past five games and he’s averaging 6.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals during that span. Not too bad Bulls Nation.
Kevon Looney, PF/C – Golden State Warriors (31% rostered)
If you’re in need of rebounds, then Kevon Looney is your guy! Kevon is going looney tunes on the boards posting double-digit totals in five straight games averaging 12.2 per game during that stretch. The big man has posted 10.5 points, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals over his last two games. Not too shabby. He’s worth a roster spot as long as Draymond Green is out of the lineup and Green is expected to miss at least two more weeks.
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