The NBA is back! The televised lay-up line called the All-Star Game was fun, I guess, but this right here is the real thing. Fantasy basketball – ain’t nothing else like it in the world. This week, there seems to be some opportunism available in injury replacements all across the league. Some of the players listed below are bound to have a productive week. I hope you have one too. Scroll down and check out the list and I’ll see you again in a week. ☮️
Week 19 Fantasy Basketball Deep Waiver Wire Adds
Isaiah Joe, SG – Oklahoma City Thunder (12% rostered)
Stat highlight: 26 points per game in the last 2 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sitting out
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having missed the last two Thunder games, Joe took full advantage of the opportunities and averaged 26 points, 5 threes, and 61% from the field. If Gilgeous-Alexander were to miss any more games, which he may or may not, there is no reason for Joe’s impressive scoring to stop. If Gilgeous-Alexander were not to miss any more games, which he may or may not – then Joe’s impressive scoring will definitely stop. However, even with SGA around, Joe can be a useful scorer in spurts.
Xavier Tillman, PF – Memphis Grizzlies (5% rostered)
Stat highlight: Ranks 66th in 9-cat since the All-Star break
Maybe this is being late to the party but Xavier Tillman just had a couple of good games, which we can hope to continue until Steven Adams returns from his knee injury. In the last two, Tillman has averaged 10 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3 assists, a block, and a steal. No definitive date for Adams’ return has been announced but it will likely be within the next two weeks so Tillman will be good to go until Adams is good to go.
Delon Wright, PG – Washington Wizards (25% rostered)
Stat highlight: Averages 1.9 steals per game this season
Another player benefitting from an injured teammate is Delon Wright getting the most out of Monte Morris’ sore back this time. However, even with Morris in the lineup, Wright averages around 30 minutes per game and has solid underlying numbers in threes, assists, and steals. Solid enough to be rostered in most leagues.
Dennis Schroder, PG/SG – Los Angeles Lakers (30% rostered)
Stat highlight: Ranks 84th in 9-cat since the All-Star break
Yet again, an injured teammate is presenting opportunities for Dennis Schroder. With D’Angelo Russell out with a sprained ankle, Schroder is the Lakers’ starting point guard. In the last 2 without Russell, Schroder has averaged 14.5 points and 7 assists. And he’s made 10 of his 10 free throws, which is nice.
Matisse Thybulle, SG/SF – Portland Trail Blazers (21% rostered)
Stat highlight: Averages 30 minutes per game in Portland
Thybulle has fit into the Blazers’ rotation very nicely averaging 30 minutes per game in the 4 games. Stat-wise, he’s getting over 2 steals per game, a block per game, and making an occasional three. That’s pretty much it. For the 9-caters out there, he’s not making any turnovers either. That all combines into ranking Thybulle in the top 70 in 9-cat leagues since the trade.