Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Capitalize on Every Opportunity

We aren’t rooting for injuries. When it comes to underperforming players, though, that is what we are rooting for. To clarify, we are only rooting for them on every fantasy team but yours. That is what creates opportunity on the fantasy basketball waiver wire, and that’s what we are after. Now, let’s take a look at options for our consideration.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire

Karlo Matkovic, F/C, New Orleans Pelicans

The first two seasons of Matkovic’s career have been relatively quiet and nondescript. He averaged 7.7 points and five rebounds per game as a rookie and followed that up with 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds last year. Prior to the injury of Yves Missi, the center appeared headed to the same fate this season. Instead, he’s now surging up our list for waiver wire consideration.

He’s started six games to this point, and the fact that he’s averaging just 23 minutes per game means we shouldn’t go too crazy. However, he is averaging 11.8 points and five rebounds per game while making 2.3 three-pointers. The offense, though, has been streaky, and that’s enough to create some pause. Matkovic went from 25 points to five, then to 18 points in three consecutive games.

Especially if he’s going to continue knocking down three-pointers, Matkovic deserves the attention he’s getting. The fact that he’s shooting 61.9% from the field also helps. Now, he just needs more chances.

Klay Thompson, G, Miami Heat

Let’s turn the clock back in Miami. After scoring just 11.7 points per game last season, Thompson is taking advantage of a change in scenery. Miami needs help in the backcourt, and the veteran has proven he still has a lot to offer. And after getting off to a slow start this season, the sharpshooter is showing that.

Over his last five games, Thompson has regained his stroke and consistency. He’s averaging 21.6 points per game in that stretch, but what stands out is his insane 5.6 three-pointers per game. No, continuing on that pace isn’t sustainable, but the upside and track record weigh out here. Yes, there’s a level of Thompson being one-dimensional here, but he’s also pretty good at it.

Brayden Burries, G, Milwaukee Bucks

Not to make crazy statements just 10 games into the season, but this could go down as one of the best rookie classes in recent memory. Now, with Ryan Rollins back to the bench, the 10th overall pick of June’s draft is emerging onto the scene.

After scoring nine points in each of his first two games, Burries followed that up by scoring 21 and then 11 points. He’s averaging 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists to go along with that offense. He’s not going to wow us with playmaking ability, but Burries is showing the ability to score. The fact that he’s rebounding at that level from the backcourt is also impressive.

Max Strus, G/F, Los Angeles Clippers

Had Strus been healthy to begin the season, the veteran sharpshooter likely wouldn’t even be on this list. With 22 minutes per game, the Clippers are easing Strus back through his first three games. Players like Derrick Jones or Kris Dunn shouldn’t limit Strus’ playing time once the rust is off and he’s truly ready to go.

Strus is averaging nine points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. That’s production the Clippers can certainly use. We buried the lead by not starting with Strus’ 2.3 three-pointers per game, but that’s something we shouldn’t ignore. In fact, that’s just the production that fantasy managers can use across all formats. With extended playing time, he’s also proving to be well-rounded and not just a three-point threat.