Welcome to week 8 of the NBA season! Injuries and Covid protocols continue to take down players so it’s vital to keep active on the fantasy basketball waiver wire and continue to the playoff push no matter what part of the season we’re in! Here are a few players to keep an eye on…
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Week 8 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
Tyus Jones, PG – Memphis Grizzlies (29% rostered)
Tyus Jones has affirmably taken over starting PG duties in Memphis. Ja Morant has no timetable to return at the moment so this is an absolute must-add. De’Anthony Melton and Dillon Brooks continue to swap inconsistent performances while Jones asserts himself. Over his last two games, Jones has posted 13 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals. That’s top-50 value baby! Pick him up and you won’t be disappointed with his grizzly performances.
Dewayne Dedmon, C – Miami Heat (49% rostered)
Bam Adebayo is out 4-6 weeks due to a torn UCL in his right thumb so it’s Dewayne Dedmon who’s manning the frontcourt in Miami. Dedmon now has two 13 rebound games during Adebayo’s absence so he’s a must-add if you’re having troubles in the rebound department. He’s also posted 9.5 points and 1.5 blocks in his 13 rebound games so roll him out and reap the rewards.
Royce O’Neale, SG/F – Utah Jazz (47% rostered)
Rolls Royce O’Neale returned to action this week from an ankle sprain and didn’t miss a beat averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 3PTM for the week. Hassan Whiteside is out of the lineup and it leaves the Jazz roster quite thin meaning O’Neale will continue to eat up the minutes. He can contribute in multiple categories like no other and is worth a roster spot on your team. Just continue to play that Jazz on the record player because O’Neale isn’t stopping anytime soon!
Danilo Gallinari, SF/PF – Atlanta Hawks (24% rostered)
Danilo Gallinari is starting to heat up for the Atlanta Hawks averaging 17.5 points and 6 rebounds over his last two games. We’ve seen in the past that Gallinari can flirt with top-50 value when he gets going so, he has our attention. The Hawks are dealing with multiple injuries at the moment with Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter, and Cam Reddish all ailing. He’s a great source for points, threes, and rebounds! Trifecta baby! Scoop him up!
Short-Term Adds
Ish Smith, PG – Charlotte Hornets (24% rostered)
LaMelo Ball is expected to miss several games due to Covid protocols as is Terry Rozier so it’s the Ish Smith show in Buzz City. This may be temporary but if you find yourself out of a playoff spot every week is super important to your playoff success. Smith was excellent on Sunday dropping 18 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 7 assists. He’ll be buzzing all week long!
Dennis Smith Jr., PG – Portland Trail Blazers (11% rostered)
The same news for Ish Smith can be said for Dennis Smith Jr. in Portland but I actually like DSJ outlook a tad better as Damian Lillard is expected to miss 10 days due to lower abdominal tendinopathy. Lillard already missed a few games last week but is still expected to miss the entire week and could be longer with any hiccups. Dennis Smith took the reins with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals and should be in for a great week, and Anfernee Simons is also out with an ankle injury.
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