Whether you’re down 30 points in your roto league or 27 games back head-to-head, there is always a second half to be played. Weekend streamers will continue to be dedicated to helping your squad pick up much-needed stats to end the fantasy week strong. In this edition, I’ll also focus on some pick-ups that may be ready to shoot to the moon, or at least the thermosphere… Even planes wouldn’t dare.
Since this was a weird 14-day fantasy week split in two by the ASG the “weekend” in question will be the remaining 5-day slate.
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Streamers for the Second Half of the Season
The “Welcome Back” Boys
These are a group of players that are listed as “out” but are likely to be back, if not immediately, then very soon after the break.
Before missing over a month Larry Nance Jr was leading the NBA in steals. For potential fantasy owners, the Cavs have already announced he will be ready day 1 after the break, so the time is now to put in your claim if steals are an issue.
On February 21 Delon Wright was diagnosed with a grade 2 groin strain and was set to miss a minimum of 2 weeks. He has since been dropped across hundreds of leagues. Even if he misses a couple more contests his value shouldn’t be ignored. With the departure of Derrick Rose, when Wright returns he should continue to produce at the elevated pace the Pistons saw prior to his injury knock. Cole Anthony falls in this same category. He may not actually be an amazing “weekend streamer” this weekend, but an overall smart pick-up for weeks to come as the Magic are devastatingly thin across the board, and Anthony projects to see plenty of opportunity to contribute.
Hawking Free Agents
Atlanta, having just fired their head coach, also has a host of injury woes compounding a tumultuous end to the first half of the season. That being said, the Hawks are looking to rebound quickly, playing 3 games in 5 days immediately after the break. Best of all, their three combined opponents have a defensive ranking of 21.7, making a number of their players intriguing streamers heading into Wednesday.
The Hawks, when healthy have a complete logjam at forward, But with Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter out for an extended time, fewer rostered options are available and likely to produce. The immediate beneficiary should be offseason acquisition, Danilo Gallinari who had 23, 9, & 6 his last game before the break, and should see the bulk of minutes at Small Forward. Gallinari can be a top-end scorer and gets to the FT line frequently converting over 93% this year.
After missing two months, fellow free agent signing Bogdan Bogdanovic has also returned to the court. While in his first two outings he saw significantly less playing time than counterparts, Kevin Huerter and Tony Snell, that will likely change once his conditioning is in order. Bogey, a long-time per36 beast with the Kings, offers great all-around potential, especially with a 3 game slate to jump-start his second half. That being said, Huerter is still a great option. The second-year G/F upside remains squarely in three-point shooting but has seen his role increase with so much uncertainty in the day-to-day roster.
Rolling with the Thunder
It’s no mystery, Thunder players often make my Streamers list, this week is no different. OKC, like Atlanta, plays 3 games in 5 days and has multiple players available in a number of leagues. Darius Bazley has had a double-double in 3 of his last 5 games, and ownership is still waning due to a previous injury. He is definitely the best all-around pick-up of the bunch.
Luguentz Dort and Theo Maledon are also looking to solidify their starting spot with the Thunder and present the most up-side as of now. Dort can score in bunches, while Maledon flirts with double-digit assists on occasion, and with 3 games to end the week it skyrockets their value. I WILL CONTEND if he is ever given the minutes, Hamidou Diallo has amazing prospects. For the Thunder, his per36 stats are only bested by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Unfortunately for Diallo with the team now healthy he’s likely to remain in a bench role, but I’d continue to keep a watchful eye on the G/F.
Waiver Wire Mavericks
Casting call for all guards not named Luka; It’s a crowded room. Here is a breakdown of the candidates, and how they can help your team this week.
Jalen Brunson: The hottest hand of the bunch, averaging 16.4 pts, 4.4 rebounds, and over 2 assists and a steal over his last five games. Despite not starting, Brunson has been utilized down the stretch playing at the end of games. If his minutes stay elevated to the 27-32 range he may have the best chance of all-around performance among these streamers.
Tim Hardaway Jr: He’s the least likely to be available on waivers, but if he is you can rely on 3pters made, The Michigan product is hitting 2.5 per game over the last 30 days. Outside of points and threes, his output can hardly be relied on.
Josh Richardson: The breakout candidate. Richardson missed a handful of games prior to his return before the break and has seen a steady uptick in usage and performance. His 14.5 pts, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, with a three and steal over his last six games isn’t that far off Brunson’s pace. The good news is, Richardson is likely to see more floor time and opportunity than Brunson going forward. Richardson nabbed 4 steals in the final game before the break, and the former Sixer and Heat guard was brought in, in large part due to his defensive acumen. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him average closer to 2 steals a game going forward.
Looking for more streamers? Check out the latest Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire.
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