Welcome to another season of playing the late week waiver wire, and attempting to pry a win from the jaws of defeat. “Streamers” are more typically known in fantasy football circles as players picked up from waivers more on the premise of their game-day match-up than fantasy acumen. This Is usually done to fill roles for players on a bye week, or when that streamer is playing against a poor defense.
In NBA fantasy where most managers compete for statistical categories from Monday to Sunday, there is value to be found in picking up players with 2 games in the final 3 days of the fantasy week. These streamers may not be a fit for a full-time roster spot, but they could help you win a stat category or two to close out the week.
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Weekend Streamers
As stated, all listed players are on teams that play 2 games between Friday and Sunday.
T.J. McConnell, PG – Indiana Pacers
Best categories: AST, STL
Even with the return of Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert to the lineup, McConnell should be the first man off the bench for the Pacers. T.J. remains an elite streamer in both assists, at over 5 a game, and steals. The backup guard is currently under a steal-a-game, but that likely means he’s ripe for a thieving weekend.
Bobby Portis, PF – Milwaukee Bucks
Best Categories: PTS, REB
Portis saw his first action of the season three games ago, returning from an injured hamstring. In his last outing, after working his way back, he finally saw 20+ minutes, tallying 12 pts, 8 reb, 1 stl, and 1 blk. The sixth-year former Razorback should continue to see an increase in usage to around 25 minutes a night, and lead the bench unit. So long as Jrue Holiday remains out Portis could potentially be considered a full-time roster option in deep leagues. He and is currently owned in only 20% of leagues and could be a plus in defensive categories if he plays big minutes.
Mason Plumlee, C – Charlotte Hornets
Best Categories: REB, BLK
This is mostly an instance of there not being many players available getting rebounds and blocks. By all means, if Mo Bamba or Isaiah Stewart are available in your league, pick them up instead of Plumlee. That being said with two games in the final three days, Mason should be good for around 12 rebounds and 2 blocks at a minimum.
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG – Portland Trailblazers
Best Categories: PTS, 3PT
Simons won’t be likely to fill the box score, but the kid can get a bucket. With the exit of Gary Trent Jr, Simons is the unequivocal best scorer off the Portland bench. He’s logged 15+ points in four of his last five contests while averaging 2.5 three-pointers made through the Blazers’ first 8 games.
Thaddeus Young, PF, SF – San Antonio Spurs
Best Categories: STL, (TBD)
Thaddeus is an interesting case. He is nearly always great on the defensive end, especially with steals. His second-best stat category on a given night? Great question, not sure, but it will likely be something. He’s made a habit out of accruing a triple single, but to the tune of something like 9, 7, and 8, and no one is going to complain about those numbers from a waiver pick-up. Young is an absolute wild-card, but if you’re chasing defensive stats, rebounds, or assists he’s certainly worth taking a flyer on.
Franz Wagner, SF – Orlando Magic
Best Categories: PTS, 3PT, STL
Over his last three contests, the youngest Wagner has averaged 18.6 pts, 3 three-pointers, and 1.2 stls across 30 minutes. The rookie forward has been a staple in the magic rotation averaging over 32 minutes a night for the inexperienced Orlando team. Wagner, at times, looks like Orlando’s most dynamic scoring option and dropped 28 points on Monday. His upside is certainly highest in offensive categories, including his 49.5% field goal percentage. Despite his early-season scoring exploits Wagner’s greatest ability as a streamer is his availability. If he plays his projected 60 plus minutes over the two games he could certainly be a difference-maker on a fantasy roster making a late-week push.
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