We are approaching the All-Star game in just two weeks and are onto week 10 of the NBA season! It may come as no surprise, but even more names were added to the league injury report. Lakers superstar Anthony Davis is out for at least four weeks to an Achilles injury. Pistons guard Delon Wright will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a groin injury. Injuries happen, but they can hurt your fantasy record if not handled. This is why you must stay active on the fantasy basketball waiver wire each week to help fill any voids on your team.
Here are the top fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups for Week 10 of the NBA season. In order to be included in the weekly waiver article, players must be rostered in less than 60 percent of ESPN fantasy basketball leagues.
All stats are gathered on the morning of Feb. 21 and do not take into account Sunday night’s results.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups
Gary Trent Jr., Trail Blazers (49.5%)
Since C.J. McCollum went down with an injury, Gary Trent Jr. has filled in nicely to complement Damien Lillard. Over the past nine games, he has averaged just over 20 points per game and hit at least three triples in each of those games. He tends to shoot a ton each game but when he’s on, it could bode well for your fantasy team. Trent Jr. doesn’t do much outside of scoring but lately he’s been swiping steals more often than not but I wouldn’t bet on that lasting too long especially once McCollum comes back into the picture. Stick with his scoring attributes and solid field goal and three-point percentage which are both at 44%.
Wendell Carter Jr., Bulls (43.0%)
Since returning from injury, Wendell Carter Jr. has been nothing short of productive. He’s scored double digits in three of his last four games but hasn’t been lifted from his minutes restriction yet. Besides Zach LaVine, there aren’t many scorers on the Bulls but Carter Jr. will likely move forward as one of their top secondary scoring options. He’s grabbed nearly 25 rebounds in four games and is even contributing in the assist category with five last night against Sacramento. For a safe, high-percentage big man, Carter is worth considering to add for 8-cat and 9-cat leagues. It’d be wise to watch him for a few more games before pulling the trigger in points-based leagues but once he’s back to full minutes, grab him.
Darius Bazley, Thunder (31.7%)
Over the past 14 games, Darius Bazley has scored double digits in 11 of those as well as averaging nearly seven rebounds a game. He is the definition of a volume-based shooter so his shooting percentages may steer you away for 8-cat and 9-cat leagues but he supplies solid points and rebounds every night. Despite shooting just 38% in his last ten contests, he’s averaging 14.5 points per game. With not many stars in Oklahoma City, Bazley has solidified his role on the team and is averaging 30 minutes per game. He’ll have a bad fantasy night here and there but as long as he’s scoring, he’s worth the waiver wire add.
Nerlens Noel, Knicks (21.7%)
Nerlens Noel is certainly not an impact player in fantasy but with Knicks center Mitchell Robinson sidelined, he could carve out a consistent role. Despite drafting a rookie forward, the Knicks continue to roll with the veterans. Noel has played 30+ minutes in three straight games, something he hadn’t done once all season. He won’t help you in the scoring column averaging only 4.0 points but is a great consideration for rebounds, blocks, and steals. Over the past seven games, he has 19 blocks as well as six steals, making himself a steal on the waiver wire. If he’s available in your category leagues, grab him now before the Knicks start becoming healthy again.
Other considerations for both category and points based leagues: Grayson Allen, MEM (9.1%); Garrett Temple, CHI (7.7%; Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL (7.4%); Michael Carter-Williams, ORL (7.0%); Derrick Jones Jr., POR (6.8%)
