The All-Star break is approaching and we are onto Week 11 of the NBA season! With so many injuries sidelining star fantasy players like Lakers forward Anthony Davis, Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell and even Nets forward Kevin Durant, your record could take a huge hit 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 11 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. 28 and do not take into account Sunday night’s results.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups
Kyle Kuzma, Lakers (45.5%)
Since Anthony Davis was ruled out for at least four to six weeks, Kyle Kuzma’s usage saw a huge increase. Over the past seven days, he’s averaging 7.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in nearly 29 minutes per game. The offense will forever run through LeBron James but Kuzma has been a nice complement to James’ style of play lately. The Lakers are struggling to win without AD lately, but if Kuzma can continue to make the most of his opportunities, he may become the starter rather than a bench player still. Even as a bench player, he’s surpassed 30 minutes in three of his last five games.
Saddiq Bey, Pistons (28.4%)
The Pistons have clearly chosen to run with the young core rather than their seasoned veterans. Since benching Blake Griffin for trade possibilities, Saddiq Bey has had plenty of run and usage. He’s played at least 30 minutes in seven straight games and has scored double-digit points in all games across that span. Bey offers plenty of fantasy upside in 8-cat and 9-cat leagues because he tends to grab a lot of steals as well as rebound the ball well, outside of scoring. It seems like every game Bey gets a little better and more comfortable starting in the NBA as a rookie. Since being named starter, he’s averaging 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while logging 32.6 minutes per game.
Derrick Jones Jr., Trail Blazers (21.6%)
Derrick Jones Jr. has found himself in a great situation playing with Portland this season. He’s averaging nearly 28 minutes per game. Over the past five games, he is averaging 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, making him a high-priority target for 8-cat and 9-cat leagues. Jones Jr. has surpassed 30 minutes in five of his last seven games and has been a trustworthy option behind Damian Lillard to score and make plays on defense. He is known for his defensive abilities but his recent efficient scoring trend makes him a top fantasy basketball waiver wire target this week for both league types.
Robert Williams III, Celtics (20.1%)
Brad Stevens, give Robert Williams III more minutes! Despite only playing 22 minutes on Friday against the Pacers, Williams III was the only Celtic to log a double-double. He has failed to play more than 22 minutes all season even with the Celtics struggling mightily this season. For the season, he is averaging 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in just 15.6 minutes per contest. If only he was given some more runs and he would instantly be a fantasy asset on any team. He’s certainly worth the look in deeper leagues and 8-cat and 9-cat leagues for his blocks and efficient field goal percentage. Beware of the fact that he fails to surpass 20 minutes a game more often than not.
Other considerations for all leagues: Bruce Brown, BKN (13.2%); Malik Monk, CHA (17.1%); Jalen Brunson, DAL (16.8%); Jarred Vanderbilt, MIN (9.7%); Theo Maledon, OKC (5.9%)
