We’re just a few weeks away from the fantasy basketball playoffs and the waiver wire couldn’t be more important. Last week we had a mix of players we hit on and players that didn’t do what we expected. Daniel Theis of the Boston Celtics and Juancho Hernangomez of the Minnesota Timberwolves were our two winners of last week, as both logged starter minutes for their respective teams. Theis averaged 14 points-per-game and 8.3 rebounds-per-game as Hernangomez averaged 12.5 points-per-game and 6.5 rebounds-per-game over the last seven days. Naz Reid has done well in the minutes he’s been given for the Timberwolves as he puts in nearly nine points-per-game and grabs 3.5 rebounds-per-game over the last week as well. Alec Burks is not getting the minutes we thought he would with the 76ers and Anfernee Simons has not been playing well even with Damian Lillard out. Malik Monk has been suspended indefinitely from the league for violating the league's anti-drug program.
Week 19 Results (Last 7 Day Average)
Daniel Theis, PF/C, Boston Celtics - 14 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 APG & 0.3 SPG in 26:4 MPG
Naz Reid, C, Minnesota Timberwolves - 8.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 APG & 1.5 BPG in 22:45 MPG
Malik Monk, PG/SG, Charlotte Hornets - 11.5 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.5 RPG & 0.5 SPG in 27 MPG
Alec Burks, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers - 8.8 PPG, 1.8 APG, 2.8 RPG & 1 SPG in 18 MPG
Juancho Hernangomez, SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves - 12.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.8 APG & 1 SPG in 28:3 MPG
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers - 9 PPG, 1.5 APG, 2.4 RPG & 0.4 SPG in 22:1 MPG
Week 20 Suggestions
Shake Milton, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers - Owned in 26% of Yahoo and 21.8% of ESPN leagues
The Philadelphia 76ers are operating without Ben Simmons (back) and Joel Embiid (shoulder.) With two of their highest usage players out, mainly Simmons, Milton has stepped in and played extremely well. In the last seven days, he’s averaged 15.8 points-per-game and four assists-per-game while playing 29:15 minutes-per-game. Simmons could miss at least the next two weeks, keeping Milton relevant through the end of the fantasy basketball regular season and even into the first round of the playoffs. This is one of those additions that could change if you make the playoffs or not. Don’t be regretting it as you’re on the outside looking in.
Week 20 Schedule: @LAL, @SAC & @GS
Norman Powell, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors - Owned in 41% of Yahoo and 30.6% of ESPN leagues
Powell returned from a nine game absence and was not eased into things at all. The Raptors played the 2020 breakout player for 36 minutes where he went for 22 points. Let’s also not forget that he’s averaging career highs across the board this season with 15.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 28.4 minutes-per-game. Fred VanVleet also remains out, opening up a bit more work for Powell. We’re not sure how much longer that may be, but at this point of the season, every game counts.
Week 20 Schedule: @POR, @GS & @SAC
Dario Saric, PF/C, Phoenix Suns - Owned in 22% of Yahoo and 43.3% of ESPN leagues
As Kelly Oubre is set to miss the rest of the season with a torn meniscus, Saric will see an up-tick in minutes. Ideally, Mikal Bridges would be the guy to own in fantasy here, but he’s not readily available. Saric’s played 31 and 27 minutes in the two games he’s played during Oubre’s absence thus far. He grabbed nine boards against the Clippers and put in 11 points against the Pistons. Remember, Saric too is returning from injury so he’ll get better with time as well.
Week 20 Schedule: vs. TOR, vs. POR & vs. MIL
Harry Giles III, PF/C, Sacramento Kings - Owned in 28% of Yahoo and 21.1% of ESPN leagues
There’s been a lot of injuries and turmoil happening in Sacramento over the last few weeks. One of the constants has been Giles and his impressive play over his last eight games. He’s started eight of the King’s last nine games and scored double-digits in six of those. He even posted a 14-point, 12-rebound night against the Clippers and had a career high 19-points, all within the last week. He’s averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists during his last four games. Both Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley will miss a bit more time, keeping Giles’ fantasy value up for a bit longer.
Week 20 Schedule: vs. WAS, vs. PHI, @POR & vs. TOR
Gorgui Dieng, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies - Owned in 30% of Yahoo and 15.4% of ESPN leagues
We’ve featured Dieng in one of our earlier articles when he was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves and filling in for Karl-Anthony Towns. He was moved to the Memphis Grizzlies and due to injuries again, has some fantasy value. Both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke are set to miss at least the next two weeks, leaving Dieng to serve as the primary backup for Jonas Valanciunas. Dieng posted back-to-back 14-points and 10-rebound games earlier this week. He’s averaging just north of 22 minutes-per-game over his last five contests. Again, as you fight for a playoff berth or seeding, Dieng could be the difference maker.
Week 20 Schedule: @ATL, @BKN, @DAL & vs. ATL
Brandon Knight, PG/SG, Detroit Pistons - Owned in 3% of Yahoo and 2.5% of ESPN leagues
Since Reggie Jackson’s departure from the team, Knight has been playing back-up to Derrick Rose. In the past two weeks he’s seen over 20 minutes-per-game and due to recent stellar play, his court time has crept to nearly 22 minutes in the past week. He’s scored 15, 14 and 19 points over his last three games respectively. He does this while shooting rather well from three. He also adds in a few assists per game. If you’re looking for a spark in a deeper league, here’s your guy.
Week 20 Schedule: vs. OKC, vs. UTA & @NY