If you haven’t found out by now, we give you the most accurate fantasy basketball waiver wire information out there. We’ve literally had one down week across 11 weeks thus far. We’re hitting on our targets left and right. Week 11 was no different. Nearly all of our targets had a fantastic week of basketball. Technically, Week 11 rolls through the All-Star weekend and into Week 12; for at least scoring purposes. Although teams won't resume action until Wednesday, we’ll still treat this as a normal waiver wire week.
Each week, Nate with We Know Fantasy will present his must target waiver waiver suggestions. There will be at least five players listed each week with an attempt to cover all eligible positions. The rule of thumb is for players suggested to be owned in less than 40-percent of Yahoo and/or ESPN leagues - give or take. One player will also be owned in less than 10-percent of Yahoo and/or ESPN leagues to cater to all types of leagues. Additionally, Nate will reference both points and category strengths of all suggestions.
Like previously mentioned, we had another great week. Josh Hart led the charge for us as he put in 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2 assists and even averaged a steal across the last seven days. Robert Williams didn’t play the minutes we would ideally like to see but he did average just shy of 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. For category leagues, he was great over the last seven days. Jalen Brunson had a monster week averaging 17.5 points in over 31 minutes on the court. The 6-foot-1 guard also averaged six boards to go along with 3.5 assists. Malik Monk did what he does best, get buckets. He averaged 19.3 points. Theo Maldeon got the minutes but averaged just nine points, five rebounds and three assists. Derrick Jones Jr. rounded out our Week 11 suggestions.
Week 11 Results
Josh Hart, SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans - 33 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2 APG & 1 SPG
Robert Williams, C, Boston Celtics - 21 MPG, 9.7 PPG, 7 RPG & 2 BPG
Jalen Brunson, PG, Dallas Mavericks - 31 MPG, 17.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.5 APG & 1.5 SPG
Malik Monk, SG, Charlotte Hornets - 28 MPG, 19.3 PPG, 3 RPG & 2.7 APG
Theo Maldeon, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder - 30 MPG, 9 PPG, 5 RPG & 3 APG
Derrick Jones Jr., SG/SF, Portland Trailblazers - 24 MPG, 6.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG & 1 BPG
Week 12 Suggestions
Jalen Brunson, PG, Dallas Mavericks - Owned in 34% of Yahoo and 29.4% of ESPN leagues
Week 12 Schedule: vs. SA, @OKC & @DEN
If Jalen Brunson is still available in your leagues, you need to find better competition or become a better manager in your own right. Brunson has taken a huge stride in the last few weeks in taking his already great season to the next level. In his last nine games, he currently is averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 threes, and 0.8 steals in 28.4 minutes on impressive splits. This is probably your last chance to scoop him as many managers are currently sitting ideal through the All-Star break. Don’t miss out on Brunson for the second half of the season!
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies - Owned in 46% of Yahoo and 46.7% of ESPN leagues
Week 12 Schedule: vs. WAS, vs. DEN & @OKC
I know I talk about how I want to keep ownership under 40-percent for this series, but Brooks is to good of a get to not include here. He’s returned to the Grizzlies starting lineup and is playing some good basketball. Let’s not forget that he started every single game he played a year ago (73.) He is currently playing 30-plus minutes-per-game. Dating back to Feb. 8, or 11 games ago, Brooks has been averaging 17 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals, while also pouring in two three-pointers a game. Like Brunson, Brooks is too good of a player to miss out on at this point of the fantasy season.
Bruce Brown, SG, Brooklyn Nets - Owned in 28% of Yahoo and 30.1% of ESPN leagues
Week 12 Schedule: vs. BOS & vs. DEN
Who knows how much longer Brown’s value will remain as the Nets are expected to add a handful of pieces via waivers and buyouts. The most recent is the expected arrival of former All-Pro Blake Griffin. Although Griffin won’t interfere with Brown’s minutes, another addition or two will. Anyhow, Brown is hot as of late and needs to be ridden. Brown has scored at least 12 points in six straight games now and has value on this Nets’ team as the team’s best point-of-attack defender. We’ll see where the value goes over the upcoming weeks, but for now, he’s a must add.
Royce O’Neal, SF/PF, Utah Jazz - Owned in 33% of Yahoo and 22.7% of ESPN leagues
Week 12 Schedule: vs. HOU & @GS
If you’re looking for a steady fantasy option, this is your guy. Right in front of you is a full-time starter that is two positions eligible. He’s currently putting in career highs across the board - 7.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.7 threes, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 32.8 minutes-per-game. At the half-way point of the season, the Jazz are the league’s best team. Here’s your chance to get someone playing 30-plus minutes on that squad.
Cody Zeller, C, Charlotte Hornets - Owned in 20% of Yahoo and 15.1% of ESPN leagues
Week 12 Schedule: vs. DET & vs. TOR
Zeller was once my top suggestion on this series a few weeks back. He’s seen a drastic decline in ownership as he has missed the last four games with a bruised hip. He may return to the Hornets’ lineup on Thursday against the Pistons. He’s currently playing to the tune of 9.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 23.4 minutes-per-game. Keep an eye on his situation however. The Hornets may be in the market to add a center prior to the deadline, which could really interfere with Zellers’ fantasy value. If the team remains with Zeller, he’ll be a great contributor for your team for the rest of the season.
Jordan Poole, SG, Golden State Warriors - Owned in 0% of Yahoo and 0.5% of ESPN leagues
Week 12 Schedule: @LAC & vs. UTA
Jordan Poole had a surprise night on Thursday as he went for 26 points against the Suns. After the game, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr said that Poole 'definitely’ earned himself some minutes in the Warriors’ rotation. I’m not sure at this point what those minutes may equate to, but with Steph Curry carrying this team without much offensive help, they need to try something. Poole leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive side of the ball, but he gives the team a spark offensively. As our Week 12 suggestion for players owned in less than 10-percent of leagues, I think Poole is a great add.