I’m not sure how many times I can tell you this, but this is the best place to find fantasy basketball waiver wire advice on the entire internet. We don’t miss; just ignore Bruce Brown’s last week stat line below. There’s only about a month left in the fantasy basketball regular season and the playoffs are starting to shape up. Don’t slack off at this point, seeding and getting into the playoffs itself are on the line.
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.
Jalen Brunson led the way for us last week as he continued his impressive season with a 15.3 point week. Dillion Brooks tallied just shy of 30 minutes-per-game and poured in 15 points. Brown laid an egg. We thought much more of him as this powerhouse Nets team continued to add pieces. Royce O’Neal averaged a double-double on the week with ten points and 11 rebounds. Cody Zeller snatched seven rebounds and put in 12.5 points as Jordan Poole of the Warriors continued to impress with his playing time with 14 points on the week.
Week 12 Results
Jalen Brunson, PG, Dallas Mavericks - 27 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 3.3 APG & 0.7 SPG
Dillion Brooks, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies - 29:3 MPG, 15 PPG, 2.5 RPG & 0.5 SPG
Bruce Brown, SG, Brooklyn Nets - 18 MPG, 3.5 PPG, 2 RBG & 1.5 APG
Royce O’Neal, SF/PF, Utah Jazz - 30 MPG, 10 PPG, 11 RPG & 2 SPG
Cody Zeller, C, Charlotte Hornets - 24:3 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 7 RPG & 1 SPG
Jordan Poole, SG, Golden State Warriors - 20 MPG, 14 PPG, 4 APG & 3 RPG
Week 13 Suggestions
Hamidou Diallo, SG, Detroit Pistons - Owned in 20% of Yahoo and 9.7% of ESPN leagues
Week 13 Matchups: vs. SA, vs. Tor, @HOU & vs. CHI
Diallo, formerly of the Thunder, is a piece on this young Detroit Pistons’ team that coach Dwayne Casey is super high on. He’s viewed as a defensive specialist so he will see his time on the floor due to that. He’s yet to suit up for the Pistons due to a groin injury, but when he does, we can expect big things out of Diallo, who the Pistons view as a piece for their future. He does lack some ideal offensive traits but with the playing time him he’ll see on the Pistons, it’s worth the shot.
Jalen Brunson, PG, Dallas Mavericks - Owned in 31% of Yahoo and 24.8% of ESPN leagues
Week 13 Matchups: vs. LAC, vs. LAC, @POR & @POR
Here we go again. Why aren’t you guys listening to me yet? Brunson had a great start to the season and has since turned that up a notch. If you want to get statistical with things, he’s tied with Steph Curry in true shooting percentage. Since Feb. 1st, he’s averaging 14-plus points on 55-percent shooting. Yes, you read that correctly - 55-percent shooting. I don’t think there’s much more to say at this point, if you don’t add Brunson, it’s on you.
Dwight Howard, C, Philadelphia 76ers - Owned in 27% of Yahoo and 19.1% of ESPN leagues
Week 13 Matchups: vs. NY, vs. MIL, vs. SAC & @NY
Joel Embiid did not suffer structural damage during that scary injury he sustained against the Wizards, but is expected to miss at least two weeks. This sees Dwight Howard enter the starting lineup for the East leading 76ers. In a previous game where Embiid was absent due to the health and safety protocol, Howard put up a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. He even added two blocks. In the short term as you battle for a playoff position, Howard is a must roster in my opinion.
Royce O’Neale, SF/PF, Utah Jazz - Owned in 33% of Yahoo and 24.4% of ESPN leagues
Week 13 Matchups: @BOS, @WAS & @TOR
Like Jalen Brunson, Royce O’Neale is a repeat from last week and that’s for a good reason. Not sure what else this guy needs to do to get over that 40-percent owned mark. He averaged a double-double over the last seven days with ten points and 11 rebounds. He added two steals while doing so. This isn’t a short term option as he has been playing in the starting role all season long for the West leading Jazz. Don’t let O’Neale slide past you again for a second straight week.
Rudy Gay, PF, San Antonio Spurs - Owned in 24% of Yahoo and 17% of ESPN leagues
Week 13 Matchups: @DET, @CHI, @CLE & @MIL
You read that right, 34-year-old Rudy Gay makes this list. There’s no doubt about it that LaMarcus Aldridge is on his way out of San Antonio. Gay has been benefiting from Aldridge on the sideline and when Aldridge is to moved, he would get a permanent boost. He recently had a 19 point performance against the Magic fresh off the All-Star break. Don’t expect numbers like this for the rest of the season but expect some rosterable production.
Isaiah Roby, PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder - Owned in 9% of Yahoo and 7% of ESPN leagues
Week 13 Matchups: @CHI, @ATL & @HOU
Like Gay, Isaiah Roby is the benefactor if the starter in front of him - Al Horford - is to be moved prior to the trade deadline, which all things point towards. I’m a big Roby fan and have rostered him in my big money league for some time now. Roby’s current per-36 minutes line sits at 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists with a steal and a block. You’re getting this right now for essentially free as he is owned in less than 10-percent of leagues across both formats. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.