We have our first week of the Waiver Wire Wishlist Fantasy Basketball results in the books. We had some general success across the first full scoring week. Only one of our suggestions was an actual disappointment. With just under two weeks of the season under our belts, rotations are starting to become more clear. Let’s see what Week 3 has in store for us.
I made the mistake of not entering a fantasy basketball league on ESPN, so I won’t have ownership numbers for there, but when it comes to basketball, the ownership between Yahoo and ESPN are very similar. With that being said, I will tend to stay under the 40-percent owned mark on Yahoo for my waiver wire suggestions this season. You can find out how our previous week went below and see the results of the entire season at the end of this article. I will suggest at least five players each week which will cover every position (PG, SG, SF, PF and C.) My suggestions too will revolve around both points and categories leagues. Also please note that position eligibility is not the same between Yahoo and ESPN so that will differ as well. Additionally, I will suggest at least one player owned in less than 10-percent of leagues to cater to all league shapes and sizes.
Cam Reddish was our top suggestion a week ago and he did not disappoint. He averaged 14 points over the last seven days while playing over 24 minutes-per-game. Monte Morris has shaken off his slow start to the season and is playing just shy of 30 minutes-per-game, averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 assists-per-game. Precious Achiuwa was our only disappointment of the week averaging just six points and six rebounds while seeing just over 20 minutes of court time. LaMarcus Aldridge is playing just over 20 minutes-per-game but is making the most of it with 14.3 points and 4.7 rebounds-per-game. Damion Lee is scoring a ton of threes, averaging four per game while averaging 17 points and 4.5 rebounds while playing just shy of 30 minutes-per-game.
Week 2 Results (Last 7 Days)
Cam Reddish, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks - 24:3 MPG, 14 PPG, 1.8 3PM, 2.5 RPG & 1.3 SPG
Monte Morris, PG, Denver Nuggets - 29:15 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 1.3 3PM & 4.5 APG
Precious Achiuwa, SF/PF, Toronto Raptors - 20:3 MPG, 6 PPG, 6 RPG & 0.5 BPG
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF/C, Brooklyn Nets - 20:19 MPG, 14.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG & 0.7 BPG
Damion Lee, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors - 29:3 MPG, 17 PPG, 4 3PM & 4.5 RPG
Week 3 Suggestions
Shake Milton, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers - Owned in 13% of Yahoo leagues
Week 3 Matchups: vs. POR, vs. CHI, @DET & @CHI
As the 76ers continue to move forward without Ben Simmons, the likes of Tyrese Maxey have been the early play to take his workload. However, Shake Milton has recently returned from an ankle injury and will help with post-Simmons life in Philly. Milton has averaged just 18.3 minutes-per-game since his return from injury but with his first few games on the season under his belt, his floor time will continue to rise. Get him now, especially if you missed out on Maxey.
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks - Owned in 31% of Yahoo leagues
Week 3 Matchups: vs. MIA, @SAS & vs. BOS
Jalen Brunson is turning into one of the most productive players on the Mavericks’ roster. Last week, against the Rockets, he had a big 11 point and 11 assists double-double. He followed that up with a 19 point performance. His two outings since have not been impressive but he is playing over 25 minutes-per-game on the season as the Mavs’ sixth man. Brunson was a player featured in this series many times last year.
Josh Hart, SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans - Owned in 31% of Yahoo leagues
Week 3 Matchups: @PHX, @SAC & @GSW
Josh Hart has returned from a four game absence and was almost immediately asked to take over a big role with Brandon Ingram missing time with a hip injury. On Saturday against the Knicks he went for 16 points and eight rebounds. Ingram is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game with the Suns. If Ingram is to miss anytime, Hart will be the next man up. Even with Ingram in the lineup, Hart is still a big part of the Pelicans’ rotation when healthy.
Serge Ibaka, PF/C, Los Angeles Clippers - Owned in 9% of Yahoo leagues
Week 3 Matchups: vs. OKC, @MIN, @MIN vs. CHA
Serge Ibaka is still on the IR, but his return is near. There was a chance he could have returned Monday against the Thunder, but did not. His next chance to make his season debut is Wednesday against the Timberwolves. This Clippers’ team is pretty bad and there isn’t much in terms of offense outside of Paul George. Ibaka could be asked to help the offense right out of the gate. We know what the veteran big man can do defensively and on the glass, but once you add the chance to be an offensive focal point, this could be an early season steal!
Jarred Vanderbilt, PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves - 10% of Yahoo leagues
Week 3 Matchups: vs. ORL, vs. LAC & vs. LAC
Vanderbilt has been a rebounding machine. When given his first start of the season a week ago against the Bucks, he grabbed 13 rebounds. Vanderbilt should be the Timberwolves’ starting power forward and front court running mate with Karl Anthony-Towns for the foreseeable future. As long as he continues to get starts and is rebounding the way he is, he’s going to turn into a fantasy gem.