Your draft is over, and your team is set, but the real game begins on the waiver wire. Savvy fantasy managers know that championships aren’t won in the draft; they’re won on the waiver wire. Every week brings new opportunities to find hidden gems and breakout stars, and I’m here to guide you through the chaos.
We’ll look at players that you should consider picking up who are rostered in four different rostership tiers:
- 50-60%
- 30-49%
- 15-29%
- 0-14%.
What’s more, we’ll give you a breakdown of how many games each team has for the upcoming week so that you can maximize the minutes of your streamers. Without further ado, let’s fire up those laptops and dissect the waiver wire.
Let’s get to it without further delay, starting with the game schedule for next week.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 1
Five games:
N/A
Four games:
ATL, BOS, CHI, CLE, DET, HOU, IND, LAL, MEM, MIL, ORL, PHO, POR, TOR
Three games:
BKN, CHA, DAL, DEN, GSW, LAC, MIA, MIN, NOP, NYK, OKC, PHI, SAC, SAS, UTH, WAS
Two games:
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
While LeVert may not be the flashiest name on the waiver wire, he’s a solid veteran with a well-rounded skill set and a clear path to minutes. Last season, LeVert averaged a respectable 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals as the Cavaliers’ sixth man. With Cleveland’s roster largely unchanged, expect more of the same this year.
LeVert will once again be the engine of the second unit, and with questions surrounding the Cavaliers’ backup point guard situation, he could see an increased role as a playmaker. Furthermore, Max Strus’ sprained ankle opens up even more opportunities for LeVert. He could very well find himself in the starting lineup, and even if he doesn’t, he’s sure to see a bump in minutes and usage.
Avdija is a rising star who is fresh off a breakout season with the Wizards, where he averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in over 30 minutes per game. He finished sixth in Most Improved Player voting, showcasing his all-around game and impressive development. Now in Portland, Avdija joins a young and exciting core.
Avdija’s versatility is a major asset for fantasy managers. He contributes across the board, stuffing the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists and even some defensive stats. With a projected role as a key starter for the Blazers, Avdija is poised to replicate his impressive production from last season. In head-to-head, each category leagues, he’s a particularly valuable asset, offering a well-rounded stat profile that can help you win in multiple categories.
Rostered in 30-40% of Leagues
Oubre Jr. quietly put together a solid season with the 76ers last year, exceeding expectations and earning himself a new contract in the process. After starting the year as a reserve, Oubre Jr. fought his way into the starting lineup, showcasing his scoring prowess and athleticism. He averaged 15.4 points, 5 rebounds per game and 1.1 steals per game, proving to be a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor.
Now, with Paul George potentially sidelined to start the season due to a hyperextended knee, Oubre Jr.’s role is set to expand even further. He’ll likely see a boost in minutes and usage, giving him the opportunity to truly shine.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
If it’s rebounds you crave, look no further than Drummond. This veteran big man has been a walking double-double for years, and he’s landed in a prime spot to continue that trend. Last season with the Bulls, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9 rebounds in just 17.1 minutes per game. Now in Philadelphia, he’s set to play a crucial role behind Joel Embiid.
Embiid recently admitted he may never play back-to-backs again due to his ongoing knee issues, which causes Drummond’s value to skyrocket. Drummond is no longer just a handcuff; he’s a potential weekly starter in your fantasy lineup. Expect Drummond to feast on the boards whenever Embiid sits, and he could even see some minutes alongside the MVP in certain situations.
After a promising rookie campaign, George is ready to take the reins of the Jazz offense and showcase his electrifying skillset. He’s coming off a strong preseason performance, where he silenced any doubts about a minor knee sprain by dropping 24 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists in his final game.
With Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson healthy, George will be battling for minutes, but he’s projected to start alongside Sexton in the backcourt. This pushes Clarkson to a sixth-man role, which could actually benefit the Jazz by providing a scoring punch off the bench. George has the potential to be a dynamic scorer and playmaker, and with increased opportunity, he could be a fantasy revelation. He still needs to improve his efficiency and defense, but the talent and opportunity are there for a big leap forward.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
This sharpshooting sophomore is ready to take a leap. After a solid rookie season, Dick has come out firing this preseason, averaging 15 points, 2.4 threes and 4 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game. The Raptors seem to have found their starting shooting guard, and for good reason. Dick’s ability to knock down threes is crucial for a Toronto lineup that features slashers and playmakers like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. By stretching the floor with his shooting, Dick creates driving lanes for his teammates and prevents defenses from collapsing on the paint. This opens up the entire offense, making the Raptors more dynamic and difficult to defend.
While he showed flashes of his potential last year, Dick appears poised for a breakout season. With Barrett’s status for the season opener uncertain due to a shoulder injury, Dick could see even more usage early on. If you’re already dealing with the injury bug, don’t hesitate to scoop him up, this kid has the potential to be a fantasy steal.
Kawhi Leonard’s unfortunate knee injury throws the Clippers’ rotation into flux, and Terance Mann is poised to be a major beneficiary. With Leonard sidelined indefinitely, Mann has a real shot at cracking the starting lineup and seeing a significant increase in minutes. Last season, he averaged 25 minutes per game, but that number could easily jump to 30 with Leonard out of the picture.
Mann is a versatile player who can contribute across the board. He’s a capable scorer, a willing passer and a solid defender. While he might not possess the same fantasy upside as Grady Dick, Mann’s all-around game and increased opportunity make him a valuable waiver wire target if you’re looking for a Leonard replacement.
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