Whether it’s finding a short-term fix to plug a hole in your lineup or looking for a long-term solution at a specific position of need, the waiver wire can be key to your success in fantasy basketball leagues. We took the time to identify one player at each position that could provide a substantial boost to your fantasy basketball league squad. Here is a look at the best NBA waiver wire pickups for this week.
SG: Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Mitchell was inserted in to Utah’s starting lineup on Friday and he immediately responded with three productive games. After he scored 12 points including two three-point shots on Friday, Mitchell scored 26 points with three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a three-point shot on Saturday night. He posted another complete game on Monday when the Jazz lost at home to the Timberwolves, scoring 24 points while adding four rebounds, four assists, four steals and three threes in 35 minutes of action.
Mitchell has averaged 17.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 steals over his last 10 games. Those numbers are all on the rise should he continue to see 30+ minutes per game. When you look at what he offers to the position versus someone like Rod Hood, who is mostly a spot-up shooter, it’s clear that the Jazz need Mitchell to start and shine. He’s their best option at the position. Make sure you grab him now in your NBA fantasy league before somebody else does.
PG: Kris Dunn, Chicago Bulls
If you need help at the point guard position, Dunn might very well be the perfect fit for your fantasy basketball team. The young point guard has hit double-digit point totals in four of his last five games. Dunn has averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and a three-point shot over that stretch. He was supposed to be coming off the bench behind Jerian Grant right now but he’s going to get the start on Wednesday night at Oklahoma City. Dunn is a capable option that could see another boost in his production if he takes over a starting role.
SF: Jeff Green, Cleveland Cavaliers
We’ve seen the Cleveland Cavaliers talk about how they are still working on team chemistry and trying to sort out the lineup. That means there could be upside with Jeff Green. The veteran wing blew up for 27 points, five rebounds, three steals and two three-point shots on Thursday night. While he needs to become more consistent, Green has still averaged 11.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 0.8 three-point shots in the month of November. He followed up that big game with nine points on Saturday and six on Monday. The main difference is the minutes: he played 38 against Houston but has played 18 or less since. If he gets a regular dose of minutes, he’s worth an add.
PF: Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz
An injury to Rudy Gobert has opened the door for Favors to play more minutes. He definitely looked good on Saturday when he scored 24 points with 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. He followed that up with a more muted performance, picking up nine points and 10 rebounds along with a block and a steal in 27 minutes on Monday.
Favors has the potential to contribute at a very high level for the next four to six weeks while Gobert is out. The points might be here and there, but he rebounds well and offers reasonable blocks and steals. Make sure to scoop him up now before he is picked up by somebody else.
C: Aron Baynes, Boston Celtics
Baynes had 21 points and eight rebounds on Wednesday and then started again on Sunday for the Celtics. While his production hasn’t been consistent, Baynes has averaged 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in the month of November. He won’t exactly light it up for your fantasy team but his position in Boston’s starting lineup could be enough to warrant him a roster spot with the potential for some strong performances at least in the short term. This is more of a deep-league add but he’s someone to keep on your radar – especially if Al Horford misses anymore time.
The 2017-18 NBA is well underway. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
