It’s a new year but the same rules still apply in NBA fantasy leagues with an emphasis on scouting the waiver wire and picking up the best fits to provide a boost to your lineup. This week’s schedule offers several intriguing options led by an underrated option at the point guard position that should enjoy a production boost based on the fact that the Utah Jazz will have such a busy schedule over the next seven days. Here is a look at the top NBA fantasy waiver wire options for this week.
PG: Shelvin Mack, Utah Jazz
The Jazz are set to play five games over seven days this week and that makes Mack that much more interesting of a waiver wire option. The sixth-year point guard has averaged 8.4 points, 3.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 23.6 minutes per game over his last 10 contests and the condensed schedule could lead to more playing time as Utah looks to spread out its minutes. Mack is capable of putting up decent numbers across the board and the fact that the Jazz play five games makes Mack a strong waiver wire option.
SG: Josh Richardson, Miami Heat
Miami plays four games this week and considering Richardson’s recent production he should be an outstanding waiver wire option this week. Richardson has averaged 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 three-point shots over his last three games while shooting 53-percent from the field. The young shooting guard is finally starting to tap in to his potential so make sure you grab him before he is picked up by another GM in your league.
SF: Tyreke Evans, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans only play three games this week but Evans is producing at a high enough level right now that he is definitely worth investing in. Evans has averaged 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 three-point shots per game over his last two games and if he can stay healthy and continue to produce he is bound to get more playing time. New Orleans needs Evans to be a consistent contributor at the offensive end of the floor so it makes sense to grab him now while he is still available in just over 50-percent of fantasy basketball leagues.
PF: Thomas Robinson, Los Angeles Lakers
Stop us if you’re heard this one before: Robinson has some value in NBA fantasy. The former Kansas Jayhawk has bounced around the NBA looking for jobs and he seems to flash ability from time to time. Now he’s again in one of those positions and you might want to grab him if he’s on the waiver wire in your NBA fantasy league.
Injuries to Tarik Black and Larry Nance have opened the door for Robinson to play more minutes and he has delivered sneaky good production for a waiver wire option at the power forward position. Robinson has averaged just 7.4 points over his last five games but he has also averaged 9.0 rebounds, which makes him worth picking up if you need help in that category specifically. Robinson’s window will only remain open for as long as Black and Nance are injured but if you need help at power forward then he could be an option to help out in points and rebounds categories.
C: Cody Zeller, Charlotte Hornets
Zeller’s value is intriguing both in the short and the long term as he has really come on strong of late with 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game over his last five contests. The Hornets are relying on Zeller to step up and be their top big man ahead of Frank Kaminsky and his production at both ends of the floor has made him fantasy relevant. Charlotte also plays four games this week so Zeller should be a strong option at the center position this week.
The Hornets continue to be a top team in the Eastern Conference (although, that’s not saying a whole lot) as they are currently in fourth place in the standings. At 19-16, though, they are just three wins ahead of the ninth-place Washington Wizards, which gives you an indication of how tight the races are.
Bet on all of the big games this week at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
