As is the case in the NBA, superstars will always lead the way for championship teams in fantasy basketball leagues. However, just like in the actual game, role players can be key to helping turn a contender in to a championship team. While the majority of roster-worthy players are likely owned at this point in competitive leagues, there are at least a few underrated options that could turn out to be hidden gems. Here is a look at the top NBA waiver wire additions to consider this week.
PG: Mario Chalmers, Memphis Grizzlies
One capable point guard option that has emerged over the past couple of weeks is Chalmers, who has performed at a high level in place of the injured Mike Conley. Chalmers has averaged 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.0 steal over his last five games. Conley is out indefinitely and as long as Chalmers is in a starting role he should continue to produce. Chalmers might be the best option available on the waiver wire in your league this week.
PG: Kris Dunn, Chicago Bulls
It’s time to start believing. Look, Dunn has had a rough year in his basketball life. He couldn’t get going with the Minnesota Timberwolves and before he knew it, he was shipped off to Chicago to a completely different environment with a completely different roster. He’s struggled but this week, head coach Fred Hoiberg gave him a vote of confidence. Dunn responded in a big way, posting a career-high 24 points on Tuesday. He stuffed the statsheet, hitting 10-of-15 shots while collecting eight assists, four board, four steals, four threes and a block. The reality is that he’s not going to face Tyler Ulis and the Phoenix Suns every night. They have been particularly generous to point guards in terms of NBA fantasy. However, this is a really positive performance that a young player can build on. We’re expecting more outings like this given that the Bulls are in rebuild mode.
SG: Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers
Clarkson might never be a consistent top fantasy option but he has been a steady performer of late. Clarkson has averaged 13.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals while scoring at least 12 point in four of his last five games. Clarkson isn’t a top candidate ot put up massive scoring numbers but he is a capable depth option that is worth owning in fantasy basketball leagues in a week when the Lakers are set to play four games.
PF: John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
Collins put up a dud on Saturday with just four points. However, he had performed at a high level before that as he averaged 14.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and shot 74-percent from the field over his previous five games. Collins should continue to see substantial minutes and produce at an above average level for Atlanta. While the Hawks play only two games this week, it might be worth it to pick up Collins for the potential long-term boost that he could provide your club if you need help at the power forward position.
SF: Lance Stephenson, Indiana Pacers
In terms of capable injury replacements, Stephenson is up there for as long as Victor Oladipo continues to deal with a knee injury. Stephenson has averaged 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.0 three-point shots over his last two games while getting the opportunity at more touches with Oladipo out. While Stephenson’s stock improvement might be temporary, he is definitely worth owning in fantasy leagues if you need help at small forward this week.
C: John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks
Henson won’t blow anybody away with his production but he has been good enough of late that he is worth owning as a depth option in fantasy basketball leagues. Henson has averaged 10.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.0 block while holding down the starting center job in Milwaukee. While his long-term status as the starter isn’t a lock, Henson has proved he can be a capable depth center option in fantasy basketball leagues where there are limited options available on the waiver wire.
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.
