The key to winning your fantasy basketball league is not how well you draft, but the players you add off waivers. This is extremely important because securing hidden talent could replace those late-round selections that aren’t having the best season. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. Learn to think like a NERD! Check out the NBA Player Consistency Rankings to see how consistent, good or bad, players are, determined by stats, not hunches or anecdotal evidence!
Guards
Monte Morris, PG, Denver Nuggets
A reliable player for the Denver Nuggets for years now, Monte Marris has been key in filling the point guard duties while Jamal Murray recovers from a torn ACL. He’s been a consistent backup point guard for the team for years and a decent fantasy target even when Murray is playing. In his last 10 games, Morris has averaged 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and less than a turnover per game. His decision-making and solid efficiency make him a quality target off waivers. His role should stay consistent until there is any sign that Murray could be returning soon.
Gabe Vincent, PG, Miami Heat
Having a strong run earlier in the season, Gabe Vincent is still holding a decent role in the rotation with Kyle Lowry still missing games. Vincent has been one of many undrafted players that the Heat has been able to develop into legitimate rotation players for their roster. In his last 10 games, Vincent has averaged 12 points, four assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He’s also shooting 44 percent from three in those same games. His role during this stretch will be critical for his own fantasy value. He’s a decent pickup-off waivers until Lowry returns from injury.
Luke Kennard, SG, Los Angeles Clippers
With the Los Angeles Clippers lacking a legitimate number one scorer, Luke Kennard has had a great opportunity for a ton of offensive reps and he’s capitalized. He’s been a great volume scorer for the team after signing him to a decent extension. In his last 10 games, Kennard has averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. He’s also shooting over 43 percent from three in those same games. As long as Paul Georgecontinues to miss games while recovering from surgery, Kennard is expected to have a sizable role with the offense. He’s a decent contender for the sixth man of the year award.
Forwards
Royce O’Neale, SF/PF, Utah Jazz
With Joe Ingles now expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, Royce O’Neale is now expected to have a much bigger role with the offense of the Utah Jazz. Mainly known for his defensive presence, O’Neale doesn’t bring nearly as much skill when it comes to his offensive abilities. Athleticism and catch-and-shoot threes make up most of his game. In his last 10 games, O’Neale has averaged seven points, six rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He’s also shooting around 45 percent from beyond the arc. Those numbers could definitely see a small jump with the offensive game plan likely to change a bit.
Devin Vassell, SG/SF, San Antonio Spurs
A lottery pick last season, Devin Vassell has made a decent jump after being a project player for the San Antonio Spurs. Especially with DeMar DeRozan not with the team anymore, Vassell has seen an increase in minutes to show off his off-season improvement. Recently he’s been on one of the better stretches he’s had this season. In his last 10 games, Vassell has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. His percentages could use some improvement. But it is important to see that Popovich is trusting him in late-game situations to grow his confidence. He still has a ton of upside as a 21-year-old.
Isaiah Jackson, PF, Indiana Pacers
Rumors have been circulating for weeks now that either Domantas Sabonis or Myles Turner could be traded at the deadline. This would leave a massive opportunity for rookie Isaiah Jackson to earn significant minutes for the Indiana Pacers. With Sabonis currently dealing with an injury, Jackson has already seen some decent playing time. In his last game, he finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. He also finished with 12 points and three blocks in the game prior. He’s shown some promise and could be a valuable waiver wire pickup in a few weeks.
Centers
Bismack Biyombo, C, Phoenix Suns
After a decent run with the Charlotte Hornets, Bismack Biyombo signed a midseason deal with the Suns after their centers were dealing with COVID-19 related issues. Biyombo was so impressive in his run that the Suns chose to sign him for the rest of the season. And with DeAndre Ayton still out with an ankle injury, Biyombo has continued to put up solid games. In his last 10 games, he’s averaged 10 points, eight rebounds, and a block per game. He’s also shooting 60 percent from the field. He’s a solid option until Ayton is set to return but that’s currently unknown.
Mason Plumlee, C, Charlotte Hornets
After signing a massive deal with the Detroit Pistons, Mason Plumlee was moved to the Hornets for better use as they continue to push for playoff aspirations. Coming into the season, Plumlee was the only experienced center on the roster and was expected to receive a ton of minutes. That’s kept his fantasy stock consistent. In his last 10 games, Plumlee has averaged eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game while shooting above 70 percent from the field. He’s a reliable option off waivers.
Ethan Hartley 