Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 18

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! 

Guards

Cam Thomas, SG, Brooklyn Nets
One of the most underrated freshmen in college basketball last year, Cam Thomas slid to the 27th overall pick for his lack of defensive ability and lack of efficiency offensively. Nonetheless, his scoring has carried over into the pros, giving Brooklyn a much-needed scoring option with Kevin Durant and James Harden out. In his last 10 games, Thomas has averaged 15 points and three rebounds per game. He’s also improved from three compared to his season average at 27 percent. He’s hit 35 percent of his attempts over the same games. He’s a great option while the team continues to recover. 

Coby White, PG, Chicago Bulls
Once a lottery pick for the Chicago Bulls, Coby White has found a specialized role with the team as a scoring sixth man. He’s been more important now with Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball dealing with long-term injuries. In his last 10 games, White has averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. He’s also improved a ton in his shooting percentages, hitting 44 percent from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc. One of the biggest flaws in his first two seasons was his shooting percentages so even if White becomes a permanent sixth man, he’s still worth picking up in most formats. 

Tre Mann, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Selected with the 18th overall pick last summer, Tre Mann has shown some solid promise for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mann carries a lot of length which converts to being a lethal attacker in the paint. He’s also proved to be a decent shooter as well. he recently finished with 30 points and two steals against the New York Knicks. He’s a solid complementary player alongside Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort as another dynamic scorer.

Forwards

Darius Bazley, SF/PF, Oklahoma City Thunder
After choosing to skip college, Darius Bazley is still trying to prove why that’s a better path to the pros. He continues to show slow growth every season since being drafted. This season has been one of Bazley’s best defensively, becoming a reliable forward on both ends of the floor. In his last 10 games, Bazley has averaged 13 points, eight rebounds, 1.2 steals, and a block per game. He’s also shot 43 percent from beyond the arc during those same games. 

Justice Winslow, SF, Portland Trail Blazers
After being in a fairly lopsided trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, Justice Winslow has actually shown some promise in his first four games with the Blazers. In those four games, he’s averaging 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and nearly two steals per game. He’s also shooting a decent 47 percent from the field, an improvement nonetheless from his time with the Clippers. He still has to prove he can be a consistent producer for the tea, but he’s showing early promise for a rebuilding Blazers team. 

Johnathan Kuminga, SF/PF, Golden State Warriors
Being one of the first players to play for the G-League Ignite team, Johnathan Kuminga has shown some solid skill when playing significant minutes for an already loaded Golden State Warriors team. He’s already shown to be very promising for the future if they were to shuffle some players around in the offseason. In his last 10 games, Kuminga has averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and is shooting 57 percent from the field. And despite the loaded frontcourt, he’s already showing he can be reliable for deeper formatted fantasy leagues. 

Centers

Steven Adams, C, Memphis Grizzlies
After being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans, Steven Adams has been a staple veteran for the Memphis Grizzlies who have made a major jump this season. He’s been a reliable center who doesn’t need a ton of touches, giving more for Ja Morant and Desmon Bane. In his last 10 games, Adams has averaged eight points, 11 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and nearly four assists per game. His passing out of the post has been an underrated aspect of his success this season. He’s a create consistent center off the waivers who generally stays healthy throughout the season. 

JaVale McGee, C, Phoenix Suns
After missing a few games earlier this season, JaVale McGee hasn’t missed a step in proving a critical backup center role for the Phoenix Suns. In only about 16 minutes per game over his 10 games, McGee has been able to average an impressive 10 points, seven rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 65 percent from the field. He’s proved to be even more dangerous when DeAndre Ayton misses games. He’s a perfect unpopular pick off waivers because of his simplistic playstyle and little minutes compared to other players. Yet, he is still able to produce better than some starters per 36 minutes.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 17

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

Ayo Dosunmu, SG/PG, Chicago Bulls
With the Chicago Bulls dealing with multiple injuries to their backcourt, rookie Ayo Dosunmu has been given an early opportunity to show off his game in the pros. Dosunmu has actually been quite impressive and has already shown he’s ahead of the curve. In his last 10 games, he’s averaged 11 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and a steal per game. He’s also averaged less than two turnovers during that stretch, adding another element to his elite passing skill. He still has a ton of upside as a rookie while the Bulls recover. 

Patty Mills, PG, Brooklyn Nets
After spending 10 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Patty Mills now joins the hopeful contenders in the Brooklyn Nets as an important supporting player. He’s also been able to keep a solid role with Kyrie Irving only being able to play road games and James Harden constantly dealing with injuries. In his last 10 games, Mills has averaged 16 points, two assists, and a steal per game. He’s also been shooting a tremendous 44 percent from beyond the arc. His role should stay consistent based on the history with Brooklyn’s big three, giving Mills great value for the rest of the season.

Davion Mitchell, PG, Sacramento Kings
A questionable draft selection with an already loaded backcourt, Davion Mitchell has been able to carve out a role for himself while De’Aaron Fox deals with an injury. Mitchell has been able to show off his defensive ability that earned the ninth overall selection at Baylor. In his last 10 games, Mitchell has averaged 16 points, five assists, and a steal per game. He’s also shooting right around the league average of 37 percent from the beyond the arc. His fantasy value is limited once Fox returns, but there have been rumors of Fox wanting out. This could drastically improve Mitchell’s outlook for the rest of the season. 

De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Improving every single season since coming into the league, De’Anthony Melton has worked his way into becoming an important bench piece for the rising Memphis Grizzlies. He’s played a solid role in their ascend to now being a contending team in the Western Conference. In his last 10 games, Melton has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He’s also shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc. He’s also only averaging around 22 minutes a game but still finding ways to be productive. He’s a consistent and reliable player off the waivers. 

Forwards

Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Being on this column multiple, Jarred Vanderbilt has yet to give any reason why he isn’t a weekly candidate for the waiver wire report. He continues to be a productive defensive anchor for the Timberwolves and has been a big reason for their improvement this season. In his last 10 games, Vanderbilt has averaged nine points, eight rebounds, and two steals a game. He’s also shooting 60 percent from the field as well. He’s been very effective with his simplified playstyle. Vanderbilt is still only 22 despite already in his third season and still has plenty of room to grow. 

Reggie Bullock, SF/SG, Dallas Mavericks
A free-agent signing to add more shooting around Luka Doncic, Reggie Bullock has actually had a down season with the Mavericks. But with Tim Hrdaway Jr. out for a few weeks, Bullock has stepped up in a massive way. In his last 10 games, Bullock has averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s also been shooting 43 percent from three which is much higher than his 35 percent average on the season. He’s been averaging as high as 19 points in his last six games. He’s heating up quick, making Bullock a must-grab off waivers. 

Javonte Green, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls
In a similar situation with Ayo Dosunmu, Javonte Green has been asked to fill some big shoes while the Bulls recover from injuries to multiple players in their backcourt. In his last eight games, Green has averaged 12 points, four rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. He’s also been shooting an effective 61 percent from the field. Green is better known for his defensive ability. But it is tough to gauge his fantasy value once the entire roster is healthy. For now, he’s a great pickup in defensive-heavy leagues. 

Centers

Jaxson Hayes, C, New Orleans Pelicans
Even with Jonas Valanciunas being a highly productive and consistent center on the roster, Jaxson Hayes has been able to find an effective role off the bench for the New Orleans Pelicans. In his last 10 games, Hayes has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and nearly a block per game in only about 22 minutes per game. He’s also shooting an extremely effective 74 percent from the field, giving him great fantasy value off the waiver. It is tough to gauge his value across the rest of the season as a backup center but it’s worth picking him up while he’s hot.

UFC 271 Predictions

The UFC returns in a quick fashion after an electric PPV to kick off 2022 in January. They to return to the popular destination of Houston, Texas where another exciting rematch will be put on display and a hopeful hometown legend looking to give his city the performance they truly deserve. Nonetheless, the prelims are filled with a ton of exciting matchups. Casey O’Neill is a soring prospect in the women’s Flyweight division and a win over Roxanne Modafferi, who has 45 professional bouts coming in, could make her one of the best prospects in the UFC right now. William Knight also looks to raise his stock against veteran Maxim Grishin. Finally, future hall of fame Andre Arlovski returns for his 53rd professional bout and his 36th in the UFC. Carl Ulberg and Fabio Cherant are two of the better prospects at Light Heavyweight and that should be an exciting fight to kick off the prelims. Nonetheless, let’s dive into a very exciting main card and my picks for the event.

Previous Prediction Record: 30-17

BOBBY GREEN VS. NASRAT HAQPARAST

To kick off the main card, Nasrat Haqparast returns, after a loss to Dan Hooker at UFC 266, to hopefully realign himself as a talented prospect in one of the more stacked divisions in the promotion. He faces against Bobby Green who is 2-2 in his last four but coming off of a first-round finish against Al Iaquinta in November of 2021. But when facing elite prospects such as Rafael Fiziev and Tiago Moises, Green has been shown to struggle with technical skill and more of a reckless style of fighting. While this may be much more entertaining for casual fans, it isn’t entirely a winning formula unless your name is Conor McGregor. With a lot more motivation from Haqparast, I expect him to put on one of his better performances with powerful striking and great mechanics.

Official Prediction: Haqparast by Unanimous Decision

ALEXANDER HERNANDEZ VS. RENATO MOICANO

With some movement on the card, Alexander Hernandez and Renato Moicano are now expected to square off on the main card in a closely contested matchup between two fighters who have had their fair share in the promotion. Hernandez has failed to have a winning streak of more than two since 2018 when he first joined the UFC. But he has earned his fair share of finishes including Chris Gruetzemacher and his most recent one against Mike Breeden. On the other hand, Moicano is a slick submission specialist who is currently coming off of a win in June against Jai Herbert. The American Top Team prospect has yet to show legitimacy in the striking department, as he’s been knocked out three times. That could prove trouble against Hernandez who specializes in putting faces to the canvas. Unless he can miraculously avoid big shots from Hernandez, I expect Alexander the Great to earn another finish to his resume.

Official Prediction: Hernandez by KO/TKO

JARED CANNONIER VS. DEREK BRUNSON

Likely a number one contender fight at middleweight, Derek Brunson vs. Jared Cannonier brings an interesting battle of wrestling vs. striking. Derek Brunson, a 20-fight UFC veteran, has shown massive improvement in his timing and technique that has helped him on a five-fight winning streak including wins over Kevin Holland and Darren Till. On the other hand, Jared Cannonier has shown only improvement since moving down from heavyweight. His volume and awareness have been hard to handle for anyone in the division. He showed phenomenal takedown defense against Kelvin Gastelum, defending all eight attempts. The biggest question is how’ll that carry over against Brunson who is has made the improvements? I think Cannonier has the ability to force this fight to stay standing with defense being a known focus in his training camp. I expect him to earn a title unless Whittaker is able to force a trilogy.

Official Prediction: Cannonier by KO/TKO

DERRICK LEWIS VS. TAI TUIVASA

Tai Tuivasa has been one of the fasting rising stars in the UFC with his booming finishes topped off by a shoey on the fence of the octagon after every victory. He’s on a four-fight knockout streak with all but one coming in the first round. He’s earned his spot at the co-main event and the No. 11 beside his name. At only 28 years old, he’ll be around as a ranked fighter for a long time in the heavyweight division. However, He is taking a massive leap challenging the Black Beast who stands as the second-ranked fighter in the division. Derrick Lewis is an absolute wrecking ball and has been doing the kind of damage Tuivasa has done for much longer. He’s ruined fighters with just one punch and his right hand is one of the strongest. Even after his loss to Ciryl Gane, Lewis proved he never lost a step when he finished Chris Daukaus in another first-round finish. Not to mention this fight is in Houston, and Lewis knows he owes the fans a much better performance after a lackluster one at UFC 265. Expect a barnburner for Lewis to remain a top contender at heavyweight.

Official Prediction: Lewis by KO/TKO

ISRAEL ADESANYA VS. ROBERT WHITTAKER

Israel Adesanya has been the king in the middleweight division since winning the belt against Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 and has raised to high to being one of the faces of the promotion along with Kamaru Usman and Conor McGregor. He has put on flawless performances in his title defenses including a phenomenal striking performance against Paulo Costa, walking away basically untouched after picking him apart the entire fight. He’s also shown a ton of improvement with his defensive wrestling, defending 10 takedowns against Marvin Vettori in his most recent fight. But Robert Whittaker has also put on flawless performances of his own since the loss to Adesanya. He’s done it against some of the divisions best, handling Darren Till, Kelvin Gastelum, and Jared Cannonier all with ease. Whittaker claims that a winning formula for Adesanya was shown when Izzy fought Jan Blachowicz. But I think Adesanya has far improved in the wrestling department. I wouldn’t be surprised this fight stays standing and The Last Stylebender earns another title defense with his beautiful precision striking.

Official Prediction: Adesanya by Unanimous Decision

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 16

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.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 15

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

Justin Holiday, SG/SF, Indiana Pacers
An eight-year veteran, Justin Holiday is a proven 3 and D wing player for any team he plays for. His best seasons have come with the Indiana Pacers the last handful of years. Even with constant injuries to the Pacers, Holiday has still proven to be consistent and a decent option off waivers. In his last 10 games, Holiday has averaged 13 points while shooting nearly 40 percent from deep. He could be trade bait in the future if the Pacers choose to tank at the trade deadline. But his role should stay consistent with whatever team he plays for next. 

Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Chicago Bulls
With Lonzo Ball expected to miss multiple weeks after undergoing knee surgery, Ayo Dosunmu is one of Chicago’s many options to fill his role. A first-round rookie, Dosunmu has become a critical player off the bench when the Bulls are fully healthy. In his last 10 games, Dosunmu has averaged 11 points, four assists, and a steal per game. But he’s averaged almost 14 points since moving into the starting lineup. He’s continued to be elite from beyond the arc, hitting 50 percent from three in the starting lineup. Dosunmu is turning into a quality steal in the draft after an excellent college career at Illinois. 

Chris Duarte, SG, Indiana Pacers
Late lottery pick of this year, Oregon’s Chris Duarte has been a pleasant surprise this season. After a hot start, he slowly cooled off his production but has picked it back up since coming back from injury. In the last five games, Duarte has averaged 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals a game. He’s also been lethal from deep, hitting nearly 40 percent of his three-point attempts. Duarte continues to look like a solid steal in the draft for the Pacers who continue to struggle to turn the corner to a championship squad. 

Forwards

Otto Porter Jr., SF, Golden State Warriors
Once the third overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Otto Porter Jr. has seen his role be reduced since he was traded from the Washington Wizards. He’s been a vital bench player for the Golden State Warriors as they return to championship form. In his last 10 games, Porter has averaged nine points, six rebounds, and nearly two steals per game. He’s also been shooting like the third splash brother, making around 41 percent of his threes. His role should be consistent for the rest of the season as long as he can stay healthy, a struggle he’s had throughout the year. 

Aaron Gordon, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets
After signing a controversial extension with the Denver Nuggets, injuries to Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murrayhave forced Aaron Gordon to become a much more important scoring option for the Nuggets to compete as contenders. In his last 10 games, Gordon has averaged 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game. He’s shown some improvement on his three-point shooting, hitting around 36 percent in the same games. But until Murray comes back, Gordon will be a quality player off waivers. And even then, he still may be worth holding onto. 

Chuma Okeke, PF, Orlando Magic
An underrated player for the Orlando Magic, Chuma Okeke has a lot of raw talent after being selected in the middle of the first round in 2019. In his last 10 games, Okeke has averaged eight points, six rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He’s also shown some good improvement with his three-point shooting, knocking down 39 percent of his attempts. He needs to improve on his consistency but Okeke is still a solid prospect with some great upside to be a key contributor for the Magic in the future. 

Centers

Kevon Looney, PF/C, Golden State Warriors
Once a top recruit out of high school, it’s safe to say Kevon Looney has failed to capitalize on his true potential. However, he’s still been a quality big man for the Golden State Warriors. He’s also seen a boost in minutes since James Wiseman has yet to come back from off-season surgery. In his last 10 games, Looney has averaged seven points, 11 rebounds, and nearly a steal and a block per game. He’s also averaged more than four offensive rebounds a game in that stretch. And he’s shot around 57 percent from the field as well. He could be vital for the rest of the season if Wiseman were to be ruled out for the season.

Goga Bitadze, C, Indiana Pacers
With Domantas Sabonis going with an injury that could force him to miss a few games, prospect Goga Bitadze could finally get his chance to show his potential. He’s been buried in the depth chart since first being drafted by the Pacers in 2019. But in his last four games, Bitadze has averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He still has a lot of raw ability to polish. But Bitadze could have a successful season if either Sabonis or Myles Turner were to be traded at the trade deadline.

UFC 270 Predictions

The UFC returns with their first pay-per-view card of the new year in Anaheim, California. It features two massive title fights including the third installment of a flyweight trilogy that has arguably saved the division from extinction, and a title unification with a complex backstory that’ll finally settle on Saturday night. What’s most intriguing is the record-setting eight debuts from fighters on this card, including two on the main card. Highly touted prospects such as Jack Della Maddalena and Raoni Barcelos will look to continue their rise in the UFC. With that, let’s get right into the main card predictions for UFC 270.

Previous Prediction Record: 28-14

TREVIN GILES VS. MICHAEL MORALES

The main card kicks off with alumni from Dana White’s Contender Series, Michael Morales, facing off against another hopeful prospect, Trevin Giles. Morales, who is undefeated, earned himself a contract with the promotion after a decision win against Nikolay Veretennikov in September. He’s finished 10 of 12 wins, nine of them coming by knockout. He’s got a heavy set of hands that Giles will have to watch out for all fight long. 

But, after recklessly getting knocked out in his last fight by Dricus Du Plessis, I think this is a fight where Giles will reevaluate his decision-making to execute a well thought out game plan against Morales. This is also just a huge spotlight for a 22-year-old Morales to make his UFC debut and I think with Giles being an experienced veteran in the game makes it worse for Morales. 

Giles will be able to work the opportunities he wants to earn another finish to his name. 

Official Prediction: Giles by KO/TKO

CODY STAMANN VS. SAID NURMAGOMEDOV

Coming off a first-round knockout against Mark Striegl, Said Nurmagomedov is looking to get back on track in the Welterweight division. Of course, the standard for him becomes much higher as another hopeful prodigy to the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, and the long list of names that continue to tear up MMA.

Said faces Cody Stamann, a healthy veteran who has suffered back-to-back losses against Jimmie Rivera and Merab Dvalishvili. Not much of a fighter who puts on a lot of finishes, Stamann is going to have his hands full with Nurmagomedov who has shown improvement in almost every fight. The biggest question for Nurmagomedov is can he improve on getting more efficient when it come to wrestling? I think that’ll be something to look for in this fight.

Nonetheless, I can’t see Said suffering his second loss in three fights after taking almost a year and a half off to improve on his mechanics.

Official Prediction: Nurmagomedov by Decision

MICHEL PEREIRA VS. ANDRE FIALHO

One of the most underrated and exciting fighters, Michel Pereira, earns his biggest opportunity with the UFC thus far, facing Andre Fialho on UFC 270’s main card. Deservingly so, as Pereira has realigned his career after a tough battle to stay consistently winning. He’s currently on a three-fight win streak with big wins over Khaos Williams and Niko Price. He’s given himself a household name by doing unorthodox moves mid-fight such as a backflip takedown attempt. But, he does brings some high-level striking to the table, it’s not all show.

Pereira will be a handful for Andre Fialho, another fighter making his UFC debut on the main card. He’s coming off three first-round knockouts in 2021 during his time with the UAE Warriors promotion. He’s had experience fighting in Bellator and PFL from 2016 to 2019, carrying much more experience than most into their debuts. He has a high finishing rate and I think as a replacement he has what it takes with high-level cardio and volume striking.

I think the biggest upset on the card will be a career changing win for Fialho.

Official Prediction: Fialho by Decision

BRANDON MORENO VS. DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO

I doubted Brandon Moreno on my UFC 263 predictions, thinking that a healthy Deiveson Figueiredo would overwhelm him, leading to a finish of some form. But now after two fights between these guys, it’s basically set in stone that Figueiredo would have to land a miracle shot to knockout Moreno. If Figueiredo wants any chance to win this fight, it has to come from his ground game. That ground game has led to massive success, including two title bout wins against Joseph Benavidez and Alex Perez, both of which were first-round submissions.

However, even that is a hard advantage to give to Figueiredo after being outclassed and eventually choked out in the second fight between these two. While he may be more rejuvenated for this fight after working with Henry Cejudo and emerging camp photos of him looking shredded, it’s hard to say he has on paper advantages that could win him this fight.

I have to go with Moreno on this one, especially with his confidence and mindset being at an all-time high. However, I would not be surprised if Figueiredo comes out on top, as this will no doubt be a close fight and a spectacular co-main event.

Official Prediction: Moreno by Decision

FRANCIS NGANNOU VS. CIRYL GANE

It’s never beneficial for a fighter to go into their match with outside drama. That’s exactly what Francis Ngannou has dealt ever since winning the belt and his contract disputes with the UFC. That’s certainly a distraction that could affect one’s performance as we’ve seen in prior situations like this.

But, excluding that drama, it’s hard to see how Ciryl Gane can actually win this fight. He’s a phenomenal fighter with some of the best technical skills this division has ever seen. But, answer me this, is Ciryl Gane that talented where he can avoid Ngannou’s power for a full five rounds? Is there anyone currently that could actually do that? Sure, former UFC champion Stipe Miocic did that back in 2018. But, Ngannou has shown a ton of improvement in wrestling defense that ultimately led to him winning the belt in 2021. I don’t think Gane presents the kind of punching power that’s capable of stopping Ngannou, or he has yet to show it in any of his fights. Unless Gane can put on another absolutely perfect performance and avoid all of Ngannou’s threats, Ngannou is bound to land something devastating against Gane.

Also of note, there’s a rumor going around that was discussed in the press conference that could be intriguing if true. Francis apparently knocked out Gane in a sparring session when they used to train semi-frequently together. This is another additional layer to the plot.

Will we see a repeat (?) of this? I think so. Assuming Francis wins, a trilogy with Miocic should be an immediate lock, unless Jon Jones chooses to come out of hibernation.

Official Prediction: Ngannou by KO/TKO

Rogers Game-Winner Earns Oregon Critical Win Against No. 7 Arizona

The Oregon Ducks earned an electric 68-66 win against the No. 7 ranked and final four team in 2021, the Arizona Wildcats, thanks to a game-winner hit by Endyia Rogers with 0.04 seconds left. This comes as a complete offensive turnaround after a stagnant first half from the Ducks.

The first half showed no life from the Ducks. They finished shooting an ugly 7-24 from the field. Their one positive out of the half was the Ducks’ work from the free-throw line. Oregon finished 12-12 in the first that equaling 27 of their first-half points. Te-Hina Paopao did end the half with 13 points. But that was overshadowed by her three turnovers out of the team’s eight. But that still wasn’t enough to manage the Wildcats. They put on an offensive clinic of their own, outscoring Oregon 21-12 in the second quarter alone. It was highlighted by back-to-back threes from Cate Reese, which extended Arizona’s lead to as high as 10. She also led the Wildcats in scoring with 10. Oregon did attempt to switch to a zone defense for a few plays, but that failed to slow down the Wildcats’ momentum. 

The Duck’s offensive turnaround started with Sedona Prince. She scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and was huge defensively when contesting shots from the Wildcats. Her placement for Sydney Parrish was a great decision made by Kelly Graves after choosing to go small with the starting lineup. Prince ended up finishing the game with 16 points. Oregon in the end was able to force more turnovers than Arizona, with a lot coming in critical moments where the Wildcats could have iced the game. Nyara Sabally also had a huge second half for the Ducks. She scored 11 points on 3-5 shooting during that period. She finished the game with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Paopao also massively improved as well. She finished the second half with nine points on 4-5 shooting and only registered one other turnover. Paopao finished with 24 points and three assists. 

Arizona had an offensive collapse of their own in the second half. They failed to hit their free throws, going 3-8 in the second half. The Wildcats also only shot 38 percent from the field as well. Their playmaking also diminished since they only registered four assists in the half. That gave Oregon the keys when they were able to keep the score close down until the final play. Despite Rogers being only 2-11 from the field, the final shot was all that mattered. A corner mid-range jumper off an offensive rebound was all she needed to give the Ducks the victory. 

Oregon now looks to an entertaining matchup they’ve had circled all season long when No. 10 UConn takes a visit to Eugene. While they might be without their star player in Paige Bueckners, UConn is still filled with talent that’ll make for a fun matchup. That game will be played this upcoming Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 2 pm. 

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 14

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

Patrick Beverley, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves
An experienced veteran, Patrick Beverley brings important off-the-court intangibles for a young Timberwolves team looking to reach the next level. But on the court, Beverley is still a defensive pest for any opposing guard. In his last 10 games, Beverley has averaged 10 points, six rebounds, six assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. He struggles shooting efficiently from the field, but his all-around production on both ends of the court and consistent role with the team make him a perfect immediate pick-up off waivers. 

Amir Coffey, SG, Los Angeles Clippers
Once a 15th man on the Los Angeles Clippers roster, Amir Coffey has been forced into the rotation due to injuries that plague the roster. He’s even started a few games for the team as well. In his last 10 games, Coffey has averaged 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, and nearly a steal per game. He’s proved himself as a lethal shooter, hitting nearly 46 percent of his threes in those same games. He could crack his way into the regular rotation with this impressive play; certainly something to watch as the season goes on. 

Bones Hyland, PG, Denver Nuggets
The Summer League proved large for a raise in Bones Hyland’s stock to begin the season. With still no Jamal Murray, there was an opportunity for Hyland to get some quality minutes to help his growth in his first season. Recently, he’s been getting a run in the rotation. In his last 10 games, Hyland has averaged 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists while shooting only 34 percent from the field. His efficiency certainly needs to improve. But it says a ton that Mike Malone is willing to put him in important game situations to earn trust. He’s worth watching on radars for now. 

Forwards

Jae’Sean Tate, SF/PF, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have had an up and down season but Jae’Sean Tate has still managed to show why he could be a decent franchise player for years to come. In his last 10 games, Tate has averaged 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, and nearly a block and a steal per game. He’s also shot 55 percent from the field in the same games. He still lacks a three-point shot. But he’s improved as a decent playmaker for the Rockets and is an underrated option on offense for Stephen Silas. He’s still available in under 40 percent of leagues currently. 

Lauri Markkanen, PF/SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers signing Lauri Markkanen was a move that a lot of analysts criticized for how exactly he would fit with the team. His transition has not been as smooth as hoped for, but he has made a decent contribution to the success of the team this season. In his last 10 games, Markkanen has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists. He’s also shot 47 percent from the field, which is solid for the new small forward. He still has upside at only 24 years old and a decent pick-up off waivers. 

Trey Lyles, PF, Detriot Pistons
Once a former top selection in the draft, Trey Lyles has struggled to find a consistent role with a team where he can produce at a high level. He signed with the Detriot Pistons in the offseason and has seen some solid minutes throughout the regular season. As of late, he’s averaged 16 points, seven rebounds, and nearly a block per game. He’s also shot nearly 50 percent from the field. He’s showing some decent promise at 26 years old still. He’s a good pickup off waivers with a positive outlook for the rest of the season. 

Centers

Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Toronto Raptors
After being part of the Kyle Lowry trade that sent him from South Beach, Precious Achiuwa now has a more low-key opportunity to improve his game. He’s shown some flashes with the Raptors, but has yet to prove himself as a consistent starting center. In his last 10 games, Achiuwa has averaged eight points, six rebounds, and nearly a steal and a block per game. He could use some improvement on shooting percentages, especially for a center. But at only 22 years old, Achiuwa still has room to grow. He should be worth watching for more starting opportunities with the Raptors. 

Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks
Many questioned the selection by the Hawks with Clint Capela already on the roster. But Capela has been dealing with some injuries recently and that has given Okongwu a chance to prove himself. In the 10 games Okongwu has played, he’s averaged nine points, six rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in about 22 minutes. His biggest issue is staying healthy. He had offseason shoulder surgery, but looks to be well passed that. Okongwu is worth keeping on waivers in case the Hawks choose to shake up the roster before the trade deadline, but keep an eye out on him.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 13

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

Anfernee Simons, SG/PG, Portland Trail Blazers
Constant injuries to Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have given Anfernee Simons an opportunity to play more minutes throughout the entire season. He has stepped up in a major way for the Blazers, including scoring 43 points in a game. In his last 10, Simons has averaged 17 points and four assists a game while shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc. He’s been even better in the last four games, all of which he’s started in. He’s averaged nearly 24 points a game during that stretch. He’s a perfect waiver wire pick-up as long as CJ and Dame continue to miss games. 

Jaylen Nowell, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Slowly working his way through the team’s system, Jaylen Nowell has become an underrated prospect for the Timberwolves. he’s had to step up with the team also dealing with COVID-related issues. In his last 10 games, Nowell has averaged 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game. He’s also shot above 50 percent from the field during those games. He could improve with his three-point shooting, as he’s only hit around 31 percent on nearly four attempts. But he’s certainly one of the less popular names on waivers. 

Aaron Wiggins, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Major props need to be given to the front office of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the work they continue to put in to produce high-quality players with their draft selections. Aaron Wiggins is another example of a solid player from the 2021 draft. In his last 10 games, Wiggins has averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and around a steal per game. He’s also shot above 50 percent from the field during those games. He joined a talented Thunder draft class alongside Josh GiddeyTre Mann, and Jeriamah Earl-Robinson. 

Forwards

Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers
Marcus Morris has been a reliable veteran for multiple franchises throughout his career. That only continues with the Los Angeles Clippers who he has now spent three seasons with. Injuries to Paul George and Kawhi Leonardhave given Morris a number one option in the offense along with Reggie Jackson. In his last seven games, Morris has averaged 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists per game. He’s also shot 40 percent from beyond the arc in the same games. Morris just needs to stay healthy if he wants to be a reliable fantasy option because he has already missed a handful of games this season. 

Brandon Clarke, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies
Playing a reduced role, Brandon Clarke has still found a way to produce effectively for the Grizzlies who are looking to turn the corner. In his last eight games since returning from injury, Clarke has averaged 13 points, six rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He’s also shot 70 percent from the field in those same games. the Grizzlies have been 8-0 during that stretch. He might not be a future starter for the team with Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr., but he can be a huge contributor off the bench and a solid waiver wire candidate. 

Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Jarred Vanderbilt is another player in the Timberwolves organization who has worked his way up from being a second-round selection to a starter for the team. He’s been a solid defensive anchor along with Anthony Edwards. In his last 10 games, Vanderbilt has averaged eight points, 12 rebounds, and nearly two steals a game. He’s averaged nearly four offensive rebounds as well. He’s been extremely efficient, shooting 50 percent from the field. He has a very unique playstyle, but still stuffs the stat sheet night in and night out. He’s an effective pickup with a high upside. 

Centers

Daniel Gafford, C/PF, Washington Wizards
While Montrezl Harrell continues to miss games with COVID, Daniel Gafford has shown a lot of promise as the full-time starting center for the Wizards. In the last 10 games, Gafford has averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. He’s also been extremely efficient, shooting around 75 percent from the field in those same games. He’s returning to a reduced role when Harrell returns. But even then, he’s proved to be a reliable player off waivers as he splits time. 

Nic Claxton, C/PF, Brooklyn Nets
Injuries to the frontcourt of the Nets have given Nic Claxton a great opportunity to play more minutes with the trio of superstars the Nets have. Claxton had fit extremely well as he doesn’t need to have the ball to be effective off pick and rolls and offensive rebounds. In his last 10 games, Claxton has averaged 14 points, seven rebounds, a steal, and 1.6 blocks per game. It’s unclear when players like LaMarcus Aldridge will eventually return. But Claxton still brings major upside with the interior defense that others on the roster don’t.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 12

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

Hamidou Diallo, SG, Detroit Pistons
After being mentioned on the column two weeks ago, Hamidou Diallo’s stock has soared as he’s quickly become a new scoring option for the Detroit Pistons. He exploded for a 34 point game against the Spurs, but he’s been consistent over the last week. In his last 10 games, Diallo has averaged 17 points, seven rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game. He’s also averaged 53 percent from the field in those same games. He still struggles with outside shooting. But his athletic and strength ability make him a number one option off the waiver wire. 

Coby White, PG, Chicago Bulls
Once a top pick in the 2019 draft, Coby White has struggled to get his career underway with lingering injuries and inefficient scoring. But after his recent stint in the COVID-19 protocols, White has played some of his best basketball. In his last eight games, White has averaged 16 points, four assists, and around a steal per game while shooting 47 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc. He’s also done a great job limiting his turnovers, only averaging 1.4 over the same eight games. These are great signs from White, who could be a great sixth man for the Bulls if he continues to stay healthy. 

Malik Monk, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
Inconsistent scoring and lack of strong shooting percentages prevented Malik Monk from signing a decent-sized contract over the off-season. He instead chose to bet on himself with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s done a fine job at continuing to prove himself as a solid scorer. In the last 10 games, Monk has averaged 14 points, three rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. He’s also shot 40 percent from beyond the arc in those same games. He’s a solid player off waivers with the Lakers struggling with COVID issues.

Forwards

Kevin Love, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Who would have thought that we would see a career resurgence from Kevin Love, a veteran who has health with multiple injuries over the last few seasons? He’s been a front runner for the sixth man of the year award as he’s only started two games this year. In the last 10 games, Love has averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game. He’s also shot 50 percent from beyond the arc on more than eight attempts per game. Love has been a massive contributor and leader that has led to a ton of success in Cleveland this season. He’s a perfect player to grab off waivers right now. 

Jaden McDaniels, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Still young and raw, Jaden McDaniels has shown improvement in some departments during his second season in the NBA. COVID issues have pushed him to earn more minutes in the rotation. In the last 10 games, McDaniels has averaged 13 points, six rebounds, and around a steal per game. He’s also done well shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc, much higher than his season average. He still has a lot of development to go. But McDaniels is a solid waiver wire prospect with a lot of upside. 

Terance Mann, SF, Los Angeles Clippers
After a strong playoff performance last season, Terance Mann has been much more involved in the offense for the Clippers. But with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George now out with injuries, Mann has been handed an even larger role. He’s responded well, as he’s averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. His best trait has been his shooting percentages. In the same 10 games, he’s maintained 53 percent from the field and 45 percent from three. He’s a solid option off waivers while the stars for the Clippers continue to recover from injury. 

Herbert Jones, SF, New Orleans Pelicans
Herbert Jones has been one of the bigger surprises from this past draft class. As an undrafted free agent, he’s still been able to produce meaningful games for the Pelicans. COVID has given him a much bigger role as of late, as he’s been starting in the last 17 games. In his last 10 games, Jones has averaged 11 points, five rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. He could improve offensively as he’s only hit around 30 percent of his threes’ But he’s been a solid defensive player for the Pelicans and an underrated candidate off the wire. 

Centers

Omer Yurtseven, C, Miami Heat
Injuries to Bam Adebayo and Dewayne Dedmon have given Omer Yurtseven an opportunity to shine with the Miami Heat. An undrafted free agent, Yurtseven has also been a huge surprise this season. In his last 10 games, five of which he started, Yurtseven has averaged 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He could improve on his efficiency, only hitting around 45 percent of his shots. But it is still incredible to see the Miami Heat coaching staff being able to produce so much production out of any player who walks in the door. Yurtseven is a solid candidate until the other bigs for the Heat return.