Fantasy basketball: Waiver wire options for Week 9 of the NBA
It’s Week 9 in the NBA and we are constantly getting hit with injury and Covid protocol absences, but that just leaves opportunities for players on the waiver wire to step up.
Let’s look at who that may be.
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Josh Hart
I’m really only highlighting Hart, because he somehow sits at under 65% rostered in Yahoo leagues.
It’s looking doubtful that Zion Williamson plays before the All-Star break (best case scenario), so Hart is entrenched in a big role.
Herb Jones
Like Hart, Zion’s brutal injury update boosts Jones’ value as he will continue to start.
He is worth a look.
Patrick Beverley
Beverley is someone, who is now back from injury, should be grabbed. He has more value in a category league, but that doesn’t preclude him from being a points league pick up.
Terence Davis
The Kings new starting small forward has played well in his last four games.
I’m not convinced he keeps this up all season, but the beauty of a waiver pickup is that if it doesn’t work out, you can just drop them.
Marvin Bagley
- Same goes for Bagley, who played well last game, although Richaun Holmes was out in that one.
Bagley has value if he can get 25 minutes a night, so he isn’t a bad guy to add to see what happens.
Alex Caruso
As the Bulls get hit consistently with Covid absences, Alex Caruso’s return from injury couldn’t come at a better time.
Grab him and hold for a while, probably the rest of the season.
Garrison Mathews
Mathews has been on fire with Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. out.
They may return at any point, but Garry Bird is a nice guy to grab.
Terance Mann
Mann put up a great game Sunday without Paul George.
We don’t know when George is back, so Mann can be a short-term option, at least.
I’m not sure I love his value when George is back though.
Immanuel Quickley
Quickley keeps outperforming Evan Fournier.
Tom Thibodeau can be stubborn, but he has already made two starting lineup changes, so Quickley has a chance at more minutes as the season progresses.
It also helps that Obi Toppin is out, so IQ can get more shots in the second unit.
Cody Martin
Martin is a great stream option while LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier remain out due to Covid.
When they return, it’s harder to be as excited, but he should be rostered for now.
Anfernee Simons, Dennis Smith Jr., Nassir Little
Little and Simons are both dealing with injuries, as is Damian Lillard, but we know for sure CJ McCollum will be out for a while.
Smith gets value when Simons and Lillard are out, while Little is likely to be CJ’s replacement.
I would prioritise Simons and Little over Smith, but if Simons and Lillard remain out, then Smith is an elite addition.
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