Eastern Conference: Navigating the Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
The All-Star break marks a pivotal moment for fantasy basketball managers, signaling the start of the critical stretch run. One effective strategy is to target players on teams that are currently on the outside looking in regarding the postseason. These teams may shift their focus to developing younger talent, providing valuable opportunities for fantasy relevance. Here are five players from five such Eastern Conference teams who could make a significant impact in the coming weeks.
Philadelphia 76ers: Quentin Grimes (18%)
Quentin Grimes entered the All-Star break on a high note, scoring 30 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out four assists in a game where the 76ers were without key players like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. While Philadelphia’s significant investments last offseason suggest they won’t fully pivot, Grimes’ value could surge if the team decides to give him more playing time, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Embiid’s knee health. His recent performance, including a 50% shooting rate from the field, makes him a compelling addition to any fantasy roster.
Brooklyn Nets: Keon Johnson (19%)
The Brooklyn Nets have already made moves to improve their draft lottery position by trading Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith. This strategy hints at reduced playing time for veterans like D’Angelo Russell and Cameron Johnson post-break. Keon Johnson, a dynamic guard, has shown significant promise, providing ninth-round value in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks despite shooting 36.8% from the field. For managers willing to punt field goal percentage, Keon’s recent performance and potential increased minutes make him a valuable waiver wire pickup.
Toronto Raptors: Ochai Agbaji (11%)
The Raptors’ recent acquisition of Brandon Ingram suggests a long-term rebuild rather than a push for the play-in spots. Ochai Agbaji, shooting nearly 51% from the field this season, has demonstrated consistent value, providing 13th-round value in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. With the Raptors likely to reduce the minutes of starters Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, Agbaji’s path to fantasy relevance becomes more straightforward. Managers should also consider other young Raptors like Jonathan Mobgo, Jamal Shead, and Ja’Kobe Walter, who could emerge as breakout stars.
Charlotte Hornets: Moussa Diabate (23%)
Moussa Diabate’s impact as a shot blocker may be limited, but his value in the rebound and field goal percentage categories is significant. In his three starts before the All-Star break, Diabate averaged 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and shot 65.2% from the field. With Jusuf Nurkic making his Hornets debut and Mark Williams’ status uncertain, Diabate emerges as a reliable big man in fantasy lineups. His consistency and high shooting percentage make him a valuable asset, especially if he remains healthy.
Washington Wizards: Alexandre Sarr (46%)
The Wizards are loaded with young talent, and Alexandre Sarr is among those poised to shine post-break. Sarr, along with Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George, started Washington’s February 12 overtime loss to the Pacers. His recent performance, including starting lineups and increased minutes, suggests he will continue to be a key player for the Wizards. While his 46% rostered rate indicates some familiarity, his potential to provide solid fantasy value is undeniable.
Western Conference: Unearthing Hidden Gems
The Western Conference is even more competitive, with several teams fighting for the final postseason spots. However, the stretch run also presents ample opportunities for players on teams outside the playoff picture to shine. Here are five players from five such Western Conference teams who could make a difference in your fantasy roster.
Phoenix Suns: Bol Bol (33%)
The Suns have struggled, losing six of their last seven games before the break. However, a bright spot has been the emergence of Bol Bol. In his past four games, Bol has averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal, 3.3 blocks, and 2.3 three-pointers, providing third-round value in eight-cat formats. Injuries to Nick Richards and Mason Plumlee opened the door for Bol, who has solidified his position in the rotation and is a must-add for any fantasy manager.
San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle (34%)
The Spurs’ trade for De’Aaron Fox ended Stephon Castle’s stint as a starter, but it hasn’t diminished his fantasy value. In the five games since the trade, Castle has averaged 19.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers, shooting 52.5% from the field and 85.7% from the foul line. His recent performance, providing eighth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats, makes him a valuable addition, especially with a high shooting percentage.
Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan (35%)
The Trail Blazers’ decision to keep their current roster intact at the trade deadline raised concerns about Clingan’s "silly season" value. However, injuries to Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams have created a significant opportunity for Clingan. In his best performance to date, he tallied 17 points, 20 rebounds, and three blocks in 31 minutes. Clingan’s rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, even with limited scoring, make him a valuable asset for fantasy managers, especially as Ayton and Williams remain sidelined.
Utah Jazz: Kyle Filipowski (3%)
The Jazz have been willing to develop their young talent, and Kyle Filipowski is a prime example. In Utah’s February 13 overtime loss to the Clippers, Filipowski shone, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and hitting three three-pointers in 37 minutes. While his defensive stats are lacking, his double-double against a strong opponent is a promising sign. With Isaiah Collier off the board in deep leagues, Filipowski’s low 3% rostered rate makes him a hidden gem worth adding.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado (26%)
The Pelicans have endured a season plagued by injuries, including Dejounte Murray’s season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. Jose Alvarado has stepped up, starting the last four games and averaging 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers. Shooting 45.2% from the field and 100% from the foul line, Alvarado has provided sixth-round value in eight-cat formats. With the team’s lack of healthy options at point guard, "Grand Theft Alvarado" should remain a key player, making him a valuable addition to any fantasy roster.
Conclusion
The All-Star break is a crucial time for fantasy basketball managers, offering opportunities to enhance their teams by targeting players on teams outside the playoff race. Whether it’s Quentin Grimes in Philadelphia, Keon Johnson in Brooklyn, Ochai Agbaji in Toronto, Moussa Diabate in Charlotte, or Alexandre Sarr in Washington in the Eastern Conference, or Bol Bol in Phoenix, Stephon Castle in San Antonio, Donovan Clingan in Portland, Kyle Filipowski in Utah, and Jose Alvarado in New Orleans in the Western Conference, these players present significant potential for fantasy success. By adding these low-rostered gems, managers can strengthen their rosters and position themselves for a strong finish in the fantasy basketball stretch run.
