With the second round of the fantasy basketball playoffs beginning in most leagues, and the first in other leagues, there has never been a more crucial time to improve your team, as from here on out, you must win your weekly matchup in order to keep your championship hopes alive and avoid fading into fantasy irrelevance. At this point in the season, every roster move you make can be the difference in staying alive to play another week, or suffering in the agony of playoff defeat. Which under-the-radar players are primed to but up big numbers this week? Who’s upcoming schedule strength will allow for more opportunity? These important questions can be answered through the evaluation of our top waiver wire adds for week 22.
1. Dorell Wright, SF, Portland Trail Blazers
With LaMarcus Aldridge’s timetable to return very much in question, it is remarkable that Dorell Wright is still available in most fantasy leagues. He has put up decent numbers since being thrown into fire after Aldridge’s injury on March 12, averaging 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in five contests. Even more important, however, is that his production is likely to continue, as Aldridge has still not been cleared for contact and the Trail Blazers have a five-game on hand slate this week.
2. Tiago Splitter, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs
Remember Tiago Splitter? Believe it or not, he is finally putting up good numbers and proving he is worth his huge, four-year, $36 million contract. The Spurs, who own the NBA’s best record, have won 13 straight games, and Splitter’s improved play is a big reason why. Over his past six games, he has averaged 11.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting an outstanding 58.5% from the field. The Spurs also have a very favorable schedule this week, playing four games, including matchups against the 76ers and Pelicans.
3. Gorgui Dieng, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
The rookie from Louisville has taken advantage of the opportunity presented to him by Nikola Pekovic’s ankle injury, averaging 12.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in three games. Despite the Timberwolves’ insistence that Pekovic will be back soon, Dieng is still worth adding in most leagues due to Pekovic’s long injury history. And, when Pekovic does return, Dieng is still likely to get substantial playing time as he is eased back into the lineup.
4. Richard Jefferson, SF, Utah Jazz
Richard Jefferson has, surprisingly, developed into a viable fantasy player, especially if you play in a league with 12 or more teams. Over the last two weeks, Richardson has averaged 12.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game, while shooting 47% from the field. He has also proven his value as a deep range shooter, averaging two made three-pointers over that same two-week span.
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