With the championship week of the fantasy basketball playoffs taking place in most leagues this week, and the semifinal round in others, it is absolutely crucial that, if you happen to be one of the lucky few still alive, you make sure you are starting the right players and taking advantage of those whose fantasy value may increase this week. At this point in the season, every roster move you make can be the difference in bringing home the championship, or suffering in the agony of finishing in second place. 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 23.
1. Marco Belinelli, SG, San Antonio Spurs
With Gregg Popovich already reducing playing time for Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard in preparation for the postseason, and likely to rest the Spurs’ entire starting five before the regular season ends, picking up a guy like Marco Belinelli can prove to be the best decision you make all season. Belinelli has already been thriving with his increased playing time, averaging 14.4 points and 3.1 assists on 54.4 percent shooting over his last eight games. Even more remarkable, he has also averaged 22.5 points, 5.0 triples, and 1.5 blocks in the last two contests.
2. Darren Collison, PG/SG, Los Angeles Clippers
Collison has been tremendous when given opportunity with the Clippers this season, averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in his 30 starts. Despite the expectation that his fantasy value would plummet back down to nothing once Chris Paul returned, Collison has settled into the starting shooting guard role, and with J.J. Redick likely sidelined until the playoffs, his production should continue for the remainder of the fantasy basketball season. Collison has averaged 14.7 points and 3.8 assists per game in the month of March alone.
3. Matt Barnes, SF, Los Angeles Clippers
Matt Barnes is another Clipper who has very quietly been an instrumental part of the teams recent success. In his last 12 games, Barnes has averaged great numbers of 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per contest. Also working to his advantage is the Clipper’s extremely soft schedule this week, as they have games against both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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