Fantasy Basketball Players To Watch: May 1

Story posted May 1, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Logan Bourandas

It’s playoff season in many fantasy basketball leagues, so checking the waiver wire for steals is more important than ever before. Here are a few names to look out for as the fantasy playoffs are underway.

Khem Birch, Toronto Raptors

Birch was a deadline acquisition from the Orlando Magic and since joining Toronto, he has begun to breakout. Looking specifically at his last three games, Birch has looked strong as he’s scored in double figures in all of them.

His best game was against the Denver Nuggets, where Birch picked up 20 points and eight rebounds. Birch has shown an ability to score in big numbers during this stretch as well as tally high rebound numbers, picking up 14 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets.

With the Raptors lacking depth in the frontcourt, Birch has seen more playing time since joining the team and he could be useful for a fantasy playoff run.

Birch is only rostered in 27.8% of ESPN leagues so he could be a good add during his hot streak.

Reggie Bullock, New York Knicks

During this impressive run from the New York Knicks, Bullock has been nothing short of consistent.

Looking at his last six games, Bullock has scored in double figures in all of those games. During the Knicks’ win over the Atlanta Hawks, Bullock scored 18 points and picked up four assists.

Consistency could be something to look for in a scorer during your playoff run and with Bullock getting consistent minutes in the Knicks starting lineup he could be a guy to look at.

While Bullock hasn’t scored over that 18 point mark during this stretch, he also hasn’t scored less than 13 points in these past six games.

Bullock is only rostered in 18.7% of ESPN leagues but if you're looking for a reliable scorer, look no further.

Willy Hernangomez, New Orleans Pelicans

This is by far the biggest longshot of the three.

Hernangomez has seen his playing time go up recently with the Pelicans and his performance from his last six games has been a boom or bust. The big man has scored in double figures in three of those games and also recorded three double-doubles.

His best performance during the stretch came against the Orlando Magic where Hernangomez picked up 18 points and 12 rebounds.

If you're in need of big point totals and fast then Hernangomez may be the route to go as he’s capable of putting up a double-double, but could also finish with seven points like he did in two of those six games.

Hernangomez is definitely the most available player of the three, only rostered in 2.7% of ESPN leagues.


Logan Bourandas is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.