Fantasy Basketball: Playoff Push Waiver Wire Moves
The fantasy basketball regular season is coming to an end.
With playoffs starting in the next couple of weeks, teams on the cusp of the postseason need an extra boost to secure a spot. Some contenders may need a boost to make a deep run.
Here are players that should be acquired on waivers to give teams a playoff boost.
Matisse Thybulle
Thybulle won the hearts of 76ers fans early in his career for his defensive abilities. Things eventually wouldn’t work out in Philadelphia and the fourth-year guard has found himself with the Trail Blazers.
He has stepped into a role as a starter and is beginning to flourish, especially over the last two games. Thybulle put up 15 points Tuesday night and 12 points Wednesday night.
Anfernee Simons is also dealing with an ankle injury. If it lingers, Thybulle can continue to see offensive production, as he also continues to provide steals and blocks.
Thybulle is only owned in 5.5% of leagues on ESPN and is worth a pickup, especially in deeper leagues.
Dennis Smith Jr.
Most managers won’t want a player on the Charlotte Hornets on their team. They rank 23rd in points per game in the regular season. But LaMelo Ball won’t be playing the rest of the season, and someone has to fill his minutes.
Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. will most likely carry the weight offensively, but Smith may see his minutes increase due to Ball’s injury.
He already averages 1.4 steals per game and he should see more work as the ball handler on Charlotte’s second unit. This could increase his points and assists numbers.
Smith is rostered in 20.6% of leagues and can provide a boost to a contender.
Jalen Williams
The average NBA fan and fantasy basketball player might not have known of Williams when he was drafted by the Thunder. But there is a reason why the rookie out of Santa Clara was a lottery pick and he’s showing it now.
Williams has thrived since entering the Thunder’s starting lineup, especially over the last 15 days. Over that span he is averaging 19.4 points per game, 5.0 assists per game and 4.6 rebounds per game.
As the season is winding down, Williams might be considered the number two option on the Thunder after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He is available in 56.9% of leagues and that number should be much higher. Williams can have an impact on any fantasy roster with the way he has been playing.
Jeremy Sochan
Sochan is another rookie that has been proving his lottery selection. He started becoming an offensive weapon in the middle of the season, but had to miss some time with injury in February.
He’s picked up where he left off by scoring 22, 13 and 22 points in his last three games.
Sochan averages 5.1 rebounds per game, but over the last three he has had six, six and 13 boards.
The Baylor product is rostered in only 8.3% of leagues. He also has great roster flexibility as he is listed as a power forward and point guard on ESPN.
Jayson O’Connell is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jbo5216@psu.edu.
