Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 2
The NBA season is just two weeks in and there are still numerous players available to fill out your roster.
Here are some potential waiver wire pickups to add to your fantasy basketball roster.
Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers
Powell is off to a slow start through his first five games, averaging just under 10 points per game and shooting 36.5% from the field. However, this is very likely to change.
Powell has shown an ability to score at an elite level and to do it efficiently. Since the 2019-2022 season, Powell has put up at least 16 points per game and is a career 38.1% 3-point shooter.
The Clippers have a lot of talent on their roster, but Powell is one of their better scorers. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George load managing and missing games, Powell has a big role on this team and should be added to your lineup if he is available.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks already have Clint Capela locking down the paint, but Okongwu is a terrific young backup.
Last year, Okongwu took a big leap in just his second season, averaging 8.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in roughly 20 minutes off the bench.
This year, he is still averaging 20 minutes a game but has increased his scoring and field goal percentage. Through his first five games, he has averaged over 10 points per game and is making 74.2% of his shots.
His ceiling is low due to his role on the bench, but he is still worth picking up in case he finds an opportunity to get more playing time.
Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
With Lonzo Ball still dealing with a knee injury, Caruso has a bigger role for the Bulls this season.
Caruso is not much of a scorer, but he is one of the best defenders at the guard position, averaging 1.7 steals per game last season.
His lack of scoring and limited playing time hold him back from being a lineup lock, but he still adds value being a guard who can help in the steals, blocks and assists department.
Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Horford is a crucial piece for the Boston Celtics, especially with Robert Williams dealing with another injury.
Horford tends to miss back-to-back games, but when he plays, he averages over 30 minutes on the court.
He is off to a solid start in terms of fantasy basketball, but he will most likely see an uptick in production.
His rebounds, blocks and assists are all down from the last few seasons, but that is likely to change. He can score, but it is everything else that he does as a center that makes him valuable to the team.
It’s only been a few games, so over time Horford will likely get his touches back and go back to the well-rounded center that he has been for over a decade.
Christopher Reynolds is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at clr5971@psu.edu
