Welcome one and all, new readers and returning readers, to the 2021-22 Fantasy Basketball Week 23 Waiver Wire!
I hope you all are staying safe and enjoying your daily dose of sports! The playoffs are looming, and fantasy owners will be on the lookout for players who can give them the edge they need.
Before we get into the must-have waiver wire adds, let’s look at the studs and duds of the week.
Stud: Devin Booker, SG, Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker is the main reason why the Suns are the best team in the NBA. Averaging almost 26 points a game, Booker consistently puts up superstar numbers.
He crushed the Rockets with 36 points on 15-24 shooting, and effortlessly handled the Bulls with 28 points on 10-18.
His overall efficiency is down, but he is shooting a career-high 37.6 percent from three, and averaging his most rebounds in a season (5.1).
While Chris Paul has been out, Booker has even stepped up to be a quality facilitator, with multiple double-digit assist games.
Dud: Will Barton, SG, Denver Nuggets
Barton was playing at a very solid level recently but has since hit a wall. His struggles began on Thursday against the Wizards, where he went 1-6 from the field in 26 minutes. That performance was followed up by another stinker on Saturday versus the Cavaliers, going 3-14 in over 36 minutes.
With the Nuggets needing more production alongside potential MVP Nikola Jokic, Barton will need to find his shooting stroke and fast.
Take a look at last week’s waiver wire post to make sure you are cleaning up on the boards! Without further ado, time to see who you need to add to your Fantasy rosters!
2021-22 Fantasy Basketball Week 23 Waiver Wire
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Moritz Wagner, PF/C, Orlando Magic (5.5% Rostered ESPN)
in a game where little defense was played to begin with, Mo Wagner's defensive struggles stood out enough to wonder if the floor-spacing is worth it.
On offense, Mo Wagner filled a connector-style role as a pick-and-pop threat and closeout-attacking 5 pic.twitter.com/kUqx86HgLu
— Beyond The RK (@beyondtheRK) March 12, 2022
Wendell Carter Jr. is dealing with an ankle injury, allowing Wagner to step in and start. He responded with an excellent game against the Pistons, scoring 16 points and tallying five boards, three assists, and a steal.
Even when he was coming off the bench, Wagner was providing quality numbers, with double-digit scoring efforts in five of his last six games. That includes a double-double on Tuesday against the Nets.
If Carter misses any more games, Wagner will be a must add, and should be picked up regardless due to his bench production.
Jamal Murray, PG, Denver Nuggets (21.2% Rostered)
BREAKING: The Denver Nuggets have assigned Jamal Murray to the NBA G-League.
The return. pic.twitter.com/BRSckEMHD2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 15, 2022
With the Nuggets firmly in the playoff picture, they now want to make sure some of their injured players can get some run before the playoffs do come around. Bearing that in mind, the Nuggets assigned point guard Jamal Murray to their G League team, with the hope of eventually getting him in some NBA regular season games.
We know what Murray can bring to the table when he is healthy, as he is an above-average shooter with great athleticism and driving ability. This is a low-risk add with a high potential of paying off.
Mason Plumlee, C, Charlotte Hornets (30% Rostered)
Mason Plumlee with the moves. 😮🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 26, 2022
Plumlee has been an excellent source of rebounds lately for anyone playing in category-based leagues. Three of his last four games have resulted in double-digit rebounds. He has also displayed remarkable play-making ability, gathering four or more assists in four of his last five contests.
Plumlee is also strong in collecting blocks, with a total of 10 in his last 5 games. He can fill up the stat sheet, and that has value in any league.
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