Hello Fantasy Basketball Junkies! Welcome to the 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball Week 18 Waiver Wire.
The trade deadline has come and gone, creating a ripple effect in the fantasy world. With players changing teams, new opportunities have arisen, and it's time to scour the waiver wire for hidden gems.
We'll highlight the best available players owned in less than 40% of Yahoo leagues. Some of these players may be familiar, but many will be new names to consider for your fantasy roster.
We'll keep our eyes peeled for the most promising and overlooked players, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions for your team. And remember to check out Mark's Fantasy Basketball Weekly Planner too! He goes over the upcoming NBA schedule and highlights players and teams to target/avoid.
So buckle up and get ready to add impactful players to your team. Let's dive in!
2022-23 Fantasy Basketball Week 18 Waiver Wire
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Josh Green, SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks (30% owned)
Josh Green's recent performance has been nothing short of impressive. In his last four games, he has been a key contributor for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 18.0 PPG, 1.5 3PG, 4.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, and 0.8 SPG in 36.5 minutes of playing time. This production earned him a ranking of 84th in nine-category fantasy leagues during that period.
The recent trade of Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith has opened up even more opportunities for Josh Green. However, Kyrie Irving and the returning Luka Doncic will command most of the attention on the offensive end.
Josh Green is still worth considering, particularly in deep leagues. Despite his subpar per-36-minute averages (13.5 PP36, 1.6 3P36, 3.9 RP36, and 2.4 AP36), he could still be useful in deep leagues due to his steals (1.3 SP36).
Josh Green recorded 17 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists tonight.
Over his last 5 games, Green is averaging 17.4 points (.586 FG%), 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists. The Mavs are 4-1 in their last 5. pic.twitter.com/vyBdtpjNZJ
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) February 11, 2023
Matisse Thybulle, SG/SF, Portland Trail Blazers (8% owned)
The Portland Trail Blazers recently traded Josh Hart to the New York Knicks. Newly acquired Matisse Thybulle will now compete for minutes with Shaedon Sharpe and Cam Reddish, also recently acquired. However, Matisse Thybulle has a bright future with the Portland Trail Blazers. His career per-36 defensive numbers are something to look forward to (2.7 SP36 and 1.5 BP36).
In deep leagues, I'd take a chance on Matisse Thybulle. His offense can sometimes be awful, but his defensive numbers can be valuable in deeper leagues if he gets enough minutes at forward. Take a look at Matisse Thybulle and see what happens.
Matisse Thybulle as a 76er:
4.4 PPG
1.8 RPG
1.0 APG
1.5 SPG2x All-Defensive player teaming up with Dame. pic.twitter.com/293cKN2UHs
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 9, 2023
Mo Bamba, C, Los Angeles Lakers (27% owned)
The Los Angeles Lakers have a new weapon in their arsenal, and his name is Mo Bamba. After a good stint with the Orlando Magic, the big man has found a new home in LA, and fantasy basketball owners should take notice.
Mo Bamba's career per-36 numbers are impressive, averaging 15.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.8 three-pointers, and 2.7 blocks per 36. He is worth a look in deep leagues, with Anthony Davis prone to injury.
Mo Bamba will have some competition for playing time with players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura, but he has the potential to emerge as the top option in the group. If he can play in the mid-20s, Mo Bamba will boost a fantasy team's field goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks, making him a solid standard league add.
Mo Bamba is shooting 50/40% this season.
He now is the Laker’s first and only 50/40% shooter this season. pic.twitter.com/ELmLtNTDuH
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 9, 2023
James Wiseman, C, Detroit Pistons (17% owned)
James Wiseman was one of the most hyped prospects in the 2020 NBA draft and was selected 2nd overall by the Golden State Warriors. However, his time with the Warriors was underwhelming, and the Detroit Pistons took a chance on him, hoping he could live up to his potential. The Pistons have announced that James Wiseman will be the starting center for the team, a role that could potentially limit the playing time for the highly-touted rookie Jalen Duren.
James Wiseman's career per-36 averages are decent in scoring and rebounding. He averages 19.4 points per 36 minutes and 9.8 rebounds per 36 minutes. However, his defensive numbers could be more impressive, with just 0.5 steals per 36 minutes and 1.4 blocks per 36 minutes.
Despite the competition for minutes with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, James Wiseman is worth considering in deeper fantasy basketball leagues. If he can maintain a consistent playing time in the low 20s, he has the potential to provide solid contributions in terms of points, rebounds, and field goal percentage.
It will be interesting to see how James Wiseman develops in Detroit and if he can reach the level of play that was expected of him as a top-two draft pick. Fantasy basketball owners should keep an eye on him as the season progresses.
REPORT: The Detroit Pistons plan on starting James Wiseman, via @andscape. pic.twitter.com/e3CS1D83RN
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 9, 2023
Here are some players who might also be relevant in the upcoming week:
- Moritz Wagner, PF/C, Orlando Magic (17% owned)
- Gabe Vincent, PG/SG, Miami Heat (6% owned)
- Nick Richards, C, Charlotte Hornets (10% owned)
- T.J. Warren, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns (7% owned)
- Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF, Utah Jazz (7% owned)
- Sam Hauser, SF/PF, Boston Celtics (9% owned)
- Terance Mann, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers (10% owned)
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