Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 17 Streaming Targets
The dust has finally settled on one of the most chaotic trade deadlines in recent memory. With superstars like Anthony Davis and James Harden changing zip codes on Thursday, the fantasy basketball landscape has been completely redrawn. As we head into Week 17, managers must navigate a truncated schedule leading up to the All-Star break while capitalizing on the massive roster turnovers that occurred just 48 hours ago.
The immediate priority is identifying players who have walked into expanded roles. Jonathan Kuminga is the headline waiver add of the week. After being dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in the blockbuster swap for Kristaps Porziņģis, Kuminga finally has the runway fantasy managers have been craving. With Atlanta retooling, Kuminga should immediately step into a high-usage role in the frontcourt. Expect volatile scoring numbers initially, but the minutes and shot attempts will be there.
In New York, the return of Jose Alvarado is more than just a heartwarming homecoming; it’s a necessity. With Deuce McBride ruled out indefinitely following core muscle surgery, the New York Knicks acquired Alvarado from New Orleans to stabilize their bench. Tom Thibodeau trusts defensive-minded guards, and Alvarado should see 20-25 minutes nightly immediately. He is an elite source of steals and assists for managers looking to stream category-specific production before the break.
The center rotation in Chicago is another situation to exploit. With Nikola Vučević shipped to Boston, the Chicago Bulls have a gaping hole in the middle. Nick Richards, acquired from Charlotte in the deadline shuffle, is the logical beneficiary. While he won't replicate Vučević's offensive versatility, Richards is a double-double threat who provides elite field goal percentage and blocks. He is a must-add in 12-team leagues.
Finally, for those in need of three-pointers, look no further than Luke Kennard. Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kennard will feast on open looks created by the Lakers' playmakers. He leads the league in three-point percentage this season and should see ample floor time as Los Angeles desperately seeks spacing.
Week 17 is a sprint, not a marathon. With the All-Star festivities kicking off Friday, prioritize players with games early in the week to maximize games played before the league pauses.
The immediate priority is identifying players who have walked into expanded roles. Jonathan Kuminga is the headline waiver add of the week. After being dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in the blockbuster swap for Kristaps Porziņģis, Kuminga finally has the runway fantasy managers have been craving. With Atlanta retooling, Kuminga should immediately step into a high-usage role in the frontcourt. Expect volatile scoring numbers initially, but the minutes and shot attempts will be there.
In New York, the return of Jose Alvarado is more than just a heartwarming homecoming; it’s a necessity. With Deuce McBride ruled out indefinitely following core muscle surgery, the New York Knicks acquired Alvarado from New Orleans to stabilize their bench. Tom Thibodeau trusts defensive-minded guards, and Alvarado should see 20-25 minutes nightly immediately. He is an elite source of steals and assists for managers looking to stream category-specific production before the break.
The center rotation in Chicago is another situation to exploit. With Nikola Vučević shipped to Boston, the Chicago Bulls have a gaping hole in the middle. Nick Richards, acquired from Charlotte in the deadline shuffle, is the logical beneficiary. While he won't replicate Vučević's offensive versatility, Richards is a double-double threat who provides elite field goal percentage and blocks. He is a must-add in 12-team leagues.
Finally, for those in need of three-pointers, look no further than Luke Kennard. Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kennard will feast on open looks created by the Lakers' playmakers. He leads the league in three-point percentage this season and should see ample floor time as Los Angeles desperately seeks spacing.
Week 17 is a sprint, not a marathon. With the All-Star festivities kicking off Friday, prioritize players with games early in the week to maximize games played before the league pauses.
