Week 23 is the final week for some and the next to last for most everyone else still fighting for that coveted fantasy basketball title. To those of you whose seasons end on Sunday, hopefully, you’ve either got the championship in the bag or at least still have a fighting chance to make a late comeback. To everyone else, there’s still time to gain or lose substantial ground, so rather than coast that last straightaway, make sure to keep grinding ’til the end.
If this is your first time here, know that while we do try to cover the top players available in over 50 percent of leagues regardless of scoring format, those who are a better fit for points-based scoring formats will typically take precedence over those who may only have value in eight or nine-category leagues. With that being said, the cream tends to rise to the top, so if someone is killing it in one format, there’s a good chance he’s also holding his own in the other. Now, let’s get started and see who’s out there this time around!
Ownership percentages are for ESPN leagues as of March 22.
Kelly Olynyk (C/PF – MIA) 40.2%
We mentioned him briefly last week as an additional player to consider picking up, but by now it should be pretty obvious that Kelly Olynyk deserves to be owned everywhere. The Miami backup big man has seriously capitalized on the recent Hassan Whiteside injury by averaging 17.3 points, seven rebounds, five assists, 1.2 steals, 1.5 blocks, and two treys in just 28.6 minutes over his last six games.
And, as impressive as those across-the-board numbers are, they still don’t do Olynyk justice, as he’s played even better over his last two games with averages of 26 points, 6.5 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, two blocks, and three 3-pointers in 35.4 minutes. It’s safe to say Olynyk is going through a career stretch at the moment, and considering Whiteside is still labeled as “Out” with little information on when he might return, the former should provide quality value from here on out.
Buddy Hield (SG – SAC) 35.9%
Buddy Hield has been on fire recently, recording 22.3 points, six rebounds, five assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.8 threes in 30.8 minutes per game over his last four games. Whether he’s coming off of the bench or playing in the starting lineup like he did when Bogdan Bogdonavich missed Sacramento’s last game against Detroit, Hield is playing at a high level, not only scoring plenty of points but doing so at an efficient rate. On top of that, unlike many other shooters, the sophomore guard is also producing in the other big categories like rebounds and assists.
Bogdonavich, who’s currently listed as probable for Sacramento’s game Thursday against Atlanta, will probably reclaim his starting spot if he does return, but that shouldn’t do much to slow Hield down. If you’re in need of threes, he’s a no-brainer pickup, but even if you’re good in that category or are in points-based leagues, Buddy Hield should be someone you target if he’s still available.
Al-Farouq Aminu (SF/PF – POR) 22.1%
In each of his last four games, Al-Farouq Aminu has put up double-digit points and at least eight rebounds while playing 30-36 minutes. Over that same stretch, he’s averaged 14.8 points, 9,3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 3.8 threes in 33.6 minutes, and should still be on the upward trend.
The Blazers, fresh off of a 13-game winning streak, currently find themselves in third place in a competitive Western Conference, and Aminu has rarely had trouble finding minutes, so as long as he continues to shoot the ball at an efficient rate, he should remain a viable starter in standard leagues. It’s worth noting that he may have a hard time hitting four 3-pointers every night, but his consistent rebounding game paired with his upside in the assists category should be enough to cover any nights he might struggle shooting from beyond the arc.
Josh Jackson (SF/SG – PHX) 41.1%
Josh Jackson has come on over the past month and, as a result, seems to have solidified a sizeable role in the Suns’ lineup. He’s scored 15 or more points in seven of his last 10 games, and over his last four has averaged 21.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.8 threes in 33 minutes.
He’s still prone to rookie hiccups, but Jackson’s upside on any given night makes him still worth owning in most leagues. Given his underdeveloped jump shot and ball-handling skills, Jackson is going to have more value in leagues that ignore shooting percentages and turnovers (most points-based leagues), but even then, as long as he continues scoring 20-plus points a night, this rookie is going to be hard to ignore.
Quinn Cook (SG – GS) 14.1%
The Warriors’ are quite thin at the moment with all of their top scorers in Kevin Durant (ribs), Klay Thompson (thumb), Draymond Green (abdomen), and Stephen Curry (ankle) missing time due to injury, but in their absence, Qunin Cook has truly shined. Over his last four games, the sophomore shooting guard has averaged 21.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.3 threes in 36.4 minutes. He’s come out of nowhere and been a bright spot for the Warriors during a dark stretch.
However, his value is still going to be tied to the health of the aforementioned stars. While Durrant, Thompson, and Green are all expected to remain sidelined until at least March 23, Curry is probable to make his return Friday against Atlanta, which complicates things a bit. His return will undoubtedly have a negative impact on Cook, but given how many other guys are still out, there’s still a chance that the backup still sees significant time.
With that being said, Cook isn’t nearly as sure of a thing as our previous waiver targets. If you happen to have extra roster depth or just don’t have many options available to you, he’s worth a look in the hope that he’s done enough to still log serviceable time alongside or backing up Curry.
Marcus Morris (PF – BOS) 26.4%
The Celtics are trying to make it through their string of injuries and Marcus Morris is one of the guys doing his part to keep them competitive. Over his last four games, Morris has averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 threes in 34.4 minutes. With Marcus Smart out until at least the playoffs, Jaylen Brown missing time with a concussion, and Kyrie Irving still sidelined as he deals with a questionable knee, Morris should continue to carry a heavy load for the time being.
He’s worth picking up to start Friday against Portland, and while Brown could return Sunday, Morris’ role should remain relatively unchanged, meaning owners are looking at a minimum of two more games like he’s had recently. If you’re in a 10-team league, grab him if he’s still out there and consider him a strong play this weekend, however, be aware that his production may start to decline as his teammates slowly return. If you’re in a deeper league, Morris could very easily be a guy you use the rest of the way.
George Haw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from George, check out his archive and follow him @georgeWarfieldH.
