This article is part of our NBA Waiver Wire series.
Another week in the books, another rash of injuries. In the last seven days alone, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (knee) and Heat center Bam Adebayo (thumb) have suffered somewhat significant injuries that will sideline them for at least several weeks.
While no one tunes into sports to see players getting hurt (except maybe the ghost of George Carlin, and even he was joking, I think), the incessant nature of injuries keeps the waiver wire from becoming stale, and it keeps fantasy managers on their toes. Imagine what a barren wasteland the free agent pool would be if everyone simply stayed healthy.
Without further ado, here's this week's list of players to consider adding, more than half of whom made the cut due to injuries, and none of whom have been suggested prior to this week.
De'Anthony Melton, Memphis Grizzlies (53% rostered)
The relatively recent return of Dillon Brooks has meant fewer minutes for Melton of late, and his playing time has remained meager even since Ja Morant (knee) suffered an injury last weekend. Nevertheless, during the last four games Melton has been phenomenal despite his modest role, averaging 13.3 points, 6.0 boards, 2.8 dimes, and 2.0 threes across 20.8 minutes. Capable of slotting in at both backcourt positions, Melton should end up earning plenty of playing time while Morant is sidelined indefinitely. Add him now while you still can.
Dewayne Dedmon, Miami Heat (49% rostered)
Dedmon delivered 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, one steal, and
Another week in the books, another rash of injuries. In the last seven days alone, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (knee) and Heat center Bam Adebayo (thumb) have suffered somewhat significant injuries that will sideline them for at least several weeks.
While no one tunes into sports to see players getting hurt (except maybe the ghost of George Carlin, and even he was joking, I think), the incessant nature of injuries keeps the waiver wire from becoming stale, and it keeps fantasy managers on their toes. Imagine what a barren wasteland the free agent pool would be if everyone simply stayed healthy.
Without further ado, here's this week's list of players to consider adding, more than half of whom made the cut due to injuries, and none of whom have been suggested prior to this week.
De'Anthony Melton, Memphis Grizzlies (53% rostered)
The relatively recent return of Dillon Brooks has meant fewer minutes for Melton of late, and his playing time has remained meager even since Ja Morant (knee) suffered an injury last weekend. Nevertheless, during the last four games Melton has been phenomenal despite his modest role, averaging 13.3 points, 6.0 boards, 2.8 dimes, and 2.0 threes across 20.8 minutes. Capable of slotting in at both backcourt positions, Melton should end up earning plenty of playing time while Morant is sidelined indefinitely. Add him now while you still can.
Dewayne Dedmon, Miami Heat (49% rostered)
Dedmon delivered 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, one steal, and one trey across 31 minutes in Wednesday's loss to Cleveland. His rostered percentage is rising rapidly, and for good reason. With Bam Adebayo (thumb) out indefinitely and Miami possessing minimal depth, especially in the frontcourt, Dedmon should be heavily relied upon for at least the entire month of December.
Otto Porter Jr., Golden State Warriors (34% rostered)
Small sample size alert! Over a two-game span before Friday's win over Phoenix, Porter combined for 34 points, 16 boards, seven threes, five dimes, and three steals across 56 minutes of action. His rostered percentage shot up considerably as a result (+22%). There's no way of knowing whether this is a sign of things to come or merely a hot stretch. However, in my opinion, there's almost always merit in taking a swing on someone who has reached the heights that Porter has, even if that player hasn't been a consistent contributor for a few years. Nicolas Batum is just one recent example of a former max-contract player who seemed like his days of fantasy relevance were behind him before he joined a contending club and carved out a quality role for himself.
Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks (26% rostered)
Quickley has scored a dozen points or more in six of his last eight appearances. Moreover, since struggling veteran point guard Kemba Walker was removed from the regular rotation last week, Quickley averaged 35.7 minutes across three games prior to Saturday's blowout loss to Denver. While Quickley's field goal percentage (38.8% FG) leaves plenty to be desired, the sophomore guard boasts no shortage of long-term upside. In fact, strictly in terms of season-long ceiling, his is arguably the highest among this week's list of recommended players.
Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies (29% rostered)
Jones is holding his own as the starting point guard in place of Ja Morant (knee). In the four games (all wins) since Morant went down, Jones has managed averages of 9.0 points, 7.5 dimes, 4.5 boards, and 1.8 steals per game across 28.3 minutes. While he doesn't offer much in most statistical categories, Jones should be a superb source of assists and swipes for the duration of Morant's indefinite absence.
Cameron Johnson, Phoenix Suns (21% rostered)
Johnson is a strong streaming option for those in need of scoring and threes, supposing the Suns opt to play it safe with Devin Booker (hamstring). Johnson has reached double figures in scoring in five of the last six games, and he posted 19 points, six boards, four treys, two assists, and one block in 27 minutes during Thursday's win over the Pistons. Johnson followed up with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and two three-pointers against the Warriors on Friday.
Garrison Mathews, Houston Rockets (31% rostered)
Mathews has been scorching hot lately, not only helping Houston snap a 15-game losing streak, but also reel off five consecutive victories entering Sunday's game against New Orleans. During the team's winning streak, Mathews is averaging 16.2 points and 3.8 threes across 33.2 minutes. With Jalen Green (hamstring) set to be re-evaluated soon and Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) hobbled as well, Mathews may be in line for another week of steady playing time, though it's also possible he's in the process of carving out a more meaningful long-term role.
Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers (19% rostered)
It's rarely a great idea to add a player based on one good game. However, Howard had one of his best games of the season recently when he totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 35 minutes during Tuesday's win over the Kings. Howard started alongside Anthony Davis in Friday's contest against the Clippers, and it's somewhat likely that Lakers' coach Frank Vogel will look to limit Davis' minutes at center as the long and grueling regular season continues. As such, if Howard can carve out a consistent enough role, whether off the bench or as a starter, he'll be a strong source of boards and blocks. I'm not necessarily recommending Howard as an immediate add, but keep an eye on him at least, in case he ends up stealing most of DeAndre Jordan's minutes.
DeMarcus Cousins, Milwaukee Bucks (13% rostered)
Cousins played well in his Bucks debut on Wednesday, turning in seven points, four boards, one dime, one steal, and one trey in only 15 minutes. Then came the news that Brook Lopez (back) is out indefinitely following surgery. Bobby Portis will continue playing the vast majority of minutes at the center position. However, over time Cousins could earn a fairly consistent role off the bench, as Milwaukee won't want to wear out Giannis Antetokounmpo by asking him to bang with the bigger bodies in the league during the regular season. At the very least, Cousins offers decent upside in deeper leagues.
DeAndre' Bembry, Brooklyn Nets (10% rostered)
Bembry has earned at least 30 minutes three times in the last seven games, during which time he's averaging 8.9 points, 6.0 boards, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks across 29.3 minutes. Although best reserved for use in deeper leagues, the extended absence of Joe Harris (ankle) has clearly opened the door of opportunity for Bembry.
Facundo Campazzo, Denver Nuggets (6% rostered)
Campazzo has enjoyed an increased role of late, earning 24 minutes or more in seven straight showings. During this recent stretch, he's averaging 10.4 points, 3.7 dimes, 2.3 threes, and 1.3 steals across 27.0 minutes per game. Moreover, with Michael Porter Jr. (back) and Jamal Murray (knee) potentially out for the rest of the season, Campazzo possesses decent long-term upside. Those looking for assists, steals, and treys in deeper leagues could do a lot worse.
Dennis Smith Jr., Portland Trail Blazers (8% rostered)
With Damian Lillard (abdomen) expected to miss at least a few more games, Anfernee Simons became an obvious pickup overnight. However, Simons suffered an ankle injury in Thursday's loss to the Spurs and will not play Monday against the Clippers. Assuming both Lillard and Simons remain sidelined for a little while, Smith is minimally worthy of consideration for streaming purposes, particularly in deeper points leagues.
Recent recommendations: Patty Mills, Monte Morris, Kevin Love, Devin Vassell, Alperen Sengun, Royce O'Neale, Kevin Huerter, JaVale McGee, T.J. Warren, Nicolas Batum, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Terance Mann, Willy Hernangomez, Cedi Osman
