In this edition of Working the Wire, we’ll take a look at the games scheduled for week 14, including those teams that have a back-to-back set. Before looking ahead, let’s quickly take a look at last week’s waiver wire pickups and whether we struck gold or came up empty. We will then run down the list of players you could consider picking up for longer than a couple of games, although do remember that not every player is going to suit your needs. Finally, we take a look at a list of current streaming options, based on categorical need.

Games Schedule – Week 14

Back to Backs

Mon/Tue: 
Tue/Wed: DET, MIN
Wed/Thu: DAL, IND
Thu/Fri: GSW
Fri/Sat: MIL, OKC
Sat/Sun: 
Sun/Mon (of Week 15): ATL, CHI, NYK, PHI, UTA

A Look Back…

Guards

Anfernee Simons (19th ranked player) – Obviously a big win

Gary Harris – (74th ranked player) – Still playing well, a win

Kevin Huerter (208th ranked player) – A loss here but give him another game or two

Tyus Jones (180th ranked player) – It was a fun ride, but a loss

Forwards

Talen Horton-Tucker (336th ranked player) – An ugly loss

Carmelo Anthony (346th ranked player) – A loss but also injured

Saddiq Bey (84th ranked player) – Continues to play well, a win

Cedi Osman (320th ranked player) – Reverting back to being bad, a loss

Centers

Brandon Clarke (58th ranked player) – Clearly a win

Onyeka Okungwu (210th ranked player) – Probably a loss but can still have value

Waiver Wire Options

Guards

Alec Burks

Here we go again with Burks. After putting up top-50 production for a period earlier in the season, Burks has slowly found his way back to the waiver wire in a lot of standard leagues. However, over the past two weeks, Burks is returning top-30 value, thanks in large part to the fact his steals have gone back up to 2.3 per game. This is by no means a long-term thing but for now, Burks simply has to be added in just about every league.

Amir Coffey

While the Clippers are a mess right now, Coffey has been able to carve out a consistent role for himself. In 30 minutes per night over the past two weeks, he has been a top-75 player, demonstrating an ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. The eventual return of Paul George and Luke Kennard is going to impact Coffey but until then, fire him up in all leagues.

Hamidou Diallo

The Pistons are starting to get healthy and yet Diallo remains in the starting lineup. His playing time has been a little confusing, although it is generally a result of the fact the team is getting blown out. Outside of his sketchy free throw shooting, Diallo can put up points in a hurry, deliver handfuls of steals and rebounds exceptionally well from the guard position. This run of production could end at any moment but until we see otherwise, give him a look in all competitive formats.

Coby White

Both Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball are currently sidelined for the Bulls, meaning White is set to see an uptick in playing time. His role has chopped and changed thus far this season but on the whole, he has shown signs of development when it comes to his overall game. He will really only help in points, 3s and assists but in a 30-minute role, he really needs to be added everywhere while the Bulls are short-handed.

Forwards

Justin Holiday

The Pacers are on the verge of a major shakeup, or at least that is what the media would have you believe. In the meantime, Holiday has been able to slowly work his way into the standard league conversation. He is a transparent player when it comes to fantasy production, offering upside in both steals and 3-pointers only. If they are high on your list of requirements, give him a look to see if he can maintain his current momentum.

De’Andre Hunter

With Cam Reddish now calling New York his home, Hunter is going to get a longer look on most nights. He has established himself as a starter for the Hawks and so should be getting at least 30 minutes a night moving forward. His production thus far has been a little up and down, but we know what he can do when firing on all cylinders. This feels like a bit more of a flier than a certain thing but based on opportunity alone, he is worth a long look.

Darius Bazley

Now coming off the bench, Bazley has managed to at least stabilize his fantasy value over the past few weeks. The Thunder could completely change their rotation at any given moment, meaning Bazley does come with an element of risk. He can be a solid source of boards and blocks and so if you have an empty roster spot, add him and just see where this goes.

Jae Crowder

Crowder is about as inconsistent a producer as you will find, at least when it comes to tangible numbers. During his time on the sideline, Cam Johnson stepped up and has now arguably moved ahead of Crowder when it comes to projectable fantasy value. However, Crowder appears locked in as the starter and until Johnson returns to action, he should continue logging a ton of minutes.

Centers

Kelly Olynyk

A specific return date is not yet set for Olynyk, although he has been tabled as doubtful for Sunday. While this does not mean he will be active, it is the first real sign we have had that he is even close. The Pistons could really do with his production at the moment and so while his playing time is likely to be monitored closely, now is the time to make a speculative move.

Chris Boucher

Boucher has had a bit of luck go his way over the past few weeks, especially when it comes to opportunities presenting themselves. He has now played in excess of 24 minutes in four straight games, putting up top-90 numbers in that time. When the Raptors get their full squad back on the floor, his role is likely to be trimmed once again. Until that time, continue rolling him out there with confidence, well, some confidence.

Streaming Targets

Points

Grayson Allen

Evan Fournier

Cam Thomas

Terrence Ross

Patty Mills

3-pointers 

Ben McLemore

Evan Fournier

Patty Mills

Grayson Allen

Bones Hyland

Assists

Facundo Campazzo

Eric Bledsoe

Devonte Graham

Cameron Payne

Killian Hayes

Rebounds

Marvin Bagley III

Precious Achiuwa

Mason Plumlee

Day’Ron Sharpe

Ivica Zubac

Steals

Chuma Okeke

Killian Hayes

Otto Porter

Chris Duarte

Gary Payton II

Blocks

Precious Achiuwa

Serge Ibaka

Day’Ron Sharpe

Nerlens Noel

Naz Reid

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