Now that we’re a month into the season it’s time to start looking at the statistics from the last two weeks. In an effort to find the next hot pickup out there, we must see the trends as they’re starting. Beat your league-mates to the punch and grab these players a week before they hit your opponent’s radar. Use the previous waiver wire articles to create a watch list. When an NBA Coach determines what players will pick up second unit minutes and shots, they usually determine it from a game by game. If a player in his team’s second unit has scored in double figures three straight games, they’re likely to keep using the hot hand approach for the extra minutes. Be a Coach!

Patty Mills PG SAS-20% Ownership: As aware as I am that Tony Parker is on his way back, Mills has been the established change of pace player for the Spurs for the last few years and even when Parker returns, he should still see 20 minutes per game. Mills can get to double figures in a short amount of time because he’s balanced. He’s at his best on transition. Mills has the ability to control transition play and stop and pop for an open three-pointer on transition. It’s not easy to control your momentum once driving, but Mills has mastered this. He’s scored in double figures in three of his last four games and will be a huge steals help as he recently posted a four-steal game. Mills has also dished five or more assists in three of his five games. He doesn’t turn the ball over much and has shot the ball at least 10 times in 3 of his last 4 games. Mills has rotation security and will be most beneficial when the Spurs need fresh legs.

JR Smith SG/SF CLE-23% Ownership: As frustrating of a player as Smith is, he still has the ability to fill up the stat sheet and he’s been keeping the turnovers down. The Cavs NEED scoring help from their backcourt and they continue to suffer from injuries in the backcourt. Iman Shumpert has been handling a good amount of Point Guard duties, but can’t be relied on for offensive production. Shumpert’s lack of consistency on offense will put the ball in Smith’s hands more. Smith is technically the Cavs third scoring option (along with Dwayne Wade). He does serve a purpose and has scored in double figures in four of his last five games. We all know that Smith loves to shoot and off-balanced shots are his thing, but when the shots are falling, we must take advantage. Smith will hit shots from long-range and use his agility to drive the lane. Smith has been helpful in other categories over his last few games. Smith has grabbed five rebounds in both of his last two games and has dished three assists in each of his last three games. Smith should get a bit of a longer leash because of his on the ball defense. Smith has stolen the ball at least twice in each of his last three games. Add him while he’s hot and the Cavs are decimated in their backcourt.

Ish Smith PG DET-12% Ownership: Reggie Jackson has looked the best he’s looked in the last few years, but let’s not forget that Smith was given a bigger rotation commitment when Jackson was struggling last season. Smith is getting just enough playing time to be a contributor, but even when playing under 20 minutes, he’s proven to be a potential volume producer. Prior to the last game the Pistons played, Smith scored in double figures in his previous seven games. Smith has helped the Pistons with long rebounding and has grabbed at least three in his last seven games. Guards who rebound are most beneficial for fantasy. Smith is also averaging 4.3 assists per game and has made an impact in the Pistons second unit. The Pistons second unit features a lot of wing shooters and Smith has taken advantage racking up assists. Even with the shooters in the Pistons second unit, Smith has still been able to get a good amount of shots off. Once Jackson cools off a bit, Smith will get even more playing time.

Dillon Brooks SF MEM-8% Ownership: With Ben McLemore back, Tyreke Evans staying healthy and James Ennis getting a lot of minutes, Brooks is fighting for his life to stay in the Grizzlies rotation. McLemore and even Chandler Parsons will look to steal playing time from him. Seeing Brooks play in the mid-late 20’s gives me confidence that he still has security. Brooks has scored in double figures in three of his last five games. His defense is a big reason he hasn’t been buried on the bench. Brooks has grabbed four or more rebounds in his last four games. Brooks has also swiped the ball at least once in his last four games. Brooks has blocked a shot in three of his last four games. The commitment to defense is there and Brooks can become the new Tony Allen, with a little bit more of offensive ability. If you need a defensive specialist in the mid-court give Brooks a shot, even if it’s a short-term pick up. Remember, Mike Conley has been hurting and Evans and Parsons are two of the biggest injury-prone players in the league and that could benefit Brooks in the long-term.

Ersan Ilyasova F ATL-21% Ownership: Ilyasova just returned from an ankle injury that has kept him out for most of the season and the Hawks frontcourt has been weak and Ilyasova will be needed on both sides of the ball. When Ilyasova’s fully healthy and back in the swing of things in a few games he should be able to play meaningful minutes, have rotation security, score in double figures and grab six rebounds per game. Ilyasova is best from the elbow. Not only does he hit a lot of elbow jumpers, but he’ll grab long rebounds from the elbow and the Hawks need all of the help they can get cleaning up the garbage inside and Ilyasova will bang in the post. Ilyasova also has a long-range game and he’ll be left open often. He’ll be a good bailout options for both Dennis Schroder and Taurean Prince. He’ll cause chaos at the elbow on defense and that will keep him locked in to 20-plus minutes. Ilyasova can do a lot more than Luke Babbitt can and Babbitt’s Back issues he’s currently dealing with will make it easier for Ilyasova to carve out more playing time.

Kyle Korver SG/SF CLE-27% Ownership: If you’re desperate for scoring, Korver loves to score when given playing time and the Cavs are in need of more offense from the perimeter and Korver has played at least 20 minutes in his last 3 games and has scored in double figures in all three. Korver is a short-term add as he primarily stays at the arc and the lack of dynamism makes it hard to commit to him long-term. Korver has grabbed at least three boards in two of his last three games, but even rebounds are hard to come by. Korver has helped shoot the Cavs back into games and that has been a big reason for the uptick in playing time, and he’s lethal from long-range. Seeing Korver shoot free-throws is encouraging and he does shift to the elbow to try to fake slower players in jumping into him. He’s had a couple of 20-point games this season and can be relied on for the next few games, until Derrick Rose returns. Korver is a better shooter than Jeff Green and will get more love in the Cavs second unit with more shot opportunities. 

E’Twaun Moore PG, SG/SF NO-21% Ownership: Despite Rajon Rondo being activated, Moore is still producing and playing in the late 20’s-early 30’s. His playing time will likely drop off a little, but he has been rotated to multiple positions and that will keep him secure in the Pelicans rotation. Rondo, Jrue Holiday and Dante Cunningham will need  relief and Moore is the likely filler for all three of them. Moore has scored in double figures in his last four games and has grabbed at least three rebounds in three of his last four games. Moore’s minutes will be saved by his defensive ability as he’s stolen the ball in three of his last four games. Moore will also provide minor assist help and three-point shooting. Rondo’s inability to shoot consistently will benefit Moore and Moore should be a top scoring option in the Pelicans second unit along with whichever skilled big man stays on the court. Moore is fighting to stay in the rotation and should be the Pelicans Sixth Man for the remainder of the season.

Lance Stephenson SG/SF IND-5% Ownership: Stephenson started the season in miserable fashion, but with Glenn Robinson III still on the shelf, Stephenson has been able to stand out a bit this season. He’s scored eight points in each of his last three games and has been grabbing over four rebounds per game this season. When Stephenson is on the floor, he helps move the ball around the perimeter. We’ve seen flashes from him that show he can be a complete NBA player, but has continued to be a poor man’s Tyreke Evans. Stephenson has dished at least three assists in three of his last four games. Stephenson will also provide steals help when on the court. He’s a very aggressive defender and is always looking to slow the drive by swiping, but it can work against him when a good ball-handler can avoid the swipe and drive right by him. Stephenson’s commitment to defense should keep his head above water. He recently grabbed 10 rebounds in a game.

Andre Roberson SG/SF OKC-7% Ownership: Need a defensive specialist? Roberson has earned all of minutes from his defense and has grabbed at least five rebounds in his last four games. Roberson is also a huge help with steals on the perimeter and has had multiple multi-steal games. Roberson can hit the knockdown three-pointer, but the ball is often taken out of his hands. Roberson is excellent at reading screens, not falling for the pump fake on the perimeter and has even helped out with blocks. Roberson has blocked a shot in four of his last five games. Roberson will look to crash the boards and bring the ball back out to reset. It’ll be hard to rely on him offensively when the Thunder are at full strength. If you need cheap boards, steals and blocks though, Roberson is absolutely reliable and has been for the last few season’s and his minutes will stay over 20 because of his strong defense. He’ll remain a starter in the Thunder’s lineup.

WILD CARD PICK UP: Shabazz Napier PG POR-4% Ownership: Is it possible for ANOTHER Blazers Guard to be a legitimate scoring option? Napier has been turning heads over his last few games as he’s scored in double figures in three of his last four games. Napier is a small player, but is able to use his tenacity and speed to get to the rim when called upon and could turn into a good change of pace option for the Blazers. Napier has stolen the ball multiple times over his last two games and has even contributed a couple of assists. Napier is on a hot streak when it comes to shooting and hit five three-pointers in his previous game. Napier could be a top scoring and ball-handling option in the Blazers second unit. There’s a reason Napier is in the wild card section of this article. He’s the true definition of a wild card pick up and the Blazers don’t have much consistency on offense outside of Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic. While Evan Turner will take a lot of shots in the second unit, Napier will drive more and get to the line to add to his point total. He’s been keeping the turnovers down and that’s given him more freedom with the ball.