2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 15: Josh Hart A Top Priority Following Julius Randle Injury
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and a lot of rosters could potentially be changing, which would open up – and potentially close up – opportunities for a lot of guys. For Week 15 for the Fantasy Basketball season, it’s time to take a look at the top waiver wire adds and streaming options.
Fantasy Basketball Top Waiver Wire Adds
Josh Hart, New York Knicks (43% Yahoo!)
In Saturday’s win, Julius Randle suffered a separated shoulder and the team is awaiting the severity of it via an MRI. Hart’s already a solid rotation piece for the Knicks as he’s played 26 or more minutes in five straight games, but he played 32 in the Heat game that Randle left. He’s likely going to be the one starting in Randle’s place unless the Knicks make a move, but Hart is a player that can deliver in multiple categories. He’s a nightly double-double threat if he’s playing 30-plus minutes and starting.
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (39% Yahoo!)
I know it hasn’t been easy to trust Pacers’ wings, but Nesmith has really settled into a great role for Indiana alongside Pascal Siakam. Nesmith’s topped 26 minutes in five straight gamesa nd has really started elevating his scoring, notching 13-plus points in three straight. He’s grabbed at least three rebounds in all five outings and he’s been one of the league’s best three-point shooters, shooting it at a 46% clip while making two threes per game.
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies (24% Yahoo!)
When you look at the Grizzlies, they’re absolutely decimated by injuries and are seemingly not interested in extended Xavier Tillman right now. That’s lead them using Jaren Jackson Jr. at center and Aldama starting aside him at power forward. Aldama is a really good fantasy player when he’s extended, that’s just been his primary issue at times; carving out a role. He’s made eight starts this year and has averaged 27.9 minutes, 13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest. He should continue getting an extended look with how depleted they are.
Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings (54% Yahoo!)
I understand he’s heavily rostered, but it’s been a steady rise lately given how well he’s begun playing. After being basically removed from the rotation, he’s had a fire lit from under him now posting 35 or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. He’s a good rebounding guard, has been contributing two or more assists and has at least one steal or block in six straight. We know good of a shooter he’s been his entire career and he’s getting back on track in January shooting a season-high 49% from the floor and 39.7% from three, which is up from 40.4% and 31.6 in December.
Fantasy Basketball Streaming Options
Jarred Vanderbilt, Los Angeles Lakers (17% Yahoo!)
Until we know how the Lakers’ roster is going to shake out post NBA trade deadline, it’s hard to put Vanderbilt any higher than the streaming category, but he has played himself into a substantial role for the time being. He’s played 25 or more minutes in three straight games and in each of them he’s notched at least 30 fantasy points. He’s scoring and rebounding, sure, but he’s really made his mark on the defensive end contributing two or more steals in four straight games.
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls (21% Yahoo!)
We’ve seen the Bulls entrust Dosunmu more and more of late, mainly since the Zach LaVine injury and now Patrick Williams is dealing with a foot ailment that’s going to keep landing him on the injury report. Dosunmu has three games upcoming this week and as the trade deadline continues to creep closer, it’s hard to imagine LaVine playing again beforehand. He’s played at least 28 minutes in four straight and five of his last six while scoring double-figures in six consecutive.