After all of that, the NBA In Season Tournament is now over. Ultimately, it generated a fair share of mid-season excitement, and now we enter the meat of the regular season. The nightly excitement will continue, and now have a fair amount of data to analyze and digest on a weekly basis. Let’s take a look at some NBA Waiver Wire options I have my eye on. At the same time, don’t forget to take advantage of all of the other great tools we have here at Fantasy Alarm for the NBA season. 

 

Fantasy Basketball NBA Waiver Wire Picks

Nick Richards, C, Charlotte Hornets

Even though Nick Richards is moving back to the bench following the return to action of Mark Williams, we still shouldn’t forget about him from a fantasy perspective. Coming off the bench this season, Richards is averaging 8.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while blocking 1.2 shots. Efficiency really is the name of the game here, and that production is coming in just 17 minutes of action. You certainly can do worse if forced into a streaming situation at the center position, and we know that any incremental increase to playing time will result in an increase to Richards’ production. 

Dante Exum, PG, Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum took full advantage of his move to the starting lineup. In 33 minutes of action, Exum scored 23 points while coming through with well-rounded production finishing with seven assists and six rebounds. It was the second time in three games that Exum scored in double figures, and if he continues to produce, Dallas will have to continue giving him more playing time. While we focused on the offense, Exum has shown a well-rounded skill set to contribute across multiple categories. 

Dennis Smith, PG, Brooklyn Nets

After being ruled out of Friday’s game with a back injury, Dennis Smith should be back in action on Monday. Due to playing only two games this month, it is very likely that Smith has been undervalued, but in those two games it is difficult to ignore the production. Smith averaged 11.5 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, and when he does return, he will receive playing time to allow him continue at a similar level of production. With Ben Simmons continuing to be sidelined, the opportunity for Smith is there. 

Brandin Podziemski, SG, Golden State Warriors

As the season progresses, it would not be surprising to playing time continue to open up in Golden State. The Warriors are an older, more experienced, team and it is very clear where their focus lies. At this point, we know that nagging injuries will only increase throughout the season, and that means more playing time for young players such as Brandin Podziemski. When Podziemski does take the court, he does have a good supporting cast around him. The rookie has been making good use of his increased role scoring in double figures in three of his last four games. Some games will be better than others based on the availability of the players ahead of him on the depth chart, but with 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, there is some upside. 

Jabari Walker, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers

While he is still working on securing regular playing time, Jabari Walker is getting closer to that. The forward certainly is earning an increased role as he continues to produce when given the chance. In each of his last two games, Walker has scored in double figures and the forward also has shown the ability to crash the boards when needed. The expectation here is that Walker will continue to see increased playing time as the season progresses. 

Day’Ron Sharpe, C, Brooklyn Nets

Things have been going well for Day’Ron Sharpe as the big man has been making good use of his increased playing time. The production has been following the same trajectory as his playing time increases. As the season goes on, we should see more of Sharpe. He is a dual threat in the post both offensively and on the boards. That was on display in Sharpe’s last game on Friday in which he finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds.