Nearing the end of the fantasy playoffs, owners are making their final push in hopes of collecting that ultimate win. Regarding strategy, not much should change from what we mentioned last week (with the exception of some added desperation as the respective paths to glory continue to narrow). If you’re ahead of the competition, don’t let up, and if you’re behind, don’t let pride keep you from doing what’s necessary to make a comeback. So, without further ado, here are the top waiver-wire picks for Week 22.
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Ownership totals are in ESPN leagues as of March 24.
Toney Douglas (NO- PG) 32.4%
As long as Norris Cole (back) remains out, Toney Douglas will continue to be the best all-around point guard available on most waiver wires. Over his last eight games, Douglas is averaging 13.1 points (38.5% FG, 70.4% FT), 5.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and two 3-pointers in 32 minutes. Ignoring field goal percentage, he’s providing mid to low-level value in standard leagues in every category relevant to a guard. When Cole does return, Douglas’ value will take a hit, but, considering the Pelicans are no longer playoff hopefuls, they’ll probably practice extra caution. That means Douglas could continue to get the start for at least the next couple games. The window’s still open, but it won’t be for long, so if his numbers look appealing, act now while there’s still time.
If you do need more efficiency from the floor, D.J. Augustin may be your best bet at the No. 1 position Over the past eight games, Augustin’s numbers have been similar to those of Douglas. We have the latter as our top pick because of his elevated steals, threes and rebounds, but Augustin is shooting 44 percent from the field and 80 percent from the line over that stretch. He’s struggled over his last two games, but as long as he continues to see 25 or more minutes per game, Augustin holds, at least, low-end value in standard leagues.
Josh Richardson (MIA – SG) 21.2%
Richardson has been on a tear recently, averaging 15.1 points and 2.8 three-pointers while shooting an extremely efficient 60.8 percent from the floor over his last eight games. He’s also adding 1.4 steals, 2.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists, and while it’s unlikely that he can keep up that pace for much longer, the rookie seems to have carved out a reliable spot in the Miami lineup.
If Richardson isn’t available, both Courtney Lee and Tony Allen are putting up similar numbers but to a lesser degree. More specifically, Lee can help out with field goal percentage, steals and three-pointers, and Allen with field goal percentage, steals and points (both can also provide useful rebounding for their position).
Tim Hardaway Jr. (ATL – SG/SF) 4.3%
With both Kyle Kover and Kent Bazemore struggling lately, Hardaway Jr. has seen an opportunity for more playing time and made the best of it. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 17.8 points (58.5% FG, 83.3% FT), 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 threes, one steal and 1.5 assists in just 25.3 minutes. As long as he can keep up anything close to that kind of efficiency, Hardaway Jr. could very easily see his minutes continue to increase. Expectations should still be tempered until we have a larger sample size, but considering there aren’t many games left in the fantasy season, this hot streak of his doesn’t need to last much longer.
Hardaway Jr. should be available in just about every league, but if you happen to find yourself in one of the few where he is already owned, or if you need help in categories that are beyond his reach (assists, rebounds, blocks), Matt Barnes is a viable option. His knack for extreme inconsistency is a little frightening, but his ability to produce across the board always makes Barnes an interesting fantasy option. Lastly, Hollis Thompson is another player worth considering, especially for owners needing a boost in scoring and three-point shooting that won’t ruin their shooting percentages.
Taj Gibson (CHI – PF/C) 48.5%
Like Toney Douglas, Gibson’s fantasy value currently rests on the status of an injured teammate. That teammate is Pau Gasol (knee), who cold end up returning for Saturday’s game against the Magic. Even with Gasol back in the rotation, Gibson has proven capable of producing, but with fewer minutes to go around, he’ll have less room for error, making him more of a risky play. Over his last nine games, Gibson is averaging 11.3 points (57.5% FG, 94.7% FT), 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.7 assists and 0.9 blocks in 25.1 minutes. If a Gasol return does noticeably diminish Gibson’s output, Amir Johnson should be next in line for fantasy owners looking for similar stats. Over his last eight games, Johnson has averaged 9.3 points (73.8% FG, 50% FT), 8.9 rebounds, 0.4 steals, 1.9 assists and 1.3 blocks in 25.7 minutes. Johnson, however, plays for coach Brad Stevens, who’s been the bane of many owners’ existences as he seems to have a different starting lineup for every team in the league. If you’re only interesting in rebounds, Johnson is probably your safest bet, but both players come with some risk and should be compared to each other’s most recent play before deciding who to add.
Steven Adams (OKC – C) 19.4%
Over roughly the same timeframe (eight games) as our two power forward picks, Adams has been producing comparable numbers. If, like ESPN, your league has Gibson and Johnson listed at both the power forward and center positions, then take a look at them before you move on to Adams, but if he’s the only center out of the bunch, he might be your best option at that position. Regardless of who you end up with, if you’re considering one of the three, you’re probably in need of rebounds, blocks or field goal percentage, and Adams is capable of putting up respectable numbers in any and all of those categories on any given night. Over his last four games, the big man is averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 25 minutes. His playing time isn’t as inconsistent as Johnson’s, but his upside isn’t as appealing as Gibson’s. If it is a true center you’re looking for, though, Adams has the best overall value of any of the centers currently available in most leagues.
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George Haw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from George, check out his archive and follow him @georgeWarfieldH.