The Specialists: The Specialists-The Title Push
Whether competing for the crown or trying to get to the final round, it’s time to manipulate the waiver wire.
John Henson, F/C Milwaukee Bucks: Blocks, Field Goal Percentage
The Bucks have a bad playoff schedule, but Henson is averaging 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks on 66.7% shooting over his last three games.
Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C Sacramento Kings: Blocks, Field Goal Percentage
Trill was worth a pickup before the talk of a DeMarcus Cousins shutdown started to make the rounds, and with DMC possibly starting to rest as early as Monday, Cauley-Stein should be a priority pickup right now. He’s got two straight 20-plus point games under his belt, averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and a block on 63.3% from the field in that stretch.
Jusuf Nurkic, C Denver Nuggets: Steals, Blocks, Field Goal Percentage
Although he took advantage of some serious GTP—garbage time production—on Sunday vs. the Clippers, there are no denying the results of Juka’s last two games: 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 blocks while connecting on 66.7% of his attempts. Also of note: over his last seven contests, Nurkic is averaging 2.0 blocks. It helps that Kenneth Faried (back) is looking like a possible shutdown candidate, as well.
John Jenkins, G/F Phoenix Suns: 3-pointers
Earl Watson recently said he wanted to evaluate Jenkins, who has hit three triples in two straight games. He’s a desperation pickup for those in deep leagues with a very real need from distance.
Ed Davis, F/C Portland Trail Blazers: Steals, Blocks, Field Goal Percentage
The Boss is giving orders over his last five games, averaging 10.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks on 73.1% shooting. He really shouldn’t be on the wire right now.
P.J. Tucker, G/F Phoenix Suns: Steals
Tucker has at least one steal in seven straight games, averaging 1.7 takeaways in that span.
Wesley Matthews, G/F Dallas Mavericks: 3-pointers
Matthews has averaged 18.8 points and 4.8 3PM over his last four games. An out-of-gas Mavs team is going to ride him hard without Chandler Parsons (knee surgery) in the lineup.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SG Brooklyn Nets: Steals
The Nets play five times this week, pushing a still limited RHJ into the radar for those who need a boost in the steals department.
Luis Scola, F/C Toronto Raptors: 3-pointers
Scola is averaging 3.4 treys over his last five games. You read that right.
Toney Douglas, G New Orleans Pelicans: Steals
Douglas is locked into playing time given the current constitution of New Orleans’ active roster, and although he’s averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 triples over his last three games, he’s shooting just 13-of-43 (30.2%). If you can stomach the poor efficiency, Douglas is worth deploying.
Hollis Thompson, G/F Philadelphia 76ers: 3-pointers
Prior to Sunday’s dud vs. Golden State, Thompson was averaging 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks and 3.0 triples over his previous five contests. Jerami Grant (knee/quad) was injured vs. the Warriors, Nerlens Noel is sidelined with a recurring knee issue and Jahlil Okafor (knee surgery) is out for the season. As a result, Robert Covington is likely going to play more small-ball power forward, opening additional run for Thompson on the wing.
