Jared McCain has become a Rookie of the Year candidate. (Duke Wire)
Welcome back to another week of Fantasy basketball. We’re into mid-November and the season is starting to gain traction. There are tons of options still available on the waiver wire, so be sure to employ it to fill your needs.
This week, Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in an NBA-season high of 59 points; Victor Wembanyama had a career-high 50; and the Orlando Magic have dramatically improved their rebounding.
So while you wonder if Jalen Suggs can bust his slump and score 30 or more on Friday (he’s currently +1200 to do so as per FanDuel), let’s get to this week’s…
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Picks
Jared McCain, SG, Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN: 19.7 per cent; CBS: 44 per cent): McCain’s recent explosion (four straight games of 18 or more points, three in a row with 23 or more) has shot him to the top of the list of Rookie of the Year candidates. He’s getting plenty of touches, has been shooting decently from downtown and is perfect from the charity stripe. Sure, McCain’s hot streak won’t last forever, but he needs to be owned after a dominant effort in which he posted career bests with 34 points and 10 assists in his first career start on Wednesday. He’s small for a combo guard, but his jump shot is superb and he carries himself with a confidence that will help him succeed in the NBA.
Ryan Dunn, SF, Phoenix Suns (ESPN: 0.7 per cent; CBS: 6 per cent): Drafted out of Virginia, Dunn looks like a great dynasty asset, but he could get a chance to shine right now with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen all M.I.A. Dunn has started to flash a bit of offense and shot blocking ability in recent games as the rookie has gotten a chance to start. He’s been a solid source of treys, but his FT shooting has left something to be desired (small sample size alert). Dunn makes for an intriguing deep league or DFS option.
Moses Moody, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors (ESPN: 1.1 per cent; CBS: 5 per cent): The Warriors’ first round pick from 2021 has been the subject of trade rumours as he slowly gains traction in the NBA. He’s been getting to the line a bit more often this season and that could rise assuming he sees extra PT with De’Anthony Melton (ACL sprain) out. Moody is merely a speculative deep league pickup at this point, but we’re curious to see how things play out here.
Cam Reddish, SG/SF, Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN: 0.6 per cent; CBS: 2 per cent): Two years ago, Reddish was having a solid season, but had to shut it down early thanks to an injury, and he hasn’t quite been the same since. However, after recovering from yet another health woe to begin this season, he’s seeing bigger minutes (at least 23 in four straight), so we’re paying attention again. Also the subject of some trade rumours, Reddish’s bucket count is up a smidge and if he can restore his FT shooting to normal career levels, the scoring will rise plus he’s always a great source of steals. Deep leaguers need to pay attention here.
Mason Plumlee, C, Phoenix Suns (ESPN: 0.9 per cent; CBS: 5 per cent): Plumlee was a Wire Troll All-Star back in 2020-21, but he’s been inconsistent since. One of the few examples of a white American centre who carved out a decent career in the last couple of decades, he showed on Tuesday what he can still do when he gets the PT (15 points, 14 boards and a block in 26 minutes) and given that he’s expected to start with Nurkic (ankle) questionable for Friday, we like Plumlee as a short-term option (especially because of his surprisingly good passing skills).
Keon Ellis, SG, Sacramento Kings (ESPN: 0.6 per cent; CBS: 7 per cent): Ellis has become a bigger part of the Kings rotation this season, and could be in line for even more with DeMar DeRozan (back) out day-to-day. Ellis offers modest scoring output, but can really help with steals and blocks and he’s continually improved his shooting accuracy since entering the league. He’s another short-term deep league option that offers potential upside.
Quentin Grimes, SG, Dallas Mavericks (ESPN: 1.2 per cent; CBS: 4 per cent): Grimes really struggled last season, but seemed to find his game after being demoted to the second unit. Sure enough, he did pick up his production in the second half despite some poor shooting. On Thursday — despite being a DNP-CD earlier in the week — Grimes got his first start of the season with Kyrie Irving out, and he responded, posting 15 points, five assists, four boards, three treys and a steal. Grimes has been shooting much better from beyond the arc, so if the minutes continue, he’ll offer deep league value.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
Electric Light Orchestra formed in 1970 and, while they took two extended breaks, are still going strong today. In 1979, they released their eighth album, Discovery, and the third single “Don’t Bring Me Down,” was their biggest hit in the U.S.