From left to right: Tyrese Haliburton, The Weeknd, Blake Griffin
If you're looking at your fantasy team and the waiver wire like you're The Weeknd walking through a mirror room at Super Bowl LIV, we got the remedy for you.
Your team may have been more like the Chiefs than the Buccaneers this past week, but we have a list of waiver picks and underperforming studs you may want to look at to solve your fantasy roster needs.
Here are your booms and busts for the last week of NBA action.
Booms
Tyrese Haliburton Guard Sacramento Kings
And they said the jumper wouldn't translate. Tyrese Haliburton's unorthodox shooting form is doing just fine in the NBA, as well as his other skills. The rookie averaged 3.3 made threes, 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists with just one turnover per game the last week with a .535/.542/1.000 slash line.
Haliburton has been the steal of the draft so far and it looks like the Kings have found a bright guard to lead them into the future.
Justin Holiday Guard/Forward Indiana Pacers
Justin Holiday was FEELING IT from beyond the arc 👌 22 PTS - 7 3PM - 6 REB - 41.2 FPTS https://t.co/7Vqqj7XCYC— NBA Fantasy (@NBA Fantasy) 1612580490.0
The middle child often gets lost no matter how well they are doing, but the middle Holiday brother shouldn't be overlooked in fantasy basketball after this past week. Justin, younger brother Jrue Holiday and older brother of teammate Aaron Holiday, is hitting .500 percent of his shots averaging 3.5 threes, 14 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals in the last four games.
Like J. Cole, Justin is taking the "middle child" title and succeeding with it.
Norman Powell Guard/Forward Toronto Raptors
Steals are a premium category in 9-cat fantasy basketball and anyone on the waiver wire that can give that to you should be on your team. Throw in a per-game average of 20.3 points, 2.7 three-pointers and 48.8 percent shooting from the field and you have a must-roster player. That's what Norman Powell gave the 71 percent of Yahoo managers who have him last week.
If he is available in your league, snatch him up.
Thaddeus Young Power Forward Chicago Bulls
Yes, Thaddeus Young is still in the NBA and he's still balling out.
With Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter Jr., out, the Bulls have leaned on Young for his overall game and he's rewarded them with 14.5 points on 65.9 percent shooting, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.3 steals and one block a game over the last four contests.
His contributions in six categories and long absences from some key rotation players should put Young in a position to have similar numbers in the next few weeks.
Busts
Marvin Bagley III Forward/Center Sacramento Kings
While the Kings may have found a stud in Tyrese Haliburton, Marvin Bagley III isn't living up to his 2nd overall selection. The former Duke Blue Devil is seeing a dip in his minutes and it resulted in an average of 7.8 points on 41.2 percent shooting from the field and 5.5 rebounds in the last four games.
He has shown flashes of productivity, but the "bust" bells might be ringing louder for Bagley.
Blake Griffin Forward/Center Detroit Pistons
Anyone holding out hope that Blake Griffin will be even a shadow of his former self can give up. In the two games he played last week, the former All-Star averaged 10 points on 27.3 percent shooting from the field and three rebounds per game.
Blake Griffin wasn’t happy about the Pistons being down 23 at the half 😡 https://t.co/ojCsnpPmiv— CBS Sports HQ (@CBS Sports HQ) 1612328158.0
Anyone holding onto him in their fantasy lineups should free themselves of his meager services.
Russell Westbrook Guard Washington Wizards
Westbrook's time with the Wizards has been anything but productive, and fantasy managers are kicking themselves for contributing to his 21.4 ADP on Yahoo. In three games last week, the former MVP averaged 14 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists, making 0.3 threes and turning the ball over five times in that span of time.
The highest paid players of 2021: LeBron James - $95.4M Stephen Curry - $74.4M Kevin Durant - $65.2M Russell Westb… https://t.co/XZ0mQxVQpz— NBA Central (@NBA Central) 1612192363.0
With Washington short on talent, he will have plenty of chances to impact the game, but his already shaky efficiency doesn't appear to be improving any time soon.
R.J. Barrett Guard/Forward New York Knicks
The Maple Mamba was more "Maple" than "Mamba" last week, averaging 13 points on 13 shots a game with only 0.8 made threes. He has also only registered one steal in the last four games and turned the ball over 10 times.
Barrett can only go up from this and managers will need to be patient with the second-year player, but it isn't fun to hold onto him in this kind of slump.
From left to right: Harrison Barnes, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), Kristaps Porzingis
Did the fantasy basketball week have you feeling like a raging, "25-year-old" courtside housewife? Don't worry. I have what you need.
Unlike entitled wives of billionaires, we have the foresight to know that one choice can have negative (if not, hilarious) consequences. We got a list of booms that can propel you out of that funk or busts you may want to consider dumping like Monica Rambeau out of Westview, New Jersey.
Don't go "Courtside Karen" If things don't work out, though.
Booms
Gary Trent Jr. Guard/Forward Portland Trail Blazers
On a live stream after C.J. McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic went down with injuries, I asked who would step up as Portland's Alfred to Damian Lillard's Batman because there was no one who could even be Robin. Gary Trent Jr. is making a strong case to be more sidekick than a butler.
The past week, the former Duke guard averaged 18.5 points with 4.5 made threes and 1.8 steals while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. With McCollum and Nurkic out, Trent Jr. has every chance to surpass the impressive numbers he's been putting up. And with only 38 percent of teams on Yahoo rostering him, he is probably available in your league.
Joe Harris Guard/Forward Brooklyn Nets
All eyes are understandably on James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant carrying the Nets to a league-leading offensive rating, but Joe Harris is also thriving in the shadows like Creed in The Office. 71 percent of Yahoo leagues got a nice surprise last night with Harris dropping 30 points on eight made threes.
Joe Harris is on pace to be the 4th player in NBA history (and first under 7') to average 15+ PPG and a .666+ eFG% https://t.co/k78oKs0f0l— Basketball Reference (@Basketball Reference) 1612212903.0
Over the last week, Harris has a .556/.485/1.000 slash line while averaging 17 points, three assists, one steal and four made threes a game. He will have some down games due to playing with three superstars, but he is trusted by those stars to make open shots and keeps the ball moving enough to make positive contributions to any fantasy team.
Harrison Barnes Forward Sacramento Kings
Remember Harrison Barnes? He is quietly having a career year in Sacramento and he has been balling the past week, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and three made three-pointers per game with a .625/.529/1.000 slash line.
Barnes is second on the Kings in scoring while ranking ninth in usage. He may not be getting bonkers numbers, but those solid numbers will get a few wins in fantasy.
Reggie Jackson Guard Los Angeles Clippers
Sometimes, a couple more minutes can be the difference between a baller and a bust. Jackson's season has been marred with poor performances, but his recent production after being inserted in the starting lineup this week has been a sight for sore eyes for some fantasy managers.
Reggie Jackson is going to have to see the floor more going forward even with Beverley returning. The Clippers are… https://t.co/HAHN0TybKX— Mike McClure (@Mike McClure) 1612316093.0
The former Boston College guard is averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, one steal and 2.4 made threes in the last five games. Patrick Beverley can come back at any time from a sore right knee, but until he does, Jackson seems hellbent on making the most of his opportunity.
Busts
Kristaps Porzingis Forward/Center Dallas Mavericks
The return of Porzingis was supposed to catapult the Mavericks to Western Conference contention, but the team's record has gone from the first floor to the basement. The big Latvian has especially been M.I.A. the last week, averaging 15 points but only shooting 36 percent from the field and only hitting 1.3 threes per game.
Kristaps Porzingis having more fouls (4) than points (3) or rebounds (3) early in the second half is kinda problematic for the Mavs.— Tim MacMahon (@Tim MacMahon) 1611981216.0
For a player of his caliber, those numbers won't do for his team or his fantasy managers.
Collin Sexton Guard Cleveland Cavaliers
After handing the Brooklyn Nets a 42 piece, Collin Sexton's performances haven't been much to talk about. He averaged 18.4 points per game last week but has only managed to hit 0.6 threes, steal 0.6 balls and turnover the rock 4.4 times per contest.
The good news for Sexton managers is that there aren't many options on the Cavs, so he should be back on track to continue his breakthrough year.
Aaron Gordon Forward Orlando Magic
The high-flying Gordon has had a hard time getting off the ground this season. He has been especially undependable in the last week, averaging 9.5 points and 3.5 turnovers on 30.8 percent of shooting the last four games.
People forget Gordon is only 25 years old, so stretches of inconsistency shouldn't come as a surprise. However, as he has shown in the past, he should be able to break out of this funk in a big way.
Kemba Walker Guard Boston Celtics
Since Walker has returned, he's struggled to make a consistent impact for the Boston Celtics. While he did notch his first 20-point game, he has only averaged 3.3 assists, 1.7 made threes and 13 points on 35.9 percent shooting—not exactly fitting for a player getting over $34 million.
The Celtics have Finals potential if Kemba Walker can stay healthy and give them something in big games. Jaylen Bro… https://t.co/WOB13WYLv7— Kevin O'Connor (@Kevin O'Connor) 1612065126.0
But with Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and even Marcus Smart keeping the train moving, the need for Walker to go off may be fewer and further between. It might be time to ship him off while you can.
From left to right: Kendrick Nunn, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), Vision (Paul Bettany), LaMelo Ball
Booms, Busts, Battlestar Galactica is getting an NBA facelift prettier than the episode-to-episode changes on WandaVision.
For this version, we want to focus on booms that are widely available on the waiver wire so we can give you a leg up on the competition and busts you may want to consider getting rid of. All is fair in love and fantasy.
Let's get started with a look back at the last week of the NBA fantasy season.
Booms
Daniel Theis, Center, Boston Celtics
Since Kemba Walker's return against the Knicks on January 17, Theis is averaging 13.5 points on an incredible 79.2 percent shooting from the field with 6.3 rebounds and one made three-pointer a game.
When paired with Walker, Theis nets +14.8 points per 100 possessions on the strength of the pick and roll they run together. Only 46 percent of teams on Yahoo have the big German on their roster, but with his PnR partner back, that number should increase in the coming weeks.
Kendrick Nunn, Guard, Miami Heat
With Tyler Herro nursing a neck injury, and Avery Bradley and Jimmy Butler in the health and safety COVID protocol, someone needed to step up like Neville Longbottom against Voldemort. Kendrick Nunn has been that dude.
Kendrick Nunn off the bench tonight: 28 PTS 8 REB 5 AST 75 FG% 66 3P% He’s back. 👀 https://t.co/pBJXdUHYi6— Hoop Central (@Hoop Central) 1611197705.0
From left to right: Cam Newton, Hans Gruber, Deandre Hopkins
After a year of positive COVID tests, empty stadiums and some of the wildest finishes the NFL has ever seen, the regular season is over.
For those of you with heartless (Hans Gruber-level evil, to be honest) commissioners making Week 17 consequential to your fantasy season or making a last-ditch effort to cash in on daily fantasy competitions, picking your line up was about embracing chaos and letting Jesus take the wheel of your respective lineups.
Some of your gambles paid off. Others, not so much.
Here is your final booms and busts column of the NFL season.
Booms
Cam Newton QB New England Patriots
Cam Newton's ENTIRE CAREER https://t.co/RGA3sIFS5y— ✨💫Winning Culture💫✨ (@✨💫Winning Culture💫✨) 1609695411.0
With Newton and the team reportedly parting ways at the end of the season, it seems the former MVP wanted to go out with a bang. Not only did he throw for 242 yards with three touchdowns, but Newton also showed soft hands catching a 19-yard pass for a score.
It wasn't the greatest year for the Auburn alum, but he may get a call from a quarterback desperate team in the offseason.
Jonathan Taylor RB Indianapolis Colts
In his last regular season game as a rookie, Taylor went from starter to star, rushing for 253 yards and two scores to finish as the third-most productive rusher in the league.
With Marlon Mack's contract expiring at the end of the season, expect the former Wisconsin Badger to be high on a lot of expert's draft boards next season.
Kirk Cousins QB Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings may have been eliminated from the playoffs, but Kirk Cousins had a vintage, "YOU LIKE THAT?" performance Week 17 without Dalvin Cook backing him up, throwing for 405 yards and three touchdowns to end the teams disappointing season on a high.
Even with his off games, Cousins managed to finish as the 11th most productive quarterback in fantasy according to Fantasy Pros, ahead of Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Newton.
Brandin Cooks WR Houston Texans
Despite the Houston Texans having a Solo: A Star Wars Story-level disappointing season, Brandin Cooks managed to earn the trust of Deshaun Watson. In the last game of the regular season, Cooks caught 11 balls for 166 yards and two scores.
Another one! DW4 and Brandin Cooks stay hot 🔥 📺: CBS 📱: https://t.co/Nm64mQkAPf https://t.co/xJtAepNovk— Houston Texans (@Houston Texans) 1609717065.0
In his last two games, the former Oregon State athlete caught 18 balls for 307 yards and three touchdowns. If the team decides to keep him, he could be in for a similarly productive season with Will Fuller potentially leaving via free agency in 2021.
Busts
D.K. Metcalf WR Seattle Seahawks
Managers hoping Metcalf would carry them to the promised land in the playoffs found themselves triggered like the Star Wars fandom over the mere mention of The Last Jedi. In Week 17, he only caught three balls for 21 yards, being overshadowed by Tyler Lockett.
After a monster 177-yard performance against the Eagles in Week 12, Metcalf has only reached the 80-yard mark once to close out the season, averaging 52.8 yards per game and only scoring one touchdown in the last five games. He may be a hot commodity in fantasy drafts next year, but his end of the year run this season might hurt his stock.
Robert Woods WR Los Angeles Rams
Despite playing 99 percent of offensive snaps, Woods was only able to muster four receptions and 36 yards with John Wolford spreading the ball around like the ladler in Oliver Twist, leaving him and his managers asking for more. Six players had at least four targets with four receptions being the highest achieved on the team, which means there wasn't a whole lot of opportunity to shine with the backup quarterback behind center.
Woods, like many of the receivers in this offense, are consistently inconsistent and as long as Jared Goff and Sean McVay are running the show, it would be tough for fantasy managers to expect anything else from the former USC receiver next year.
Allen Robinson WR Chicago Bears
Garbage Time MVP Allen Robinson scored two touchdowns the last time he faced the Packers after they went up 27-3 in the second quarter. In Week 17, Green Bay made sure to play him the whole 60 minutes, only allowing Robinson to catch two balls for 37 yards.
Despite having bad to mediocre quarterbacks his entire career, the Penn State product has proved he can produce with anyone throwing him the ball. And with unrestricted free agency on deck for him in the offseason, his value may skyrocket on draft boards depending on the situation he signs up for.
DeAndre Hopkins WR Arizona Cardinals
When Kyler Murray went down, the entire Cardinals offense suffered, but no one suffered more than Hopkins who brought down four of his 10 targets for 35 yards as Arizona let its chance to punch its ticket to the playoffs slip away.
Probably wasn’t the smartest idea by DeAndre Hopkins to flip the ref the bird after the OPI call. https://t.co/TUkyqIfohb— Josh Weinfuss (@Josh Weinfuss) 1609716530.0
While this season ended in disappointment, Hopkins and Murray have developed good chemistry with one another that may bring better results in the future. Look for Hopkins to go early in next year's fantasy drafts.