Welcome to week 16 of the fantasy basketball season! The All-Star break looms closer but the waiver wire never slows down as new injury news and lineup changes have propelled new faces to the top of the list. Here are five players potentially on your fantasy basketball waiver wire who are ready to make an impact on your fantasy roster
Week 16 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
Gordon Hayward, SF/PF – Charlotte Hornets (65% rostered)
Gordon Hayward returned last week from a strained hamstring and hasn’t had any setbacks making the veteran forward a must-add. 65% is just too low for Hayward as all he does is produce with the Hornets. Hayward is averaging 18.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 3PTM over his last two starts but the minutes will continue to rise, and the stats will follow. He’s a steady source of points, rebounds, and assists making him a great add. Don’t forget Hayward was awesome to begin to the season averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.0 steals over the first week so make sure not to snooze on the 13-year vet.
Jalen Duren, PF/C – Detroit Pistons (65% rostered)
Jalen Duren was mentioned a while ago on here, but I have to list him one more time as he’s turned a new corner and blossoming in Mo-Town. With the Pistons season already over its rookie over veteran time already, and Duren is taking full advantage. The rookie is averaging 17 points, a stellar 11.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks in three of his past four games. That’s top-20 fantasy stats right there. Duren wasn’t supposed to make this noise this year, but he’s got his Pistons revved up alright! Pick him up if it’s not too late!
Chris Duarte, SG/SF – Indiana Pacers (35% rostered)
Chris Duarte is racking up the stats for the Pacers and it’s earned him a spot back in the starting lineup so it’s time to scoop him up off the waiver wire! Duarte is averaging a very solid 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 2.0 3PTM over his last three games. The sophomore was great through stretches last season as a rookie averaging 20 points per game to start off last January, proving the 13th overall pick out of Oregon can get the job done! The production across multiple categories makes Duarte a great add so I’m adding away baby!
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C – Toronto Raptors (46% rostered)
Precious Achiuwa is thriving in a starting role with the Raptors and forming quite the frontcourt duo with Pascal Siakam. Achiuwa has posted at least 11 rebounds in four of his past five games and is averaging a monster 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.5 steals over his last two starts. Those stats don’t grow on trees folks! Achiuwa is taking advantage with OG Anunoby out of the lineup but he’s gained extra minutes regardless and has overtaken Chris Boucher on the depth chart. Pick him up!
Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF – Dallas Mavericks (29% rostered)
Dorian Finney-Smith missed 14 straight games but he’s back and thriving in starting role in Dallas. The Mavericks are dealing with multiple injuries, so Finney-Smith is locked into big minutes and the veteran forward is on a roll! Finney-Smith aka DFS is averaging a cool 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.7 3PTM. The multi-category production with great shooting percentages makes Finney-Smith a solid add.