Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Memphis Grizzlies are for streaming

It’s a new week, and that means more fantasy basketball waiver wire options to process. Let’s get to it.

Ja Morant is out for the foreseeable future for the Memphis Grizzlies. Replacing Ja at the point is Tyus Jones, who is 11% rostered in ESPN leagues, and is FIRST in minutes per game over the past two weeks for the Grizz. That alone should be enough for you to add him to your roster, but he’s also averaged 10 points per game, 4 rebounds per game, 7 assists per game, and one steal and 3-pointer made per game, too. Only 12 players are averaging at least 7 APG this season, and they’re all highly rostered. If the assist volume maintains for Tyus Jones, then his roster percentages should increase quickly. The Grizzlies play four games this week: home for the Sixers, at the CJ McCollum-less Trail Blazers, at the Kings, and then at home for Portland again. Jones could have a nice week based on volume alone.

Two other Grizzlies to pay attention to are Desmond Bane (48% rostered) and Dillon Brooks (30% rostered). Brooks has been #1 in field goal attempts for Memphis since returning to the lineup, and Bane has been second in MPG and in FGA over the past two weeks. Bane’s been a top 50 player in fantasy over that period, along with 3J, Jaren Jackson, Jr., who’s been the star of the team since Ja went out. Tyus and Dillon are both in the top 100 the past two weeks, as well. If you’re looking for good streamers for this upcoming fantasy period, you should look for these players first.

Here are some other players to consider streaming this week. Each player has four games, and they’re all available in a majority of leagues.

Monte Morris, DEN, PG, 18% rostered

The Nuggets play the Wizards, Timberwolves, at the Hawks, and at the Nets this week. After a slow start to the season, Monte’s averaging 15-3-4, with 2+ 3PM on 52% shooting the past two weeks. He’s fourth in MPG and third in FGA over that span, so Morris is getting the volume, and he’s being efficient. If you need another point guard, and who doesn’t these days, Morris should be available in your league.

Jae’Sean Tate, HOU, SF/PF, 26% rostered

The Rockets play at the Hawks, at the Cavaliers, home for the Knicks, and then at Detroit. Tate’s averaging 14-4-6 with 1+ SPG on 51 FG% shooting the past two weeks. His role is assured on the Rockets, and he’s rolling with it. He’s been a top 60 player the past two weeks.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Dewayne Dedmon, MIA, C, 3% rostered

Bam Adebayo is out for the Heat, and Dedmon is his replacement. That should be enough for you to at least consider him for streaming. He’s not a fantastic fantasy player, you’re probably hoping for a low double-double or near abouts, but he did go for 20 and 12 against the Bulls on Saturday. Dedmon’s in a position to accumulate counting stats, and possible dub-dubs. The Heat play four games this week: at the Cavs, at the Sixers, at the Magic, and at the Pistons. Those are four tough front court matchups, actually, but Dedmon will at least get the minutes. Whether that translates to winning for the Heat isn’t really our concern in fantasy land.

JaVale McGee, PHX, C, 7% rostered

JaVale, who absolutely destroyed the Boston Celtics on Friday, gong for 21 and 15 in only 26 minutes, has been a top 75 player over the past month. He usually comes off the bench but he’s grabbed the 23rd most total rebounds this season, more than a bunch of starting Centers. He’s averaged 11 and 7 the past two weeks, but he’s a great handcuff to Deandre Ayton, because some nights JaVale will start and get you some nice counting stats. The Suns play at the Clippers, at the Trail Blazers, home for the Wizards, and home for Charlotte. The Suns probably won’t play him 30 minutes, but JaVale can deliver in limited time.

(All stats and numbers are courtesy of ESPN.com, NBA.com, and Basketball-Reference.com. Thank you!)