NBA Fantasy Basketball Waiver-Wire Watch, Feb. 8: T.J. Ford Valuable Again?
We're in the final week before the NBA All-Star break, which means you could use a few options to lean on as certain guys to sit out the week with injuries.
On top of that, it may be time to revisit what certain injuries mean to the players you pick-up, or the specific injured players themselves.
Stay updated on the New Orleans Hornets injuries, as the knee injury to Chris Paul has opened the door to stellar fantasy production for Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton (who is also now injured).
Other players worth keeping an eye on: Joakim Noah, Brandon Roy, and Andrew Bynum.
These players' status could affect your line-up, but their status could also affect the impact of Brad Miller, Jerryd Bayless, and so many more.
We'd love to keep promoting Brad Miller, Brandon Rush, Robin Lopez, and Marcus Thornton, but those players have worn out their waiver-wire eligibility. They're still available in over 50 percent of leagues, so jump on them while they still hold solid value.
Read on for the top players that should still be available in 50 percent or more of Yahoo! leagues:
T.J. Ford, PG, Indiana Pacers (Available in 67 percent of leagues)
After missing over a month of action, Ford has immediately taken on a decent role upon his return to the regular rotation, as he's logged at least 23 minutes in two straight games, scoring 20 and then 11 points while averaging four assists and three rebounds.
It's only two games, so there's no telling where this goes with Ford, but as long as he's getting the minutes, there's a good chance he continues this mini-surge in an attempt to get more playing time and/or an increase his trade value.
Daniel Gibson, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers (88 percent)
Gibson has performed well in a starting role in the seven of the past eight games, notching 10-plus points in seven of those contests.
While Gibson will likely never be confused with a traditional point guard, he has twice recorded at least six assists in the last four games, while hitting at least two three-pointers in seven of the past eight games.
He's beginning to display a consistent ability to score and help in threes, making him a decent injury spot-filler.
Arron Afflalo, G/F, Denver Nuggets (84 percent)
Afflalo has been starting for the majority of the season for the Nuggets but has only taken off as a consistent fantasy scorer in the past month or so, managing to top 10 points in 14 of his last 19 games.
Afflalo is shooting excellent percentages from the field and from three, and occasionally he offers solid numbers in rebounds and assists. He's not ready to be a reliable starting option yet, but with a solid role and solid minutes on the floor, he's a safe option to stash on your roster.
Ryan Gomes, F, Minnesota Timberwolves (70 percent)
Gomes has strung together some solid performances, as he's shooting great percentages and is picking up decent stats across the board.
He's topped 10 points or more in six straight starts, including an impressive 26-point outing where he hit 10-of-14 shots (including 5-of-7 from three).
As long as Gomes keeps getting minutes, and especially if he sticks in the starting line-up, he could prove to be a solid, versatile fantasy option.
Jonas Jerebko, F, Detroit Pistons (94 percent)
Jerebko has been a nice source of energy for the Pistons all season long, as he brings good offensive ability, versatility, and a tenacity on the boards.
However, with four straight starts, Jerebko seems to be holding back onto a starting gig, and if he keeps putting up performances like last Saturday's (9-for-9 shooting), he'll never have to worry about hitting the bench again.
While it's ridiculous to expect/hope for Jerebko to turn into a 20-plus-point-per-game scorer over night, his ability to fill up the stat sheet across the board gives him good value going forward.
He's still a bit inconsistent, but as long as he's starting, and/or getting 20-plus minutes per game, he holds solid fantasy value.
Kris Humphries, PF, New Jersey Nets (94 percent)
Aside from Devin Harris and Robin Lopez, Humphries continues to be a nice little bright spot for the lowly Nets, as the formerly little-used big man continues to flash brilliance on the boards, as well as athleticism and hustle on the inside on offense.
The points are still coming at an inconsistent rate, but Humphries is still averaging over 11 per game through 13 games with New Jersey and has been making a living on the glass lately, racking up at least eight boards in four straight contests.
He's still inconsistent, but Humphries is a solid source for production for a big man if you're hurting, and he usually gets well over 20 minutes, giving him great sleeper value as the season winds on.
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