FANTASY FURNACE

We’re inching closer and closer to the All-Star break and can offer team owners another opportunity to tweak their rosters before the festivities begin. Check out our five waiver wire pickups for this week and flag those that are of interest to you… 

Martell Webster-SG/SF-Wizards- Although inconsistent at times, it still is illogical for a starting player to average just under 16 points, 3.3 three-pointers, and one steal over the past 2 weeks and still be available in 75% of most leagues. He also has outstanding shooting percentages from the free throw line (86.6%) as well as the field (45.3%). The former 1st round (6th overall pick) in the 2005 draft, can help those owners in roto-leagues of 12 or more teams in points, 3’s, and percentages and should not be overlooked.

#9 Martell Webster has been averaging around 16 PPG over the past 14 days, is widely available, & worth a look. Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Earl Clark-SF/PF-Lakers- With the starting nod given to Clark since January 11th, a stretch of 16  games, he has scored in double-digits in 11 of them and has had six double-doubles. He will continue to see extra minutes as long as Pau Gasol (Plantar fascitis) remains out. Clark, who just turned 25 years old last month, has averaged 38 MPG while posting 13.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over his last four games. He is a must pick up in deeper leagues as he is owned in 45% of leagues.

Jason Thompson-PF/C-Kings- One of our “Sleepers” to consider before the season began, Thompson, who had played well earlier in the season, has begun to pick it up again. Scoring in double-digits almost nightly until about a month ago, he has gone off his last two games scoring 23 and 21 points respectively. It wouldn’t hurt to take a flier out on him while you have the luxury of time as Sacramento only plays 5 times over the next two weeks. He is widely available in most leagues.

#34 Jason Thompson has scored 44 points in his last two games. Photo: StevenChea

Andrew Nicholson-PF-Magic- This 1st round pick in last year’s draft out of St. Bonaventure, is another player to watch over the next several games; in particular those in deeper leagues. Admittedly erratic, Nicholson can put up 20+ points, like he did in the Magic’s last game against Cleveland, or 6 points in the game before that vs the high powered Clippers. A good rebounder who can get you 1-2 blocks a game, he’s someone to keep an eye on.

Jeremy Pargo-PG-76ers- The second year player out of Gonzaga signed a 10-day contract with Philadelphia just three weeks after getting cut by the Cavs. In his 76ers debut last Saturday against the Bobcats he had 12 points, four rebounds, and six assists. More than likely he will be Jrue Holiday’s main backup but keep a watchful eye on the talented guard who has already proven he could be a relevant backup after coming off the bench so successfully in Cleveland to spell Kryie Irving.

#8 Jeremy Pargo (left) had a productive debut as a 76er and should remain as Jrue Holiday’s primary backup. Photo: thereporteronline.com