For most of you, this week will represent the last one for fantasy owners out there. So this will be our last Waiver Wire Pickups for this fantasy basketball season. For those still alive, congratulations! For those who aren’t, the good news is that we get to do this all over again next season. Here are our final five playoff pickups for the week of 4/1-4/7. All of them are available in 15% of leagues or lower. Good luck!
C.J. Miles-SG,SF-Cavs- Given all the injuries on the Cavs, C.J. has been their most effective bench player over the last week or so. In four of his last five games, the former 2nd rounder has scored in double-digits and, in fact, scored a team high 19 points in Friday’s game vs Phoenix. Miles has averaged 14.4 points, 3.4 dimes, and 2.4 threes over those five games deeming him more than serviceable in deeper leagues. Cleveland plays four times starting on April 1st.
Tyler Zeller-C-Cavs– Another Cavalier to consider is their starting center who also has come on of late. The 1st round, 17th pick of the Mavericks out of North Carolina in last year’s draft, has been averaging 9.8 points and 8.8 boards over the past four games including a 14 point, 10 rebound night vs the the 76ers on Friday. Zeller also averages a block a game for those lacking in that category. He deserves a look-see in deeper formats and is available in under 10% of most leagues.
Wes Johnson-SG,SF-Suns- Since Johnson has been given a starting role back on March 8th, he has become fantasy relevant in three categories- points, threes, and steals. 8 of the 12 games in which he’s started, Johnson has scored in double-digits for an average of just under 14 points a game; 19 PPG over his last three together with 4 treys and 2 steals. A definite pickup candidate for those in most formats. As long as Johnson continues to see the minutes and is able to produce these kinds of numbers, there’s no reason to leave him on waivers with the playoffs on the line. Barely owned as well (13%).
#2 Wes Johnson has been on fire of late, 19 ppg over his last three, and is worth a look and pickup in most formats. Photo By Shane Bevel/NBAE via Getty Images
Kyle O’Quinn-C-Magic- The Magic’s 2nd round pick in last year’s draft from Jamaica, N.Y. has been starting in place of Nikola Vucevic (concussion) and has taken advantage of the extra floor time. Last Wednesday vs the Bobcats, O’Quinn turn in a season high 23 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Now that’s a fantasy’s dream line for a back-up! Since given the extra minutes after Vucevic went down, O’Quinn has scored in double-digits in four out of the last five games. For those in leagues with two centers, especially during the playoffs, O’Quinn makes for a great option at the 5 at least for as long as Vucevic remains out.
#2 6′ 10″ center and N.Y. native Kyle O’Quinn posted a season high 23 points last Wed. Harry How/Getty Images North America
E’Twuan Moore-PG,SG-Magic- While starter Jameer Nelson remains sidelined and listed as day-to-day with a nasty sprained ankle, Moore is the one to keep your eyes on especially if you’re in need of points and assists. Last Friday for example vs the Wizards, Moore finished the the night with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and five assists. In 18 previous starts the second season pro out of Purdue has averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 assists. We suggest you drop Moore like a hot potato as soon as Nelson returns however. For now he’s hardly owned so feel free to utilize his talents until Jameer is healthy.
FANTASY FURNACE 