A number of major NBA stars have recently been sidelined with injuries, including Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young. While this is tough news for their teams and fantasy managers, it also opens the door for other players to take on bigger roles. If you’re looking for good replacements, here are some widely available players worth picking up from the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.
👑 Russell Westbrook’s Growing Role
After playing limited minutes in his first two games, Russell Westbrook’s playing time has significantly increased. In his last six games with the Kings, he has played at least 27 minutes each night, even starting in four of them. During this period, he has been performing exceptionally well, averaging 17.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.7 steals. With two double-doubles and a triple-double, his role in the team’s three-guard lineups seems secure, and he is expected to remain a productive fantasy player.
⬆️ Nickeil Alexander-Walker Steps Up
With Trae Young expected to be out until December, the Hawks need someone to fill the scoring gap. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has stepped into this important role. He is playing a career-high 31 minutes per game and has taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 17.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 three-pointers. His usage rate has jumped from 16% last season to over 24%, showing that he is now a key part of the offense. As his three-point shooting improves to his career average, his scoring could climb even higher, making him a valuable addition for at least the next month.
⚡️ Collin Sexton Shines for the Hornets
LaMelo Ball is once again dealing with an injury, a recurring issue throughout his career. This situation gives Collin Sexton a great opportunity to shine for the Hornets. Even when Ball was healthy, Sexton was putting up solid numbers with 16.1 points and 5.3 assists per game. He has been very efficient, shooting over 51% from the field and 44% from three-point range. When Ball is out, Sexton’s value increases significantly, but his consistent role makes him worth having on your roster regardless.
🧱 Ryan Kalkbrenner the Shot-Blocking Specialist
Rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner has quickly shown why he was known for his defense in college. After a quiet start, the Hornets’ center has been a blocking machine, recording 15 blocks in his last four games. For the season, he is averaging an impressive 9.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting an incredible 82.9% from the field. As a starting center who gets consistent minutes, Kalkbrenner’s elite shot-blocking ability makes him a rare and valuable player who should be owned in more leagues.
💪 Jusuf Nurkić Dominates the Boards
The Jazz received difficult news when their promising young center, Walker Kessler, was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury. This has moved Jusuf Nurkić into the starting lineup, where he has immediately made an impact. In his last three games as a starter, he has averaged 12.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals while playing over 30 minutes in two of those contests. While the team’s long-term plans are uncertain, Nurkić is currently the main center and a great source of rebounds and defensive stats for any fantasy team in need of a big man.
