Week 5 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire

Published: 25^th Jan 12 11:27 pm

by Adam McGill
adammcgill

RANT It!

By Adam McGill

The shortened 2011-12 season is almost reaching its halfway point, making waiver wires more important than ever. This is my weekly compilation of free agents to pick up before your competition:

Small Leagues: 8-10 man leagues

PG Leandro Barbosa, TOR – The Brazilian is averaging 16.7 points and 1.5 3-pointers a game in the last ten games off the bench. He adds a spark to a flat Raptors’ offense and is still one of the fastest guys in the NBA.

SG O.J. Mayo, MEM – The “Miracle Whip Man” is averaging 14.7 points in the last four games and also added 10 3-pointers, 5 assists, and a perfect 5 of 5 from the charity stripe.

SF Richard Hamilton, CHI – Rip finally put the mask back on and started his Bulls’ career off with a bang. He has started five straight games for an injury riddled Bulls’ team, averaging 16.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 2 rebounds per contest.

PF Thaddeus Young, PHI – Young will be a steady source of minutes from off the bench, as he is averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 boards a game. He can do a little bit of everything and is a roto-league steal at this point in the year.

C Tiago Splitter, SA – Splitter has looked strong with 53 points, 24 rebounds, 6 assists, and 21 field goals made in the last three games alone.

Large Leagues: 10-14 man leagues

PG Earl Watson, UTA – Watson will scavenge dimes from Harris all year, as he has totaled 26 assists in the last six games.

SG Ronnie Brewer, CHI - Brewer will be back in the starting lineup on a daily basis with Loul Deng likely to miss at least a month. Brewer is a very dangerous shooter from the outside and will get plenty of minutes with the majority of the Bulls’ lineup hurt already.

SF James Johnson, TOR – The former first round pick is finally getting quality minutes in Toronto; putting up 32 points, 10 blocks, 5 steals, and 2 3-pointers in the last three games.

PF Carl Landry, NO – The former Wisconsin Badger has scored 52 points in the last three games off the bench and is very close to stealing current starter Jason Smith’s job.

C Zaza Pachulia, ATL – Pachulia has got five starts in the last two weeks, and is the best interior defender left on the roster with Al Horford out for extended period of time.

Connect with Rant Sports