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How will the Denver Nuggets replace Mason Plumlee in the lineup? The big man is expected to miss 2-4 weeks due to a foot injury, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported. The Nuggets are also without Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris currently, so there’s plenty of minutes and usage to go around. Let’s take a look at some mid-week fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups to consider.
Michael Porter Jr., SF, Denver Nuggets (53.7 percent owned on ESPN)
Porter has been on a tear lately with Millsap, Murray and Harris sidelined. In the past five games, Porter is averaging 16 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals, while shooting 55.8% from the field and 52.6% from 3-point range. He’s knocking down 2.0 3s per game in this stretch, though we can expect his percentages to regress a bit. Even if they do, 50% from the field and 40% from three isn’t too shabby. As long as the Nuggets are dealing with injuries, Porter will be involved. If you’re in a shallow league with 8-10 teams, Porter should be available. Deeper leagues and keeper formats it’ll be tougher to grab him.
Eric Paschall, PF, Golden State Warriors (37 percent)
After dealing with injuries and benching, Paschall is back in the rotation and thriving for the lowly Warriors. He’s coming off back-to-back 20+ point outings, including 22 points, 13 rebounds and 27 fantasy points against the Blazers on MLK Day. That was without Draymond Green, but I’d imagine coach Steve Kerr will want to get Paschall plenty of minutes the way he’s playing. Here are his per 36 minute numbers over the past six games: 20.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 53.3% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range.
Jerami Grant, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets (19.1 percent)
If you’re looking for a Plumlee or Millsap replacement and you’re in a deeper league, Grant is the way to go over Porter. Grant has been starting in place of Millsap at PF and now that Plumlee is out, he should consistently see around 30-35 minutes per game. Grant is a big that can stretch the floor a bit, providing scoring, rebounds and a few other categories on most nights.
Svi Mykhailiuk, SF, Detroit Pistons (10 percent)
The Detroit Pistons have had problems with health all season and it doesn’t look like things will get much better. Luke Kennard has been out and Bruce Brown and Tony Snell aren’t ideal offensive options in the starting lineup. Reggie Jackson is expected to be back Wednesday, but will be eased back into action. Svi can shoot the lights out and isn’t afraid to launch it. He’s averaging around 27.3 minutes per game over the past week and has hit 15 three-pointers in the past four games.