Fantasy basketball waiver wire mid-week pickups

The fantasy basketball waiver wire is very active around this time of year, just a week or so until the NBA Trade Deadline on Feb. 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET. We’ve had a few injuries open up spots for a few players, as well as potential deadline deals that could give us some options. Most likely your trade deadline in season-long isn’t until later February, but it’s never too early to start planning. Adding a key player now can free you up to make a big move for a championship push later on. Let’s take a look at a few players you can consider claiming on the fantasy basketball waiver wire mid-way through Week 15.

Larry Nance Jr., PF/C, Cleveland Cavaliers (66.5 percent owned on ESPN)

Nance is a bit up there in ownership, but he should be available in some 10-team leagues and 8-team leagues. The Cavaliers have been starting Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson, but trade rumors are swirling and one or both could be moved. If that’s the case, Nance could be starting by next week. He’s posted strong numbers over the past seven games, averaging 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting 62.7% from the field and over 40% from 3-point range. A little extra playing time and usage and Nance could be averaging a double-double with 60/40 shooting splits.

Kris Dunn, PG/SF, Chicago Bulls (41.7 percent)

Dunn should be available in most standard formats and is a good get considering the Bulls injury situation. It’s mostly in the front court with Wendell Carter Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Daniel Gafford out, but that has forced Jim Boylen to use three-guard lineups. Dunn is seeing big minutes rotating at SG and SF and his defense has been an asset to the team. It’s also translated into some nice fantasy production. Over the past six games, Dunn is averaging 11.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.5 steals, shooting 60.5% from the field in 31.9 minutes. If you’re in a ROTO league and needs steals, Dunn is a solid add. He’d also help boost FG% and is usually pretty consistent.

Eric Gordon, SG/SF, Houston Rockets (44.8 percent)

Gordon is coming off a massive 50-point outburst against the Jazz. This was mostly due to James Harden and Clint Capela both being sidelined, but it’s still not something players like Gordon normally do in a season. That type of ceiling gives Gordon tons of value, both in the short and long term. Harden should be back Wednesday vs. the Blazers, but even so, Gordon will continue to play big minutes given the Rockets depth (or lack thereof). Plus, Gordon is a great source of 3-pointers if that’s a category you need a boost in.