Waiver Wire: Owners should turn to Gibson
Each Week, Fantasy Basketball Writer Sergio Gonzalez gives Fantasy owners his top choices by position for players to pick up for the upcoming scoring period based upon matchups and other factors. He also gives Fantasy owners in deeper leagues his choices for top pick ups among players owned in under 30 percent of leagues as well as players to scoop up and stash away.
Top Guard Free Agent options for Week 15
1. Marcus Thornton, Hornets (PHO, OKC, PHI, @CHA): The best thing that could happen to Thornton's Fantasy appeal was the trade that sent Devin Brown to Chicago. Now, Thornton is starting at shooting guard for the Hornets and the early returns are very promising. He scored 19 points and 18 points in his first two games. His best assets are his three-point shooting and double-digit scoring ability. (Availability: 72 Percent)
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2. George Hill, Spurs (@SAC, @POR, @LAC): An injury that is expected to keep Tony Parker sidelined for "several games" and possibly longer will give Hill a chance to expand upon his recent solid play. Even with Parker in the mix, Hill averaged 15 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in his previous five games heading into the weekend's games. Expect his assists to get a boost even if his scoring doesn't. (Availability: 80 percent)
3. Mike Conley, Grizzlies (LAL, @CLE, HOU, @MIN): Mike Conley has been an up and down player all season. Well, he's currently on an upswing. With four straight games with 12 or more points heading into the weekend and a good run in the assist department, Conley heads into Week 15 on a high note and will get a pair of could-be high-scoring games against the Rockets and Timberwolves. (Availability: 35 percent)
Also consider: Jarrett Jack, Daniel Gibson, Beno Udrih
Avoid: Earl Watson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Mike Bibby
Top Forward Free Agent options for Week 15
1. Martell Webster, Trail Blazers (CHA, @UTA, SA, LAL): Webster continues to be a fixture on the first unit for the Blazers, getting around 35 minutes per night with excellent contributions in three-point shooting and consistent double-digit scoring. He can also chip in some boards and the occasional steal and block and if Brandon Roy's injury lingers into Week 15, he'll be leaned on more offensively. (Availability: 73 percent)
2. Brandon Rush, Pacers (TOR, DET, @MIL): Rush is on a roll again, and Fantasy owners should take advantage. The continual revolving door at the swing positions for the Pacers has given Rush another chance to contribute and he's making the most of it. He has gotten around 35 minutes in each of his last four games heading into the weekend, averaging 15.5 points and 5.3 rebounds. He's shooting lights out from beyond the arc. Ride the hot streak while it lasts. (Availability: 70 percent)
2. Kris Humphries, Nets (DET, @TOR, @BOS, @DET): The lowly Nets continue to look desparately for contributions and lately they've gotten them from an unlikely source. Humphries dropped 25 points with eight rebounds Wednesday against the Clippers -- his second big game against the Clippers in the last two weeks. He's making the most of 25-30 minutes per night off the bench and is stepping up where Yi Jianlian, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Terrence Williams have faded away. Don't expect big lines from him on a nightly basis, but he can be useful as a one-week stopgap in cumulative leagues this week. (Availability: 84 percent)
Also consider: Craig Smith, Taj Gibson, Marvin Williams
Avoid: Matt Barnes, Shane Battier, Peja Stojakovic
Top Center Free Agent options for Week 15
1. Rasheed Wallace, Celtics (@WAS, MIA, NJ, ORL): Even with Kevin Garnett back in the mix, Rasheed Wallace will get enough run to be considered a viable stopgap for owners looking for a No. 2 center -- especially with the Celtics playing a four-game slate against weak teams in the Wizards and Nets. He continues to be a good source for three-point shooting at the center position. (Availability: 44 percent)
2. Anthony Tolliver, Warriors (@HOU, @DAL, OKC): The Warriors will continue to give Tolliver around 20-25 minutes per game, minutes he's earned with solid production since being called up from the NBDL earlier this month. He's good for about 10 points and seven boards per game. That isn't anything to write home about, but it could help you get by for a week at your No. 2 center spot. (Availability: 80 percent)
3. DeJuan Blair, Spurs (@SAC, @POR, @LAC): Blair won't give Fantasy owners much in scoring categories, but he does contribute steady numbers in rebounds. With Tim Duncan possibly being held out of one of the team's back-to-back games against the Kings and Trail Blazers in an effort to keep him fresh, Blair could pick up his offensive responsibilities as well. (Availability: 39 percent)
Also consider: Drew Gooden, Ben Wallace, Craig Smith
Avoid: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Andray Blatche, Nenad Krstic
Top scrapheap free agents for Week 15*
1. Craig Smith, Clippers (@CHI, @ATL, SA): Smith has turned in a few big games over the past week, scoring 21 points with six rebounds against the Nuggets while also dropping 18-and-8 against the Nets on Wednesday night. He's rebounding well and is carving out a niche with the second unit. Marcus Camby is dealing with a rib injury and that could create more of a role for Smith in the short term. (Availability: 92 percent)
2. Daniel Gibson, Cavaliers (MEM, MIA, NY): The Cavs lost Mo Williams and Delonte West on back-to-back nights last week and Gibson was left standing along among the team's viable point guard options. Since then, Gibson has turned in three straight double-digit performances and is going to get a chance to see heavy minues for as long as West remains out. (Availability: 83 percent)
3. Ronald Murray, Bobcats (@POR, @LAL, NO): Quietly, Flip is getting a chance to chip in double-digit scoring numbers on a regular basis. The Bobcats don't have much of a scoring presence off the bench and Murray will continue to try to fill that void almost exclusively. (Availability: 94 percent)
*owned in less than 30 percent of leagues
Do you have a Fantasy hoops question for our staff? You can e-mail us at DMFantasyHoops@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Waiver Wire in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. You can also follow Sergio on Twitter (@CBSGonzalez).
