Fantasy playoff waiver targets: Harper, Hayes headline week’s top adds
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The fantasy basketball playoffs leave no room for error, and streaming the right players can tilt a matchup. Managers should note that the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings are off until Wednesday, while the New Orleans Pelicans do not play until Thursday. Denver and Portland each have only two contests on the current slate. With core pieces locked in, here are the week’s most compelling waiver options for fringe roster spots.
Point Guard
Daniss Jenkins, Detroit Pistons (41.6% rostered) — Filling in for the injured Cade Cunningham, Jenkins has delivered 34.8 fantasy points per game across his past eight outings. Detroit has three more games this week, boosting his cross-category appeal.
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs (34.7%) — The rookie guard has topped 25 fantasy points in six of his last seven matchups, clearing 40 twice. San Antonio plays three times before week’s end, making Harper a strong play in both points and category leagues.
Shooting Guard
Collin Sexton, Chicago Bulls (34.5%) — Chicago’s banged-up backcourt has opened the door for Sexton, who averaged 31.0 fantasy points and 26.3 minutes in March while contributing across the board.
Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors (10.2%) — Known for defense, Payton has added offense during Golden State’s injury crunch, producing 30.3 fantasy points per game over his last 10 contests.
Small Forward
Royce O’Neale, Phoenix Suns (14.6%) — Despite modest totals in his past two games (13 and 12 fantasy points), O’Neale is still logging 27.5 minutes a night since the All-Star break and helps with threes, steals and blocks. Phoenix has three games left this week.
Will Riley, Washington Wizards (7.9%) — Injuries have vaulted the rookie into a steady role. Riley is averaging 23.5 fantasy points in 20 games since the break and has three more chances to deliver this week.
Power Forward
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors (13.2%) — The versatile big has scored at least 34 fantasy points in three of four appearances, peaking at 60. Toronto’s four-game week, including a Tuesday–Wednesday back-to-back, amplifies his value.
Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns (13.4%) — With Mark Williams out, Ighodaro is averaging 32.2 fantasy points over eight games and stuffing nearly every category. Free-throw woes (42.1% in that span) are the lone caveat.
Center
Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers (10.0%) — Hayes has eclipsed 35 fantasy points in four straight contests, highlighted by a 53-point effort. The Lakers’ three remaining games this week cement his status as a priority add.
Paul Reed, Detroit Pistons (4.2%) — Frontcourt injuries in Detroit open minutes for Reed, who has posted 14.7 points, 7.3 boards, 3.3 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.8 steals when playing at least 20 minutes this season.
With limited time left in the playoff schedule, these pickups offer immediate production for managers aiming to secure a championship.
Source: ESPN
