NBA Fantasy: 6 waiver wire targets ahead of Week 14

Week 14 brings the straightest schedule in the NBA with all teams playing three or four games. As fantasy managers begin to draft lineups, some players are still available on incentive discounts. Let's highlight six categories that are still available in most Yahoo leagues.

Xavier Tillman Sr., Memphis Grizzlies (62% available)

Tillman was first in line to get significant minutes this season when Steven Adams (knee) went down. However, Tillman suffered an injury of his own, resulting in the Grizzlies adding Bismack Biyombo. By the time Tillman was ready to return, Biombo had passed him on the depth chart, forcing Tillman to settle for limited minutes off the bench.

With their season going downhill, the Grizzlies decided to waive Biyombo. That contributed to Tillman logging at least 30 minutes in each of the last four games. During that span, he averaged 11.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.5 blocks. His new role makes him an attractive target in waivers for longer than the four games he'll play in Week 14.

Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets (68% available)

Injuries have also plagued the Hornets. They have LaMelo Paul, but Gordon Hayward (calf) and Mark Williams (back) are out. Although Hayward has resumed on-court activities, the Hornets have not issued any positive updates on Williams' condition.

Richards has been locked into the starting lineup for the past 18 games without Williams. During that stretch, he averaged 8.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting 64.5% from the field. The Hornets play four games in Week 14, so while Williams won't be back anytime soon, Richards remains a roster-worthy prospect. He is listed as doubtful for their game on Friday with an ankle injury, but there is no indication he is dealing with a long-term problem.

Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (69% available)

The Pacers made a splash Wednesday when they acquired Pascal Siakam in a trade with the Raptors. He certainly improves the team and forms a great trio with Tyrese Halliburton and Myles Turner. His addition should be a blow to Obie Dauphin and Jalen Smith, who will be in line for limited minutes.

In addition to the draft picks the Pacers sent to the Raptors, they also dealt Bruce Brown and Jordan Navora. With their exit, Nesmith doesn't last in the starting lineup, but he could get a boost in playing time. Since becoming a starter, he has averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.4 3-pointers in 10 games. Nesmith has missed the last three games with a jaw injury, but he could be back in time for the start of the week.

Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies (74% available)

With the Grizzlies so thin at guard, Kennard was opened up for extra playing time. He is an excellent 3-point shooter, shooting 43.5% from behind the arc during his career. He's down a bit to 42.2% this season, but he's still on pace to average at least 2.3 3-pointers for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

Kennard started each of the last six games for the Grizzlies, averaging 12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.0 3-pointers. Has logged at least 29 minutes in each of the last four games. With only one team option for $14.8 million next season, there's a chance the Grizzlies could move him at the trade deadline. However, between now and then, he still has fantasy upside.

Shanti Altama, Memphis Grizzlies (83% available)

The hype surrounding GG Jackson may have only lasted two games. After logging at least 27 minutes in back-to-back games, he played just 10 minutes Thursday against the Timberwolves. Altama logged 25 minutes in that contest, posting 13 points, five rebounds, one steal, one block and two 3-pointers.

We've seen what Altama can do when given more opportunities. In 20 games in which he logged at least 20 minutes this season, he averaged 13.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 3-pointers. With the Grizzlies missing so many players, he should be locked in for at least 20 minutes a game moving forward.

Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers (84% available)

The Clippers suffered a major blow with news that Ivica Zubac (calf) will be out for at least four weeks. Their starting lineup was firing on all cylinders, and Zubac was a big part of their success. Not only did he log 27 minutes per game, but he also averaged 12.4 points per game.

Zubac's first game to miss was 22 minutes into the start by Daniel Thies. He didn't fare well and the Clippers lost to the Timberwolves. Then they started Plumlee against the Thunder on Tuesday, and he had 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 28 minutes. While splitting time between the Hornets and Clippers last season, Bloomlee averaged 10.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 26 minutes per game. A similar workload may be in his future until Jubach returns.