Jerryd Bayless Leads Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Options, February 1

Jan 31, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Jerryd Bayless (7) during the first half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

January came to a close last night with a light NBA schedule with just four teams in action. The Thunder thoroughly beat the Grizzlies in the first game of the post-Rudy Gay era in the earlier game and then in the late game the Warriors held on to beat the visiting Mavericks by three.

Even with a light schedule there were still a few box score breakouts. These players stepped up last night and need to be on your fantasy basketball radar if your looking to improve your team for the playoff push.

Jarryd Bayless-Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies definitely struggled to keep up with the Thunder last night as all nine players who played had a negative +/-. The team leader in minutes, points, and assists was Jerryd Bayless who joined the starting lineup alongside Mike Conley who returned from injury. Bayless played 40 minutes while scoring 23 points to go with six assists, three rebounds, and a steal. He’s had over 20 points in each of his last two games and double digits in his last five. Over those five games he’s averaged 15.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. He should continue to see a big increase in playing time making him a must add in the over 75% of leagues in which he’s still available (according to ESPN).

Bayless could be the key pickup for the rest of the year if he keeps playing starters minutes and can help in both assists and points. He was an effective option during his time in Toronto when he saw playing time and should be in store for plenty of it for the new-look Grizzlies. He’s probably not someone you can wait on to see how the new rotation plays out, so go ahead and add Bayless if there’s any way to work him into your roster.

January 31, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Vince Carter (25) dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter-Dallas Mavericks

Carter stepped up and and hit four three-pointers on his way to 22 points off the bench for Dallas. Carter added four assists, two rebounds, and two steals in his 28 minutes last night. He’s averaged over 15 points in his last five points and has nine points or more in his last six. He’s usually good for a few steals and some assists and rebounds too. He may not keep this pace up for the rest of the season, but is worth a look in fantasy leagues at this point. He’s currently owned in 56.9% of ESPN leagues.

Andrew Bogut-Golden State Warriors

Check to see if Bogut is still available in your league like he is in 17.7% of ESPN leagues. He isn’t back to full strength yet but is showing signs of progress. Last night he finished with just eight points and five rebounds but did have three blocks in his 25 minutes. He’ll be limited to 25 minutes a night for a while but is worth grabbing if you can hold him to he’s back to full strength. His blocks can help right away, and the points and rebounds are bound to follow as his minutes increase.