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Dieng and Motiejunas highlight fantasy basketball waiver wire in early December

By Robert Moodispaugh

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Which players should you be targeting on waiver wires in your fantasy basketball leagues? These are the players that I am after!

*All league ownerships are courtesy of ESPN.com

Gorgui Dieng (Min C, 34.0% of leagues): A benefactor of injuries, Dieng has seen an increase of about 4 minutes per game since Nikola Pekovic injured his wrist (who will reportedly be out for another 1-2 weeks). Prior to the injury, Dieng and Pekovic had been splitting time pretty evenly. The Timberwolves are an extremely small team with only four total power forwards or centers. After Dieng and Pekovic (7.6 and 8.1 rebounds per game respectively), there is a difference of over three boards for the next highest rebounder (Thaddeus Young at 4.4). Of course, this lack of a presence in the paint could explain their 4-15 record! But Dieng is the only option down low with Pekovic out, and he should not see any decrease in the near future.

Mo Williams (Min PG, 32.2% of leagues): Williams has been quite lucky to receive as much playing time as he has had this year due to Ricky Rubio’s ankle injury that will keep the Spanish point guard sidelined until at least January. Since November 15, Williams has averaged 15.0 points per game along with 9.1 assists. However, he is currently dealing with back spasms and has missed the Timberwolves’ last three games. Backup and rookie out of UCLA, Zach LaVine, has shouldered the point guard duties in those three contests. Williams is a veteran presence on an inexperienced team, and I would expect him to return to his prominent role upon returning to action.

Patrick Beverley (Hou PG, 28.1% of leagues): Beverley is fresh off an injury himself, returning to action this past Saturday. He had been hampered by his hamstring for six games. The Rockets certainly needed him while the team hopes for speedy recoveries by Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones. In an offense that circles around James Harden, Beverley is not going to be shooting lights out every night, but can give you around 16 points per game along with a handful of assists. If I had to choose between Beverley and Williams, I would go Williams due to a lack of star-power in Minnesota.

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Timofey Mozgov (Den C, 29.8% of leagues): Mozgov has jumped around from team to team around the world before settling down with the Nuggets in 2010. At 7’1″, he is a HUGE presence in the paint, and one that specializes in bringing down rebounds (he currently leads Denver with 7.6 boards per game). He is one of only two Nuggets to start in all 20 games so far this season. I would like to see head coach Brian Shaw use Mozgov a little more consistently as he has averaged a subpar 25.6 minutes per game with backup center J.J. Hickson nipping at his heels with 18.5. But when Mozgov is in the game, he shoots over 57% from the field and has recorded at least one block in every game since November 16.

Donatas Motiejunas (Hou PF, 13.6% of leagues): Another Rocket, Motiejunas is greatly benefiting from injuries as his playing time has exponentially increased since Jones went down. Reports have said that Jones’ leg has made improvements, but he is still out indefinitely, meaning Motiejunas will continue to be relevant for weeks to come. Motiejunas has shined on the boards, especially with Howard out as well. He has not had less than six rebounds in a game since November 19. Similar to Mozgov, Motiejunas has played all over Europe, but turned in more consistent results. Only two years ago, he was a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA Development League. From there he earned a backup role in 2013, and now is a starter, Motiejunas will continue to flourish while given the opportunity.

Manu Ginobili (SA SG, 38.7% of leagues): Arguably the most recognizable name on here, Ginobili is experiencing an expected drop-off as he gets older. Danny Green is the starting shooting guard in San Antonio while Ginobili continues his role of coming off the bench. The Spurs are one of the most balanced teams in the league, as all but one member of the team averages double-digit minutes per game. Everything I have said has been pretty negative, but do not sleep on Ginobili just yet. Despite a downturn in minutes, he is still fourth on the squad in field goals attempted per game at 9.1 and is second in three-pointers attempted and made. There is no doubt that he will get his opportunities, but do not be surprised if he puts up a couple dud games as well.

Rasual Butler (Wsh SG, SF 8.4% of leagues): From most recognizable to biggest surprise, Butler has only come onto the scene recently. Playing with fellow forwards/guards Paul Pierce, Otto Porter Jr., and Bradley Beal, it is definitely eye-opening to see Butler putting up the numbers he is producing. In four games in December, Butler is actually leading the Wizards in scoring. It is mostly due to his presence beyond the arc as he has made 3.3 three-pointers in that four-game stretch. The Wizards are a talented team and with John Wall dishing the ball, shooters will find open shots easily.

Guys I would be comfortable dropping or trading: Andrew Wiggins (Min SG, 68.3% of leagues); Jeremy Lin (LAL PG, 61.2% of leagues); Robin Lopez (Por C, 71.7% of leagues); Joe Johnson *TRADE ONLY* (Bkn SG, 89.8% of leagues)

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