Wire to Wire aims to be your waiver wire resource for all of your fantasy basketball needs.  It will dive into playing time trends, injury replacements, and even an occasional category specialist – all of which can be found on a typical waiver wire within your fantasy league at any given time.

Even though we’re in the final session of the fantasy playoffs, you can cure your Head-to-Headache by keeping an eye on a few key players over the final few games.  I’m not going to delve into stats too much this time around, but give you the quick and dirty over who should be on your radar going forward. 

With word that Kevin Garnett will not be participating in the remaining games for the Minnesota Timberwolves, touches will open up for a few new guys.  Yes, Ricky Davis’ production will likely increase, but undoubtedly owned by someone in your leagues.  However, a few players that may be out there, that will also see an increase in production are Rashad McCants and Craig Smith. 

McCants has shown plenty of potential, most recently being last season when Garnett (ironically) went down with an injury for the last week of the season.  He’s always a threat for double-digit scoring, and has a knack for the long ball. 

Smith will likely be getting the starts at power forward in Garnett’s absence, and the rookie is no stranger to double-digit points himself.  He won’t block shots like KG, but rarely takes a shot outside of the key – making him a solid addition to your field goal percentage on top of his scoring/rebounding.  Just keep in mind that the Timberwolves seemed to be locked into a ten man rotation going forward – limiting the impact of all players suiting up.

Never a poster child for health, Jamaal Tinsley has been recently hampered by an elbow injury.  His replacement in the starting lineup has been Keith McLeod.  The former MAC baler hasn’t exactly been Steve Nash at the point, but the Pacers have won two of their last three with McLeod at the helm.  It’s not far fetched to expect 15/4/4 with a few long balls and free throws mixed in, making the journeyman a solid deep league addition for the remainder.

Though Stephon Marbury is still attempting a comeback, there have been rumors that he may be shut down for the season.  With this in tow, Nate Robinson will likely continue to light it up from downtown and give owners plenty of scoring.  With his recent string of 20-point nights, he’s likely not available in any format.  Scan your wire, but don’t be surprised if you find an owner’s name next to him. 

One guy that should still be out there is Mardy Collins.  While Collins hasn’t been draining long balls like Robinson, he has put in four straight nights of double-figures with solid rebounding and assist totals – something Robinson won’t get you.  If you can stomach the turnovers that Collins may give you, he could be a solid addition in standard-to-deep leagues.

The Boston Celtics have finally decided to declare Paul Pierce as done for the season.  While many of us saw this coming, others can now act on the news.  Gerald Green and Ryan Gomes will likely step up their production as they have over the last few nights.  Both should be solid contributors in the scoring category, with Green coming off of a career night and Gomes adding in his rebounding numbers.

Two Celtics that are likely available in your formats may be Allan Ray and Leon Powe.  Ray (not to be confused with the Seattle stud, Ray Allen) has proven his ability to drop points when given the playing time, and is no stranger from launching beyond the arc – taking 25 threes in his last four games.

Powe is just one of the many forwards that the Celtics have on their roster, but with the absence of Al Jefferson and ineffectiveness of Kendrick Perkins, Powe’s double-double potential may shine through over the last few games of the season.  The rookie averages around 15 rebounds per 48 minutes, and could sneak into the starting lineup if Gomes or Perkins slip up.

I’ve been hanging onto Joe Smith through his personal issues, and he’s been rewarding me greatly.  But with Smith and Samuel Dalembert getting a lot of the front court minutes, many are overlooking Steven Hunter and his glass-cleaning abilities.  He’s recently been inserted into the starting lineup and has responded well.  If he can keep his minutes in the high 20s or even low 30s, double-digit boards is not a far-fetched expectation.

With Boris Diaw struggling in Phoenix, the Suns have decided that Mr. Instant Offense James Jones will get the starting nod at the small forward spot – moving Shawn Marion to the power forward.  While Jones provides little beyond scoring, threes and free throw percentage, anyone getting starters minutes in Phoenix is worth a look.  I’ve seen him available in several deep leagues, but even standard owners may want to give him a look.

With the Sacramento Kings carrying a lot of power forwards on their roster, few people have seen the latest box score contributions of Justin Williams.  He’s been averaging 11 points and two blocks a night over the last three games, along with solid rebounding totals and huge field goal percentages (78% over the same span).  With the Kings season long entered into “lost” status, Williams’ minutes have seen the 30s.  If you’re hurting for big men over the next few games, he may be the answer.

I want to thank you all for sticking with me over the course of this season, and look forward to doing it all again next year.  Check out our season wrap-up mock draft blog this off season, as we’ll break down player-by-player after the draft.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions that you may have this off-season.  It’s been fun…