Michael Beasley (F, NYK) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add In Deeper Leagues

OWNED IN: 6% of leagues

ANALYSIS: After signing with the New York Knicks in the offseason, Michael Beasley initially didn’t see much action, not playing in six games early on. That all came to change on Thanksgiving weekend, when he started for the Knicks in Houston against the Rockets. After Kristaps Porzingis was unable to go, Beasley started at power forward and made 14 of 23 shots for 30 points, eight rebounds and two steals. In the three games since then, the 28-year-old has been +21 when on the court. Perhaps more importantly for those seeking a scoring forward for their bench, Porzingis is dealing with an ankle injury that may take more time to heal. Beasley continues to see more time in his absence, having put in another 21 points in Sunday’s loss to the Magic.

Knowing Porzingis’ injury history early on in his career could mean Beasley will continue to see spot starts and an increased role off the bench. He’s already demonstrated the ability to produce big points totals at any given time, which is rare for someone with such a small ownership percentage. Beasley will be available in virtually all leagues, perhaps meaning there’s no immediate hurry to pick him up. Those seeking an aforementioned scoring forward, should not hesitate in adding him up, however. Whenever injuries or days off come into play, fantasy users know that a spot start for the Kansas State alum could easily mean 20 points off the bench.