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NBA Waiver Watch - Sunday Edition

Derick E. Hingle / USA TODAY Sports

Here's a look at three players to target on waivers in season-long fantasy basketball:

PG Norris Cole, New Orleans Pelicans

Cole has been dealing with a lower back injury since early March but is close to returning. Once he gets back in the Pelicans' rotation, he will immediately become one of the top options on the team.

With Jrue Holiday, Toney Douglas, and Tim Frazier running the backcourt in New Orleans, there is little standing in the way from Cole returning to play heavy minutes once healthy. In 45 games of action this season, Cole has averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 26 minutes. Expect those averages and minutes to rise in the final stretch of the season.

As a diminutive guard, Cole functions mostly as a scorer and passer. He won't provide a handful of 3-pointers, as he's attempted just 2.3 per game this year. But New Orleans' tendency to fall behind and surrender massive amounts of points often allows for plenty of garbage time production.

PF/C Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls

If help down low is desired, Gibson may be the most reputable option. Available in over 50% of leagues, Gibson provides double-double potential with seasonal averages of 8.4 points and 7.1 rebounds. He may not be a sexy or sly pickup, but he is functional.

His main statistical benefit will be in the points, rebounds, and FG categories. Gibson is actually shooting a career-high .523% from the field this year. For those in points-based leagues, Gibson really needs to come up with a double-double to be effective, something he has done in three of his last six games.

With Bulls starting C Pau Gasol working his way back from injury, Gibson's value is likely limited to the upcoming week. Gasol is expected to miss Monday's game against Sacramento but hopes to return Wednesday for a home-and-home set against the Knicks.

The Bulls do have scheduling in their advantage, though, as Chicago will play four games between March 21-27 and five games between March 28 and April 3.

SG/SF Hollis Thompson, Philadelphia 76ers

The revolving door of players in Philadelphia constantly makes for streaky waiver pickups. This week, Hollis Thompson looks to be the best of the bunch. Thompson is averaging 12.1 points and five rebounds over his last 10 games. He has also averaged 32 minutes over his last six games.

Career-wise, Thompson has spent the past two seasons with Philadelphia, accruing 200+ NBA games with a .420 FG% and .390% 3-point shooting.

The 76ers have dealt with injuries all season and right now, the absences of Richaun Holmes, Robert Covington, and Jahlil Okafor have opened up playing time for the rest of the Sixers. While Okafor is ruled out for the season, Holmes and Covington are likely to return to action in the upcoming week, which may reduce Thompson's workload. But with the Sixers' roster constantly in flux, Thompson looks to have played well enough to earn himself substantial time going forward.

For those concerned with games per week, Philadelphia has four games this week and three in the following week.

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