Week 7 of the 2021-22 NBA season began on Monday. Some of this offseason’s more fascinating breakout candidates have started to gain momentum, while other players have begun to benefit because of injuries. There’s a healthy mix of notable newcomers and veterans who are readily available this week, and we’ve identified four who can be impactful immediately.
Here are four Week 7 waiver wire targets worth pursuing.
Jarred Vanderbilt, F, Min (51% rostered)
Vanderbilt was highlighted as a likely breakout candidate ahead of the 2021-22 season and is coming into his own. The defensive specialist lacks scoring upside and averages just 5.7 points per game, but could be a promising category booster moving forward. He averaged 12 rebounds and two steals per game in four Week 6 appearances.
Eric Gordon, G, HOU (39% rostered)
Houston Rockets rookie Jalen Green has a tweaked hamstring and Gordon is in a great spot to benefit from his absence. The veteran wing started against the Charlotte Hornets to end Week 6 and poured in 22 points and seven assists in an overtime win. He’s averaging 16.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.0 rebounds per 36 minutes this season and logged at least 32 minutes in two of his three Week 6 games.
Marcus Morris, F, LAC (39% rostered)
Morris only played in five games through the first six weeks because of a back injury. He put together his best stat line of the campaign against the NBA‘s top-rated defense on Sunday. Morris logged season-highs in minutes (34), points (13), rebounds (6), and assists (5) against the Golden State Warriors. Nic Batum is in health and safety protocols, so Morris could capitalize on extended minutes early in Week 7 while his backup works toward a return to the hardwood.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, C, OKC (35% rostered)
The Thunder’s undersized rookie center finished Week 6 on a high note. He averaged 12 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest and logged a pair of double-doubles through three outings. He entered Week 7 having made multiple threes in four consecutive games and is shooting over 40 percent from deep this season. OKC’s reluctance to lean on Mike Muscala and Derrick Favors could help Robinson-Earl retain long-term value.
