Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Key Players to Add This Week
Let’s face it: working the waiver wire is the secret sauce to dominating your fantasy basketball league. With the NBA season being a marathon of games, injuries, and ever-changing rotations, staying active on the waiver wire is a must. If you want to maximize your roster’s potential, you’ll need to dig into free agency for those hidden gems that can deliver big stats.
Here’s the deal: the last few spots on your fantasy roster should always be up for grabs. Think of them as a revolving door, where you’re constantly evaluating whether your bench players are worth keeping or if someone in free agency can bring more value. This weekly series is here to help you do just that. We’re spotlighting players at each position who are widely available in ESPN leagues. Some of these guys are specialists who can boost one or two categories, while others offer a more well-rounded stat line. Let’s dive in!
Point Guard
Keyonte George, SG, Utah Jazz (Rostered in 27.4% of ESPN leagues): The Utah Jazz started the season unsure about George’s ability to handle lead playmaking duties, but that’s changing. Over the past few weeks, the Baylor product has been given more opportunities to showcase his skills, and the results have been promising. While he’s not yet a lock at the position, George is making a strong case for himself. Fantasy managers should take notice.
Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics (62.4%): Pritchard is a sharpshooter who’s on track to finish in the top 10 for three-point makes and attempts. The Celtics’ offense is a well-oiled machine, and Pritchard’s ability to contribute assists adds another layer to his fantasy value. If you need threes, he’s your guy.
Andrew Nembhard, SG, Indiana Pacers (3.2%): The Pacers’ fast-paced offense creates plenty of opportunities for assist-heavy players, and Nembhard is thriving in this system. Even with two strong point guards on the roster, Nembhard’s versatility as a combo guard makes him a valuable asset, especially in deeper leagues.
Shooting Guard
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls (44.5%): Dosunmu stepped up last season when Chicago’s backcourt was hit with injuries, and he’s proving that wasn’t a fluke. Over the past two weeks, he’s ranked ninth among shooting guards on the Player Rater. If you’re looking for a playmaker with upside, Dosunmu is worth a look.
Caris LeVert, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers (47.5%): LeVert’s fantasy value can be a bit streaky, but when he’s on, he’s a difference-maker. He tends to shine in blowout games, so keep an eye on matchups with wide point spreads. He’s a solid option for managers looking for a scoring boost.
Small Forward
Trey Murphy III, SG, New Orleans Pelicans (48.5%): Injuries have slowed Murphy’s rise, but he’s still a valuable two-way player. As the Pelicans look for more offense from their forwards, Murphy’s role should expand. He’s a great target for managers in need of threes and defensive stats.
Bilal Coulibaly, SG, Washington Wizards (28.0%): Coulibaly is already making a name for himself as a defensive standout. His steal rate is among the best for high-minute players, and his offensive game is starting to come around. He’s a great pickup for managers in need of defensive stats.
Power Forward
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors (57.6%): Kuminga has found his niche as an off-ball cutter and utility player. His growth over the past year has been impressive, and he’s a solid option for managers looking for a versatile forward.
Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers (9.0%): Toppin has been a steal machine lately, adding value to his efficient offensive game. He’s a great option for managers in need of steals and points.
Center
Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic (12.5%): With the Magic dealing with injuries, Wagner has stepped up in a big way. He’s coming off a strong performance and could be in for a hot streak. If you need points and rebounds, Wagner is a solid pickup.
Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans (15.5%): Missi is a traditional center who excels in rebounding and shot-blocking. He’s a great option for managers looking to shore up those categories.
Special Teams
- 3-pointers: Pritchard and O’Neale have been lighting it up from beyond the arc.
- Steals: Coulibaly and Kelly Oubre Jr. are defensive dynamos worth adding.
- Blocks: Bitadze remains a reliable source for swats.
- Rebounds: Missi and Bobby Portis are strong options on the glass.
- Assists: Nembhard and Vasilije Micic are pass-first guards who can help in this category.
Originally Written by: Eric Karabell
