Week 10 of the NBA season brings a fresh wave of opportunities to improve your fantasy roster through the waiver wire. Whether you’re searching for a breakout star to ignite your team or a consistent contributor to solidify your lineup, this week’s waiver wire has something for everyone.
Let’s explore the top pickups and help you gain a competitive edge and get the win.
We’ll look at players you should consider picking up who are rostered in four different roster tiers:
- 50-60%
- 30-49%
- 15-29%
- 0-14%.
What’s more, I’ll give you a breakdown of how many games each team has for the upcoming week, so you can maximize the minutes of your streamers. Without further ado, let’s dissect the waiver wire, starting with the game schedule for next week.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 10)
Four games:
ATL, BKN, BOS, DAL, DEN, GSW, HOU, IND, MEM, MIA, MIN, NYK, ORL, PHX, SAS
Three games:
CHA, CHI, DET, LAL, MIL, OKC, PHI, POR, TOR, UTA, WAS
Two games:
CLE, LAC, NOP, SAC
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Jusuf Nurkic is back in action and making a significant impact for the Phoenix Suns, making him an excellent waiver wire target, especially in category leagues. After missing five games due to a right thigh contusion, Nurkic has returned with a vengeance, averaging 11.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game while shooting an efficient 60.9% from the field.
Nurkic is a dominant force in the paint, providing a steady stream of points, rebounds and blocks. He’s also a capable passer and a surprisingly agile defender for his size. With a favorable four-game schedule this week, Nurkic is poised to deliver valuable production across multiple categories.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG, SF – PHI)
Kelly Oubre Jr. is quietly putting together a strong December. His efficient play has made him a valuable contributor to the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran forward is shooting lights out, boasting a 47.2% clip from beyond the arc and an impressive 53.2% from the field overall. This efficiency has translated to a scoring surge, with Oubre Jr. averaging 14.5 points per game this month.
But Oubre Jr. isn’t just a scorer. He’s also contributing in other areas, averaging 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. His ability to crash the boards and make an impact on the defensive end adds to his overall value, especially in category leagues.
Dereck Lively II is emerging as a force to be reckoned with. This sophomore center has been a dominant presence on the defensive end, averaging an impressive two blocks per game in December, which ranks eighth in the league. He’s also seen a significant uptick in playing time, with his minutes increasing from 22.1 per game in November to 28 per game in December. This increased role is a testament to Lively’s rapid development and his growing impact on the game.
Lively is a true rim protector with exceptional length and athleticism. He’s a nightmare for opposing offenses, altering shots and controlling the paint with his defensive presence. But Lively isn’t just a defensive specialist. He’s also contributing on the offensive end, averaging 9.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists this month while shooting 71.1% from the field. This well-rounded production makes him an especially valuable asset in category leagues, where his blocks, rebounds and improving offensive game can make a significant difference.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
While the Portland Trail Blazers have struggled to find wins this month, Shaedon Sharpe has been a consistent source of fantasy production. He’s emerged as a key offensive weapon, averaging 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in December. Sharpe has shown a willingness to take over games, recording at least 25 points in two consecutive contests while attempting 16+ shots in each.
Sharpe’s increased usage rate and impressive scoring output make him an attractive waiver wire target. He’s a dynamic scorer with the ability to create his own shot and finish at the rim. As the Trail Blazers continue to lean on him offensively, Sharpe’s fantasy value is on the rise.
Scotty Pippen Jr. (PG, SG – MEM)
Scotty Pippen Jr. could be a major beneficiary of the Memphis Grizzlies’ injury woes, making him a high-priority waiver wire target this week. Keep a close eye on the injury report, as Marcus Smart and Ja Morant are dealing with ailments. Smart left Saturday’s game with an injury and Morant is battling a back issue. If both of these guards miss time, Pippen Jr. is poised for a significant increase in minutes and opportunity.
On Saturday, with Morant out and Smart exiting early, Pippen Jr. saw 33 minutes of action and delivered an impressive performance with 22 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. He’s a dynamic playmaker with a knack for scoring and facilitating, and he’s not afraid to contribute on the boards. With the Grizzlies facing a four-game week, Pippen Jr. possesses significant upside and could be a difference-maker for your fantasy team.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Ben Simmons is showing signs of his former All-Star self, and his recent resurgence has him back on the fantasy radar. This month, Simmons appears to be the healthiest he’s been in years, and he’s making the most of his opportunities on the court. Over the last seven days, he’s averaging a well-rounded 12.3 points, 8.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. This versatile production makes him an intriguing option for fantasy managers seeking a boost in multiple categories.
While turnovers remain a concern (he’s averaging 5.7 per game over the last seven days), Simmons’ overall contributions outweigh this drawback. With a favorable schedule this week and four games with no instances of playing on zero days of rest, Simmons is poised to continue his strong performance.
Royce O’Neale is a player to keep an eye on in deeper leagues with Devin Booker sidelined. When Booker missed Saturday’s game, O’Neale stepped into the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns and made the most of his opportunity. He logged 34 minutes of action, contributing 11 points and two steals while showcasing his all-around abilities.
This increased playing time should bode well for O’Neale’s fantasy value moving forward. He’s already averaging a respectable 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game this season. With more minutes on the horizon, those numbers could see a boost. O’Neale is a versatile player who can contribute in multiple categories, making him an attractive option for those in need of a well-rounded contributor. As long as Booker remains out, O’Neale is a player worth considering for your fantasy roster.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
