Building a championship-caliber fantasy team requires depth, especially when injuries strike. With key players like Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant and Zion Williamson getting injured, it’s time to dig deep into the waiver wire. Week 4 offers a fresh crop of potential replacements ready to step up.
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.
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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 4)
Four games:
BKN, CHI, CLE, DAL, DET, HOU, LAC, MIN, NOP, NYK, OKC, PHX, SAC, SAS, UTA, WAS
Three games:
ATL, BOS, CHA, IND, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIL, ORL, PHI, POR, TOR
Two games:
DEN, GSW
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Amen Thompson is living up to his lottery pick status and emerging as a key contributor for the Houston Rockets. He’s solidified his role as one of their top options off the bench, providing a spark with his dynamic playmaking and all-around skill set. In his last four games, Thompson has been a stat-sheet stuffer, combining for 52 points, 33 rebounds, 12 assists and four steals.
Thompson is a player with exceptional athleticism and court vision. He excels at pushing the pace, creating opportunities for his teammates and finishing at the rim. With his ability to contribute in multiple categories and a favorable four-game schedule this week, Thompson is an excellent waiver wire target for fantasy managers seeking a boost in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Donte DiVincenzo (SG – MIN)
Donte DiVincenzo is quietly putting together a solid season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and his consistent production makes him a valuable waiver wire target. He’s averaging a well-rounded 13.7 points, 4.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game over the last seven days, contributing across the board and proving his worth in multiple categories. With a consistent playing time of 25+ minutes per game, DiVincenzo has solidified his role as a key contributor in the Timberwolves’ rotation.
DiVincenzo’s value is further enhanced by the potential for increased minutes should any injuries occur in the Timberwolves’ backcourt. He’s a versatile player who can handle the ball, shoot from deep and contribute defensively, making him a valuable asset in a variety of situations.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
I don’t throw the term “must-add” around lightly, but when it comes to Scotty Pippen Jr. this week, it applies. With Ja Morant sidelined week-to-week and Marcus Smart nursing an ankle injury, Pippen Jr. is poised to take on a significant role for the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s already been impressive, averaging 28.3 minutes, 13.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists over the last seven days.
Now, with increased minutes and usage on the horizon, Pippen Jr. can potentially be a fantasy league-winner. He’s a dynamic playmaker with a knack for scoring and facilitating and he’s not afraid to crash the boards. If you’re looking for a guard who can contribute across the board, don’t hesitate and grab Pippen Jr. off the waiver wire immediately.
Zaccharie Risacher (SF/PF – ATL)
Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, is starting to live up to the hype. After a slow start to his NBA career, Risacher has found his rhythm and is showcasing the talent that made him such a highly-touted prospect. He erupted for a career-high 33 points on November 6 and followed that up with a solid 17-point performance on Saturday, demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to fill it up in a hurry.
Risacher appears to have officially overcome his early-season shooting slump. His increased confidence is translating to more playing time. He’s seen at least 30 minutes of action in four of his last five games. With his scoring and playmaking ability, he’s becoming a valuable contributor for the Atlanta Hawks. While his immediate impact might be somewhat limited, Risacher is a long-term, high-ceiling pickup who could blossom into a fantasy star.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Haywood Highsmith is emerging as a valuable contributor for the Miami Heat. His recent performances warrant serious attention from fantasy managers. He’s seen 30+ minutes in each of his last two games. He’s made the most of the opportunity, racking up 34 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in that span. Highsmith is a versatile player known for his excellent defense, but he’s also shooting a scorching 40% from three-point range to start the year, earning him increased playing time.
With Jimmy Butler nursing an ankle injury and Jaime Jaquez Jr. dealing with an illness, Highsmith is poised for more minutes and opportunities in the coming week. He’s a player who can contribute across the board, providing points, rebounds and steals.
With Kevin Durant sidelined for the next two weeks due to a left calf strain, it’s time for Royce O’Neale to enter the spotlight for the Phoneix Suns. O’Neale is a savvy veteran known for his solid all-around game. He’s already been a steady contributor this season, averaging 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
As a reliable three-and-D wing, O’Neale is poised to see increased minutes and opportunities with Durant out of the lineup. He’s a capable scorer, a strong rebounder for his position and a reliable defender who can guard multiple positions. Expect his production to increase in Durant’s absence, making him a valuable waiver wire addition for fantasy managers needing a boost in points and rebounds
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Goga Bitadze is emerging as a valuable fantasy asset amidst the injury woes plaguing the Orlando Magic frontcourt. With several key players sidelined, Bitadze has stepped up in a major way, showcasing his versatile skillset and making a strong case for increased minutes. Over the last three games, he’s been a force on both ends of the court, racking up 32 points, 30 rebounds, nine assists, six blocks and three steals.
Bitadze is a skilled big man who can score in the paint, clean up the glass and protect the rim. He’s also a capable passer, as evidenced by his impressive assist numbers. If you’re a fantasy manager scrambling to replace injured Magic players, Bitadze is an excellent short-term solution.
With injuries plaguing the Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt, Naji Marshall is stepping up and making the most of his increased playing time. Over the past seven days, Marshall has averaged 26.3 minutes per game, showcasing his versatility and contributing across the board, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals during those seven days.
Marshall is a dynamic player who can impact the game in a variety of ways. He’s a capable scorer who can attack the basket and knock down open shots. He’s also a willing passer and a solid defender. With his well-rounded skillset and increased opportunity, Marshall is an excellent short-term solution for fantasy managers in need of a boost. With four games on the schedule this week, he’s poised to deliver valuable production across multiple categories.
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