The fantasy landscape is constantly shifting. Every week brings new opportunities to improve your roster. Whether you’re looking for a breakout star, a consistent contributor or a short-term solution to pick up the dub, the Week 5 waiver wire has something for everyone. Let’s explore the top pickups and help you gain an edge in your league.
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 5)
Four games:
CHI, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, MIL, ORL, PHI
Three games:
ATL, BKN, BOS, CHA, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, LAL, MEM, NOP, NYK, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR, UTA, WAS
Two games:
MIA, MIN, OKC, PHX
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Bennedict Mathurin (SG, SF – IND)
Bennedict Mathurin is having a November to remember, and fantasy managers should take notice. This rising star is seizing his opportunity with the Indiana Pacers, averaging 34.1 minutes per game and stuffing the stat sheet with 20.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft is showcasing the skills that made him such a highly touted prospect.
Mathurin is a dynamic scorer with a knack for getting to the basket and finishing through contact. He’s also a capable shooter from beyond the arc and a willing rebounder, making him a valuable asset in multiple categories.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Christian Braun is back in our waiver wire spotlight, and for good reason. This third-year player out of Kansas is making a serious impact for the Denver Nuggets. Over his last seven games, Braun has averaged 35.6 minutes per game and is showcasing his impressive all-around skill set. He’s been lights-out from beyond the arc, shooting 52% from deep, and contributing across the board with 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Braun’s versatility and efficiency make him a valuable fantasy asset, especially in category leagues. He’s providing consistent scoring, rebounding and defensive stats while maintaining a high field goal percentage. With his playing time trending upward and his confidence growing, Braun is a player you want to keep long-term. He’s proving he has the potential to be a key contributor for the Nuggets for years to come. His fantasy value will only continue to rise.
Tari Eason is making a strong case for a permanent spot in the Houston Rockets’ rotation. His increased playing time is translating into impressive fantasy production. After averaging just 17.6 minutes per game in October, Eason has seen his role expand significantly in November, jumping to 26.1 minutes per game. He’s making the most of his opportunities, shooting an efficient 55.4% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. Eason is currently averaging 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks in November, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board.
This third-year forward is a versatile player with a knack for scoring around the basket and contributing on the defensive end, making him a valuable asset in category leagues. With four games on tap this week, Eason is poised to continue his strong performance and provide a significant boost to your fantasy roster.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Jared McCain is proving he’s more than just a social media sensation; he’s a legitimate NBA player with the potential to make a real impact for the Philadelphia 76ers. McCain has taken advantage of increased opportunities this month, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. He’s averaging an impressive 19.8 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game, while consistently seeing 30+ minutes of action in his last five outings.
With the 76ers seemingly always battling injuries, McCain has emerged as a reliable contributor and a valuable fantasy asset. He’s a dynamic scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot.
Brandon Boston Jr. (PG, SG, SF – NOP)
Brandon Boston Jr. is seizing his moment with the New Orleans Pelicans. His recent performance has him on the fantasy radar. With the Pelicans battling several injuries, Boston Jr. is currently in the starting lineup and providing solid production. In his seven starts, this former Kentucky standout is averaging 15.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute across the board.
Boston Jr. is a dynamic scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for getting to the basket. He’s also a capable playmaker and a willing defender, making him a valuable asset in multiple categories. As long as the Pelicans remain short-handed, Boston Jr. is a must-add player.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Patrick Williams is starting to find his groove. His improved efficiency is making him a sneaky-good pickup in deeper fantasy leagues. While Williams has seen consistent minutes since Opening Night, his recent surge in production can be attributed to his improved shooting. After struggling with a 29.5% field goal rate in October, Williams found his touch in November, boasting a much more respectable 45.7% field goal rate.
This increased efficiency has translated to a noticeable uptick in his overall production. Williams is now averaging 12.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, providing solid value in deeper leagues. He’s a versatile forward who can score from multiple levels and contribute on the boards. If you’re looking for a player with the potential to outperform his draft position, keep an eye on Patrick Williams. He’s trending in the right direction and could be a valuable asset down the stretch.
With injuries sidelining key players in the Charlotte Hornets’ frontcourt, Moussa Diabate has emerged as a reliable fantasy option. Mark Williams remains without a clear timetable for return and Nick Richards is out until at least November 23, creating a window of opportunity for Diabate to shine. He’s certainly making the most of it, averaging 26 minutes per game over the last seven days and putting up impressive numbers.
Diabate has been a force on the boards, pulling down an outstanding 13.3 rebounds per game to go along with 9.3 points and 2.0 blocks. He’s a high-energy player with a nose for the ball and a knack for making hustle plays. If you need rebounds and blocks, Diabate is a fantastic short-term solution. His value could extend beyond that if the Hornets’ injury woes continue.
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