The fantasy basketball landscape is a whirlwind of change. Staying ahead of the curve requires constant attention to the waiver wire. Week 6 brings a fresh crop of potential difference-makers, whether you’re seeking a breakout star, a reliable contributor or a short-term solution to secure that crucial win.
Let’s dive in and uncover the top pickups who can give you 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.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 6)
Four games:
ATL, BKN, CHA, DAL, DET, IND, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, NOP, NYK, OKC, ORL, POR, TOR, UTA
Three games:
BOS, CHI, CLE, DEN, GSW, HOU, MIN, PHX, SAC, SAS, WAS
Two games:
MIL, PHI
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
If your fantasy team needs a scoring boost, look no further than Andrew Wiggins. The Golden State Warriors wing has been on a tear lately, leading the team in scoring since November 15th with an impressive 22.4 points per game. Wiggins boasts a 25% usage rate, highlighting his significant role in the Warriors’ high-powered offense.
But Wiggins isn’t just a one-trick pony. He’s contributing across the board, averaging 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a block per game. His well-rounded game and consistent production make him a valuable asset in any fantasy format. The Warriors are firing on all cylinders, and Wiggins is a big reason why.
Isaiah Hartenstein made a resounding return to the court. His season debut has him firmly on the fantasy radar. After recovering from a hand injury, Hartenstein wasted no time making an impact, logging 29 minutes and stuffing the stat sheet with 13 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. This dominant performance is incredibly encouraging, especially considering it was his first game of the year.
With the Oklahoma City Thunder facing limited depth at the center position, Hartenstein’s ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a valuable asset. He’s a skilled rebounder, a capable scorer around the basket and a solid rim protector. Expect Hartenstein to see significant minutes even as he continues to work his way back to complete form.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Shaedon Sharpe is taking flight in Portland, and his recent performances have him soaring up fantasy basketball rankings. Since November 12th, Sharpe has become the focal point of the Trail Blazers’ offense, showcasing his incredible athleticism and scoring prowess. With a 28.4% usage rate, he’s averaging 23.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Only 21, Sharpe is a fearless scorer who attacks the basket with ferocity and possesses a silky smooth stroke from beyond the arc. With his combination of talent and opportunity, he’s someone to consider.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Stephon Castle may only be playing three games this week, but this rookie is making a strong case to be a long-term hold in deeper fantasy leagues. Since being promoted to the starting lineup on November 6th, Castle has formed a dynamic backcourt duo with veteran Chris Paul. Their complementary skills have been a key factor in the San Antonio Spurs’ recent success.
Castle’s explosive athleticism and ability to attack the basket create opportunities for Paul’s playmaking and shooting, while Paul’s veteran savvy and court vision open up space for Castle to operate.
This symbiotic relationship has translated to impressive production for Castle, who is averaging 14.3 points and 4.5 assists per game since joining the starting lineup. While his three-point shooting needs some improvement, Castle’s overall game and upward trajectory make him an intriguing long-term prospect.
Jaden McDaniels is making a strong case to be added to fantasy rosters. While he’s been known primarily for his defensive contributions, McDaniels is starting to showcase his offensive potential, making him a well-rounded and valuable asset. In his last game, he recorded over 20 points for the first time this season. Over the past seven days, he’s averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals.
McDaniels is a versatile player who can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes and contribute on the boards. With his scoring starting to blossom, he’s becoming a threat on both ends of the floor. If you’re looking for a player who can contribute in multiple categories and boost your team’s defensive stats, McDaniels is an option.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
With Luka Doncic sidelined for at least a week, Quentin Grimes is poised to step into a more prominent role for the Dallas Mavericks. Grimes, a talented young guard known for his sharpshooting and defensive prowess, is expected to slide into the starting rotation and see a significant increase in minutes.
Grimes’ ability to space the floor and knock down threes should mesh perfectly with Kyrie Irving‘s playmaking and scoring abilities, creating a dynamic backcourt duo for the Mavericks.
Over the past seven days, Grimes has averaged 24.3 minutes and 12.0 points per game, showcasing his offensive potential. With Doncic out of the lineup, those numbers will surely rise as Grimes takes on a larger role in the offense.
Harrison Barnes is heating up, and his recent surge has him back on the fantasy radar. After a slow start to the season, Barnes has found his rhythm, averaging an impressive 22.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game over the last seven days. He’s seeing significant playing time, logging 33.3 minutes per game, and his efficiency has seen a noticeable improvement.
Barnes is a versatile scorer who can knock down shots from the perimeter and attack the basket with authority. He’s also a solid rebounder and a capable defender, making him a valuable asset in multiple categories. The San Antonio Spurs are currently riding a three-game winning streak, and Barnes’ resurgence is a big reason why.
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