The waiver wire is a battlefield in Week 8, and every moment counts. Hidden gems and proven veterans alike are waiting to be snatched up, offering a chance to transform your team. Whether you’re looking for a short-term spark to ignite a winning streak or a long-term asset to bolster your championship run, this week’s waiver wire has the answers.
Let’s dive deep into the top pickups and equip you with the knowledge to conquer 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 8)
Two games:
BOS, IND, LAL, MEM, MIN, NOP, NYK, PHX, POR, SAS, TOR,
One game:
ATL, BKN, CHA, CHI, CLE, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, LAC, MIA, MIL, OKC, ORL, PHI, SAC, UTA, WAS
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Payton Pritchard is proving to be a valuable asset for the Boston Celtics. This sharpshooting guard has been a spark plug off the bench, providing instant offense and a steady hand when called upon. He provides a much-needed scoring punch for the Celtics’ second unit and has shown the ability to step up when starters need a breather or are dealing with injuries.
In five games this December, Pritchard is averaging an impressive 18.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting an efficient 49.2% from the field. Pritchard’s well-rounded contributions and consistent production make him an attractive waiver wire target.
Jonathan Kuminga is seizing his opportunity with the Golden State Warriors, and his recent performances are turning heads in the fantasy basketball world. With a spot in the starting lineup seemingly his for the near future, Kuminga is making a strong case to be a key part of the Warriors’ long-term plans. In his three December appearances as a starter, he’s averaging an impressive 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 blocks per game.
Kuminga is a dynamic athlete with explosive scoring ability and a knack for getting to the basket. He’s also shown flashes of defensive potential, using his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents. With the Warriors giving him every opportunity to prove himself, he has the potential to be a key contributor for rosters long term.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG, SF – ATL)
Bogdan Bogdanovic is back and looking like his old self, making him a valuable addition to any fantasy roster. After dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, Bogdanovic has returned to the court with a vengeance. In his three games this month, he’s averaging 26.7 minutes per game. He is stuffing the stat sheet with 14.3 points, 2.7 threes, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
Bogdanovic is a versatile scorer who can knock down shots from deep, attack the basket and create opportunities for his teammates. He’s also a capable rebounder and a disruptive defender, making him a valuable asset in multiple categories.
Ayo Dosunmu is quickly becoming a hot commodity in fantasy basketball, and for good reason. He’s been the second-most picked-up player over the last seven days (+19.2%), and his recent performances justify the hype. Dosunmu is a versatile player who can contribute in every category, making him a valuable asset in any format. In his last three games, he’s averaged an impressive 19.3 points, 7.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
What’s even more impressive is his efficiency. Dosunmu is shooting a scorching 64.7% from the field and 53.8% from beyond the arc. While those percentages are unlikely to be sustained over the long term, they indicate he’s in a groove and playing confidently. With his ability to contribute on both ends of the court, expect Dosunmu’s minutes to continue increasing, making him a great addition to fantasy teams needing a well-rounded contributor.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
De’Andre Hunter (SF, PF – ATL)
De’Andre Hunter is quietly putting together a strong season for the Atlanta Hawks, and his recent performances off the bench have him firmly on the fantasy radar. He’s found a groove with the second unit, providing a scoring punch and consistent production. Hunter has recorded at least 20 points in three straight contests, showcasing his offensive capabilities. He’s also contributing in other areas, averaging 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game during that stretch.
Hunter is a versatile scorer who can attack the basket, knock down mid-range jumpers and even stretch the floor with his improved three-point shooting. He’s also a capable defender with the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. While his role may fluctuate with the Hawks’ rotation, Hunter’s recent scoring outburst and well-rounded contributions make him a valuable waiver wire target, especially in deeper leagues.
Herbert Jones is back in action for the New Orleans Pelicans, and his return is a welcome sight for both the team and fantasy managers. After missing 18 straight games, Jones has seamlessly reintegrated into the lineup, showcasing his versatile skill set and making an immediate impact. With no minutes restriction, he’s averaging 34.5 minutes per game and contributing across the board.
In his two games back, Jones has averaged 18.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. While he’s known primarily for his defense, Jones can also provide offensive production, especially with the Pelicans dealing with a seemingly endless string of injuries. He’s a valuable asset in category leagues, offering a well-rounded stat line that can help you win in multiple areas.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Yves Missi, the rookie center for the New Orleans Pelicans, is quietly making a name for himself and emerging as a valuable fantasy asset. Over his last five appearances, Missi has been a force in the paint, averaging an impressive 15.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.0 steals in 29 minutes per game.
Missi is a skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim and a knack for cleaning up the glass. He’s also a capable shot-blocker and a disruptive defender, making him a valuable asset in category leagues. With his size, athleticism and developing skills, Missi is a player you want to keep an eye on.
Vasilije Micic is making the most of his opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets. With LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann sidelined due to injuries, Micic has stepped into the starting lineup and thrived. Over the last four games, he’s averaging 30.7 minutes, 11.8 points, 6.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his playmaking skills and contributing across the board.
With Ball and Mann expected to miss more time, Micic is a valuable short-term addition for those needing assists and overall production from the guard position.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
