Unlock your team’s full potential with strategic waiver wire additions for Week 16. The fantasy basketball landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve requires a keen eye for emerging talent.
Whether you’re addressing injury concerns or simply seeking an upgrade, this week’s waiver wire offers a wealth of opportunities to bolster your roster. Let’s explore the top pickups and help you maximize your team’s performance.
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 schedule for next week.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 16)
Five games:
HOU
Four games:
ATL, CHA, DEN, DET, GSW, IND, MIL, MIN, ORL, PHI, PHX, POR, SAC, SAS, TOR, UTA, WAS
Three games:
BKN, BOS, CHI, CLE, DAL, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, NOP, NYK, OKC
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Christian Braun (SG, SF – DEN)
Christian Braun is a key contributor for the Denver Nuggets, and his recent performances have him firmly on the fantasy radar. He’s stepped up in a major way, showcasing his scoring ability and all-around contributions. In two of his last four games, Braun has erupted for at least 24 points, demonstrating his offensive potential.
Braun is a versatile player who can impact the game on both ends of the court. He’s a capable scorer, a willing rebounder (averaging eight boards per game in this recent stretch) and a disruptive defender, chipping in with 1.3 steals per game.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Scoot Henderson is starting to live up to his lottery pick status, showcasing his impressive potential and emerging as a key contributor for the Portland Trail Blazers. This 20-year-old guard has been a consistent offensive force, ranking third on the team in scoring over their last four games with an average of 17.8 points per game. He’s not just a scorer, though, as he’s also contributing 5.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game during that span, demonstrating his all-around abilities.
The third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Henderson is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional athleticism and court vision. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the court, and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable asset in any fantasy format. As Henderson continues to develop and gain experience, his fantasy value will only continue to rise.
De’Andre Hunter (SF, PF – ATL)
De’Andre Hunter is stepping up for the Atlanta Hawks amidst a flurry of injuries and trade rumors, making him a valuable waiver wire target for fantasy managers in need of scoring. With Jalen Johnson out for the season and Bogdan Bogdanovic‘s future uncertain, Hunter has seen his role increase. He’s currently third on the team in minutes, averaging 30.1 minutes per game over their last four contests.
During this stretch, Hunter has showcased his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 20 points per game to go along with five rebounds. He’s a versatile scorer who can attack the basket, knock down mid-range jumpers and even stretch the floor with his improved three-point shooting. As the Hawks navigate this period of uncertainty, Hunter’s role and production are likely to remain elevated, making him an attractive option for those seeking a consistent source of scoring.
Ayo Dosunmu is quietly becoming a key contributor for the Chicago Bulls. Over the Bulls’ last three games, Dosunmu has led the team in minutes, averaging 33.7 per game. He’s making the most of his increased playing time, showcasing his all-around skills and contributing across the board.
During this stretch, Dosunmu has averaged 11.7 points, 4.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He’s demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, making him a solid option for category leagues.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Stephon Castle (PG, SG. – SAS)
The San Antonio Spurs are swirling in trade rumors as the deadline approaches, making it a fascinating time to monitor their roster and potential fantasy implications. Amidst this uncertainty, Stephon Castle is a player worth keeping a close eye on and potentially adding to your roster. With a favorable four-game schedule this week, Castle has the opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute valuable production.
In his last four games, Castle has been impressive, averaging 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He’s a dynamic young guard with a knack for scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates. Castle’s ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him an attractive option, especially with the potential for an increased role depending on how the Spurs navigate the trade deadline.
Zaccharie Risacher (SF, PF – ATL)
Zaccharie Risacher is becoming a name to watch in fantasy basketball circles. This rookie has been making the most of his opportunities with the Atlanta Hawks recently, showcasing the skills that made him the top pick in this year’s draft. Over the Hawks’ last three games, Risacher has been a scoring machine, leading the team with an impressive 23.5 points per game in just 27.2 minutes of action per game. He’s displaying a polished offensive game, with the ability to score from all three levels and create his own shot.
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, Risacher’s role could expand even further. Depending on how the Hawks reshape their roster, he could see a significant bump in playing time moving forward. This potential for increased opportunity, combined with his already impressive production, makes Risacher a high-upside waiver wire target.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
If you’re looking for a player to give your fantasy team an immediate boost, look no further than Dillon Brooks. With a league-high five games on the Rockets’ schedule this week, Brooks offers a significant advantage in maximizing games played, which can be crucial for winning your weekly matchup. He’s been a consistent contributor for the Houston Rockets, providing a steady stream of scoring and rebounding.
Over his last four games, Brooks is averaging 19.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in 32.4 minutes per game. He’s proven this season that he’s someone who can fill up the stat sheet in a hurry, and his ability to contribute on the boards adds to his fantasy value. With his combination of scoring prowess and a favorable schedule, Brooks is a player who can make a difference for your team this week.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
