Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Gems: Top Pickups to Boost Your Roster

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Insights

Working the waiver wire is crucial for fantasy basketball success. With constant injuries, rotations shifts, and the grueling NBA schedule, savvy managers must leverage free agency to optimize lineups. Targeting emerging talents and overlooked veterans can yield significant dividends.

Point Guards to Target

Spencer Dinwiddie (Dallas Mavericks - 38.9% rostered)
A veteran presence with high usage, Dinwiddie remains Dallas' primary playmaker. Despite scoring volatility, his sustained minutes (>35 MPG) and playmaking role make him a solid finish-line stash.

Isaiah Collier (Utah Jazz - 13.8% rostered)
The stealth breakout of 2024-25, Collier has cemented Utah's starting PG role with 18.2 PPG and 7.4 APG post-All-Star break. His improved three-point shooting (38% since February) adds category upside.

Backcourt Values

Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors - 42.7% rostered)
The Warriors' Swiss Army knife delivers 12.4 PPG/6.2 RPG/4.8 APG since Butler's arrival. Elite rebounding for a guard + secondary playmaking = rare fantasy profile.

Ryan Rollins (Milwaukee Bucks - 4.7% rostered)
With Holiday resting, Rollins' recent 18-8-7 line showcases his expanded role. Milwaukee's soft schedule boosts his streaming appeal.

Frontcourt Finds

Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets - 51.2% rostered)
The stretch-big is averaging 14.2 RPG in April with C eligibility. Elite stocks (2.1 BLK+STL) make him a late-season unicorn.

Adem Bona (Philadelphia 76ers - 23.0% rostered)
League-leading 3.4 BLK/36 minutes offsets foul trouble. Must-add for blocks desperation.

Specialist Spotlight

• 3PM: Podziemski (2.8/game) + Carrington (3.1/game) lead waiver options
• STOCKS: Bona (3.7 BLK+STL per 36) and Shead (2.3 SPG) are difference-makers
• AST/REB: Collier (7.4 APG) and Zach Edey (12.1 RPG) provide categorical edges

Pro Tip: Target players from non-playoff teams getting extended run (Jazz, Wizards, Nets) as contenders rest stars.