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Fantasy Basketball 9-Cat Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 5

Week 5 fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups, adds, and sleepers for the 2020-2021 NBA season. Justin Carter recommends guards, forwards and centers to target through waivers or free agency in fantasy leagues.

Can you believe we're into the fifth week of NBA action? This season is going so fast, somehow.

Anyway, let's help you figure out some waiver wire additions who can boost your squad in a 9-cat league!

Our staff at RotoBaller has great insight and daily columns on how to improve your squad and tips to make your team successful, so be sure to check them out! Now, let's get prepared for Week 5. All players in this article are rostered at around 50 percent or less.

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Standard 9-Category Leagues - Waiver Wire Adds

Columns are written based on H2H 9-category standard size leagues:

Tyrese Maxey, SG - Philadelphia 76ers

53% rostered - The Sixers continue to welcome guys back to the rotation after the team's COVID issues, but Maxey continues to remain in the team's rotation. He's probably getting to a point where he's maxing out how much he'll be rostered, but if he's still on the wire in your 12-team league, grab him. He's a good scorer with good defensive instincts who won't turn the ball over too much, and we also now know that if he's pressed into a big role by injury, he can respond.

Lonnie Walker IV, SG/SF - San Antonio Spurs

40% rostered - While he was held to eight points against Houston on Saturday, Walker has topped the 20-point mark twice in the past week. In the past four games, he's made 10 three-pointers, plus has three blocks. His rebounding and assist numbers won't jump off the page and he won't be particularly helpful when it comes to field goal percentage, but as long as he's playing an elevated role on this team, he can contribute enough to make it onto your fantasy roster. Just be ready to move on from him if Derrick White (toe) returns soon and knocks Walker down a bit in the rotation considering White's one game this year was one of just two times Walker played under 24 minutes.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG/SF - New Orleans Pelicans

20% rostered - It's NAW SZN! The second-year guard only played 12.6 minutes per night as a rookie, but he's starting to get opportunities now with Lonzo Ball sidelined with a knee injury. NAW has started in the past two Pelicans games, averaging 24.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 threes per game. If you need to use the wire to find points and threes, Alexander-Walker is a nice short-term add, though it's unclear just how long he'll maintain value. The fact he started ahead of Eric Bledsoe last game is definitely interesting, though!

Immanuel Quickley, PG - New York Knicks

20% rostered - So, the Knicks have a problem. They have a lot of point guards on their roster who were drafted fairly high, but none of them are actually good. It appears the best point guard is actually rookie Immanuel Quickley, who just posted two really strong stat lines in a row:

It's become increasingly clear that Quickley is this team's best point guard. Dennis Smith Jr. isn't even. in the rotation. Frank Ntilikina is hurt, but hasn't been very good when he has played. Elfrid Payton is the starter and is fine, but shouldn't be starting for a team that's been less-bad than expected.

So, here comes Quickley, who should start at this point. He's knocking down his shots efficiently from three and inside the arc. He's dishing out some assists. He isn't committing a lot of turnovers. He's got active hands to swipe away some steals. Start him, Knicks! And start him on your fantasy teams too, fantasy managers!

Willie Cauley-Stein, PF/C - Dallas Mavericks

17% rostered - The Mavs are thin up front right now. That won't last forever, but as long as it does last, WCS is going to play 30 minutes per game and pull down double-digit rebounds and block some shots. His inconsistency in terms of scoring isn't great, but what scoring he does do happens at a hugely efficient rate, so there's another plus! Cauley-Stein is likely a short term add because he needs heavy minutes to pull down the boards needed for fantasy relevance, but if you need a quick boost at your big man spots, he's someone who is clearly worth investigating.

James Johnson, PF/C - Dallas Mavericks

5% rostered - Johnson has scored in double figures twice in the past three games. He also has six blocks and six steals over that span. Look, injuries are why he's even playing right now and at some point the return of Dwight Powell and Dorian Finney-Smith will end Johnson's time in the sun, but if you need blocks and steals right now in a deep league, why not stream Johnson for a little bit?

Jeff Green, SF/PF/C - Brooklyn Nets

4% rostered - The Nets traded a lot of pieces -- Caris Levert, Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince, Rodions Kurucs -- for James Harden, which means someone on this roster has to step into a bigger role. Enter Jeff Green, who is eligible at three positions and has played 30-plus minutes in back-to-back games. The veteran has experience playing with James Harden and his ability to play the four but to also give you small-ball minutes at the five opens up a lot of possibilities. If you need someone who can reliably give you 10 points along with a couple of threes and a steal, there's a good chance Green might be someone you're looking for in a 14-team league.

T.J. McConnell, PG/SG - Indiana Pacers

3% rostered - The Pacers essentially traded Victor Oladipo for Caris LeVert, but an MRI on LeVert revealed a small mass on his kidney. LeVert is now out indefinitely. A shortened guard rotation s going to open up more chances for T.J. McConnell, who returned on the 14th from a three-game absence and responded with eight assists and three steals. McConnell isn't someone to run out and grab in most leagues, but in a 14-team league where you're desperate for assists and steals, I think McConnell will be a reliable source of both things at least until LeVert is back, even if his lack of scoring upside will be highly frustrating.



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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
Brock Purdy

Officially Ruled Out Against Saints
Jauan Jennings

Given Questionable Tag for Week 2
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Dallas Goedert

Officially Ruled Out for Week 2
Xavier Worthy

Listed as Doubtful to Play in Week 2
Jayden Reed

Hopes to Return in November Following Surgery
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Ketel Marte

Expected to Return on Friday
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Quinshon Judkins

Questionable to Make NFL Debut in Week 2
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Sees Little Usage in Week 2, Outlook Still Trending Upwards?
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Leads Commanders in Catches, Scores Touchdown Again
Tucker Kraft

Posts Huge Performance on Thursday
Joe Mixon

Lack of Joe Mixon Injury Updates Sparking Concern for Fantasy Managers?
Jayden Reed

Fractures Collarbone, Headed for Injured Reserve
Austin Ekeler

Commanders Fear Austin Ekeler Tore his Achilles
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Strikes Out 10 in Win
Aaron Judge

Matches Yankees Legend with Two-Homer Game
Austin Ekeler

Injured, Carried Off Field with Non-Contact Injury
Jayden Reed

Ruled Out with Shoulder Injury
Quinshon Judkins

Browns Insider Expects NFL to "Come Down Heavy" on a Quinshon Judkins Suspension
Jayden Reed

Questionable to Return on TNF With Shoulder Injury
Anthony Volpe

Playing Through Partially Torn Labrum in his Shoulder
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
Tyreek Hill

Chiefs, Steelers Eyeing a Trade for Tyreek Hill?
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Chris Godwin

to Be Limited in His Return Thursday
Brock Purdy

Out 2-5 Weeks With Turf Toe
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Kyle Monangai

to See More Carries Going Forward?
Quinshon Judkins

Plans to Practice Thursday
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Ketel Marte

has Foot Contusion, Expected to Play Friday
Shohei Ohtani

Won't Pitch This Weekend
MacKenzie Gore

to Start on Thursday
Ketel Marte

Exits Early on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
Malcolm Brogdon

on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils

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K
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2B
3B
SS
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SP
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