X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Basketball Week 5 Waiver Wire

Dicky Fung reviews Week 4 breakouts, and looks ahead to Week 5 for fantasy basketball waiver wire adds/pickups, buy lows, sell highs, and more lineups advice.

The injury bug has been spreading throughout the NBA, where key stars will be looking at extended time in the sidelines. The latest key fantasy stars to drop include Rudy Gobert and D'Angelo Russell.

Unfortunately, injuries do happen often than not and it’s only the nature of the game where we as fantasy players, have to be prepared. This could be an opportunity to engage in trade offers, or pick up players from the waiver wire who has short-term value.

Now let's look back on week 4 and get prepared for Week 5.

 

Week 5 Schedule

4 Games – Wizards, Jazz, Raptors, Kings, Trail Blazers, Suns, Timberwolves, Lakers, Warriors

3 Games – Nets, Celtics, Hawks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Pistons, Rockets, Pacers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Heat, Bucks, Pelicans, Knicks, Magic, Sixers, Spurs

2 Games – Thunder

 

Week 4 Breakout Performers

James Harden, SG/SF, Houston Rockets

Harden had a monster week, averaging 36.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 10.5 assists to go along with 2.5 steals and a blocked shot heading into Sunday night. Harden would also hit six 3-pointers during this span, and he averaged a massive 14 free throw attempts this week. Aside from just scoring and filling up the box scores, Harden is locking up the free throw category for owners, as he's hitting 81 percent on the season. There's very little reason to believe he can't keep this up, as the Rockets lead the NBA with 44.7 attempts from deep this season. They love to play fast and this is only better news for Harden owners.

Nikola Jokic, PF/C, Denver Nuggets 

Some weren't confident in taking the 6-foot-10 Serbian in the first-round in most drafts. However, he's responded to the naysayers quickly as he's established himself back into first-round value after a slow start. Through three games this week, Jokic has averaged 22.7 points, 13.3 boards, 5.3 dimes on 53 percent shooting from the field. The "Joker" also hit 2 3-pointers to go along with 2.3 steals and a block to round out the week. He's versatile and he's for real. Don't sleep on one of the most underrated talents we have in the NBA today.

Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C, New York Knicks 

Kristaps Pozingis has been killing it all year, and he was certainly due to be mentioned in this section. The "Unicorn" did unicorn things and averaged 31 points with four 3-pointers and 2.5 blocked shots per game this week. He certainly doesn't mind being "the man" in New York, and he most certainly does not miss Carmelo Anthony. The most impressive thing about the performances this week was that Porzingis did his damage in only 27.7 minutes per game. Porzingis is up to first-round value on the year and looks to stay there all year. Porzingis is set for a huge year and only health can hurt the "Unicorn" this season.

Kevin Love, PF/C, Cleveland Cavaliers 

It's been bit of a revival week for Kevin Love, as he put up numbers similar to his Minnesota Timberwolves days. Through three games this week, Love put up 26 points, 12.3 rebounds on 55 percent shooting from the field. The Cleveland Cavaliers definitely needed this production from Love as they recover from their slow start to the season. This is great to see for Love owners as playing next to LeBron James can certainly cause you to take a hit in production. Love is currently ranked #20 on the year.

Dennis Smith JR, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks 

The rookie has struggled mightily with efficiently early on in the season, but has turned it around big time this week. Smith JR. has flashed his first-round upside this week, as he averaged 21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.5 dimes with 1.5 steals and a blocked shot heading into Sunday. He's been the 10th best player this week, due to a solid 44 percent shooting and only 1.5 turnovers. He's  going up against Russell Westbrook on Sunday night, so this will be a tough test to overcome. This was obviously a small sample size, but it goes a long way as Smith Jr. was absolutely brutal to start the season, struggling with turnovers and shooting from both the field and the charity stripe.

Pau Gasol, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs 

The 37-year old Spaniard has been a great fantasy asset throughout his Hall of Famer career, as he continues to put up impressive numbers. Gasol flashed his brilliance as he put up 16.0 points, 7.7 boards and 5.0 dimes through three games this week. He was efficient as always, hitting 69 percent of his shots from the field and averaged 2.3 3-pointers per game as well. He may be old, but he's still fantasy-friendly as they come. Don't expect this to be a trend, but Gasol is still a valuable player to have on the end of your bench.

Paul George, SG/SF/PF, Oklahoma City Thunder 

Perhaps the only Thunder who hasn't missed a beat in this "OK3" experiment. Paul George has been flirting with first-round value all year and he exploded with a season-high 42 points Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers to break the Thunder's four-game losing streak. "PG-13" is averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists with a league-leading 2.6 steals on the year. The Thunder struggling as a team is actually a great sign for all George owners, as he may very well have to shoulder heavy minutes all year as the Thunder want to improve their playoff seeding.

 

Week 5 Standard Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

Thabo Sefolosha, SG/SF, Utah Jazz (4% Ownership)

With Rudy Gobert out 4-6 weeks due to a bone bruise in his right knee, it will take a team effort from the Jazz to fill the void in the middle. Sefolosha was signed by this Jazz to off season to provide the perimeter defense Jazz was seeking. This will be the opportunity as he will likely be inserted into the starting lineup with Derrick Favors moving to the center position. Sefolosha won't get you many points, but he will provide the steals, rebounding, and solid percentages. The versatile forward finished the 2016-2017 campaign with the Hawks averaging 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and a team and career-best 1.5 steals in 25.7 minutes of action.

Kyle Anderson, SG/SF, San Antonio Spurs (11% Ownership)

As usual, it's tough to trust any Spurs outside of Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Pau Gasol. However, with Leonard slowly recovering from his quad injury and now Danny Green out with a hamstring injury, the Spurs are suddenly short on reliable wings. Kyle Anderson has been a sneaky source of fantasy value, as he's now averaging 8.3 points, 6.5 boards, and 2.5 assists per game on the year. He's not hurting you anywhere, as he's sitting on 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks on 50 percent shooting as well. As long as Kawhi Leonard is out, Anderson deserves a long look in most competitive leagues.

Bobby Portis, PF/C, Chicago Bulls (58% Ownership)

Bobby Portis came back from his suspension with a vengeance. Since his return to the team, Portis has put up 21, 20, and 17 points, two of these performances being double-doubles. Portis has flashed his upside before, and deserves a look in all formats until he cools off. It also helps that rookie Lauri Markkanen went down with an ankle injury and did not return Saturday either. Even if these games were garbage time specials, the Bulls are a pretty awful basketball team. There will be plenty of garbage time to be played this season.

Marquese Chriss, PF/C, Phoenix Suns (55% Ownership)

There's a good chance that Marquese Chriss was dropped in most leagues, and I advised those who read my column last week that it was a perfect opportunity to jump on a guy who could be a big difference maker come fantasy playoffs. Chriss still struggles a lot with fouls, and that really limits his minutes on the floor. However, he should be viewed as a vital piece to the Suns rebuilding process. He flashed his upside Saturday night, as he put up 13 points, seven boards, to go along with three 3-pointers and five blocks. Pick him up and hope he starts to figure it out.

Frank Ntilikina, PG/SG, New York Knicks (21% Ownership)

The eighth overall pick from the 2017 NBA draft has been a pleasant surprise, very much to the Knicks 7-5 record after starting the season 0-3. Ntilikina has been very good defensively, and very good at swiping at balls in passing lanes. He's very much still a project, but he's demonstrated the ability that he belongs in the NBA with his play making abilities. Ntilikina is playing just under 20 minutes per game, and he's already averaging 5.0 and 1.6 steals on the year. When the Knicks decide to start him, he could be a very sneaky mid-round player going forward. Don't wait until that happens, pick him up and treat him like a low-risk, high-reward stash.

J.R. Smith, SG/SF, Cleveland Cavaliers (19% Ownership)

Through the month of November, Smith has played over 30 minutes in every game. The streaky guard is starting to get hot, in which he averaged 16.7 points with 4.0 3-pointers per game last week.  This hot shooting might not be sustainable, but as the Cavaliers continue to search for answers, we wouldn't be surprised if Smith can continue to drain 3-pointers in a high clip. He's someone who can flirt with mid-round value as long as the shot is falling. Ride him until the wheels fall off.

 

Week 5 Deep Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

Justise Winslow, SF/PF, Miami Heat (32% Ownership)

Winslow has been bumped into the starting lineup last week, and he's had a decent game to show for it, including a 14/6/5 game on Wednesday night. The Miami Heat may change starting lineups daily, especially due to the fact they are loaded with depth in the forward position. As long as Winslow is starting and playing over 20 minutes per game, he should be able to provide low-end value for deeper leagues.

Marcus Morris, SF/PF, Boston Celtics (49% Ownership)

Much like Winslow, Morris is another forward who could find himself into the starting lineup depending on the match ups. Morris has played well since returning from knee soreness, averaging 13.3 points and 4.8 boards. He's certainly a player who can get hot on any given night, so you can definitely give him a look.

Isaiah Whitehead, PG/SG, Brooklyn Nets (1% Ownership)

D'Angelo Russell is expected to miss a few games due to a knee injury and Spencer Dinwiddie is battling a hamstring issue. That leaves Whitehead as the only true point guard left on the Nets roster and he could be looking at heavy minutes this week. The second-round pick from 2016 doesn't have a load of upside, so keep your expectations in check and hope he can give you a few quality games short-term.

Ekpe Udoh, PF/C, Utah Jazz (1% Ownership)

We are talking about the DEEPEST of leagues, otherwise Udoh shouldn't really be on your radar. Gobert is out 4-6 weeks, and the Jazz is thin at the center position. Udoh isn't someone you can count on obviously, but he deserves a look if you're desperate and looking to gamble on the fact he may get minutes.

Cory Joseph, PG, Indiana Pacers (13% Ownership)

Joseph has been a quality back-up point guard throughout his career, and is proving again he's resourceful on his new team this season. The Canadian basketball player is averaging a quiet 8.7 points and 3.1 assists, while chipping in a steal per game. He's not going to give you popcorn numbers, but he's certainly someone you can rely on in deeper leagues. If anything ever happens to Darren Collison, he'd become pretty close to must-own status.

 

Notable Injury Updates

  • Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Nicholas Batum  is close to a return, and he shouldn't be sitting on any waiver wires. If he is, change that immediately.
  • New Orleans point guard Rajon Rondo of the New Orleans Pelicans is expected back in a week or so. His return will make E'Twaun Moore irrelevant.
  • Los Angeles Clippers small forward Danilo Gallinari is dealing with a glute injury, and he may miss a couple more games. Point guard Patrick Beverly will also miss a couple games due to knee soreness. Lou Williams and Austin Rivers will soak up the extra minutes.
  • Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving missed Sunday's game against the Raptors due to a facial fracture and should be back Tuesday against the Nets. He will likely be playing with a mask on to prevent further damage.
  • Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is on track to return in December. He will be the main focal point of the offense when he returns to the Bulls, dampening the value of Justin Holiday and Jerian Grant.
  • Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green is on track to return to the lineup Wednesday. The departure of Zach Randolph has given Green a free path at the starting power forward position, a role he should sustain all season. Look for Green to have low-end value in standard leagues and should be picked up if you're in need of a big man.
  • Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul is getting close to a return, as he's progressing to on-court activities. This may be your last time to buy low on a player like Chris Paul, despite how he hasn't played well early in the season.
  • San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard is healing slower than expected, and he may be out until December. Point guard Tony Parker is expected to be back towards the end of November. LaMarcus Aldridge continues to fill it up and should be viewed as a sell high player. There's no telling if Aldridge can sustain this level of play when they are fully healthy.

 

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis

 

NBA DFS Premium Subscription

Get a free trial of our powerful NBA Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Cheat Sheets, and NBA Lineup Optimizer & Generator with daily matchup projections.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy basketball.

Sign Up Now!


By popular demand, RotoBaller has aggregated all of our fantasy basketball NBA waiver wire pickups into a running list of NBA waiver options, so bookmark the page and check back often for updates.



POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF