Managers must use the latest fantasy basketball news to find value. Our analysis highlights three players shifting the NBA player rankings.
The surprising transformation of Noah Clowney has solidified his spot in the NBA starting lineup and, coupled with a dense NBA schedule and Michael Porter Jr. sidelined, his potential NBA player stats make him a must-add. We also confirm Jaylen Wells' improved efficiency, warranting a streaming look. Finally, we caution against over-investing in Jarace Walker due to his frustrating inconsistency, despite flashes of multi-category upside.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies 
Wells appears for the second straight day on this list. The quick version: he's potentially breaking out of his sophomore slump with consecutive 20+ point performances. Over his past 11 games, Wells has averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on excellent 50/45/71 shooting splits.
The efficiency improvement is legitimate and primarily driven by better catch-and-shoot three-point shooting. When Wells hits open looks consistently, his entire offensive game opens up. However, significant doubts remain about whether he'll become a must-roster player this season. His role and skill set have clear limitations.
Recommendation: For 16-team leagues, Wells belongs on the watchlist. In standard formats, he's a streaming option when Memphis has favorable scheduling. Monitor whether the hot shooting continues, but don't expect sustained top-100 production.
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Noah Clowney, Nets 
Clowney continues trending upward as a starter and should see an especially significant usage boost today with Michael Porter Jr. sidelined. Over his past three games, Clowney has averaged 24 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.7 blocks, and 1.0 steal in 38 minutes per game. Those are impressive counting stats that demand attention.
The development trajectory is confusing. Clowney entered the league as a power forward/center type but has essentially transformed into a wing player. His position flexibility and evolving skill set make him difficult to categorize, but the production speaks for itself. As a starter, he's providing roughly top-100 numbers.
Clowney is primarily useful for managers in points leagues and category league managers who need three-pointers. His blocks provide additional category help, but he's not stuffing the stat sheet across all areas. The fit matters. He won't solve every roster construction problem.
Considering his starting role and Brooklyn's rebuilding direction, Clowney should be viewed as a must-roster player in 12-team leagues. However, he may not be right for your specific team's category needs.
At minimum, stream Clowney immediately. The Nets play today, tomorrow, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday—six games in nine days. That compressed schedule provides maximum opportunity to extract value even if you're uncertain about long-term commitment.
Recommendation: Add Clowney in 12-team leagues if you need threes and blocks. His starting role is secure, his minutes are substantial, and Brooklyn has every incentive to play their young players heavy minutes. The upcoming schedule makes him an elite streaming option regardless of league depth.
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Jarace Walker, Pacers 
Walker had an encouraging shooting performance off the bench Monday against Detroit with 21 points, then was inserted into the starting lineup two days later against the Raptors. He responded with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 27 minutes.
Across his nine games prior to this recent stretch, Walker averaged just 8 points and 4 rebounds on a brutal 27% field goal percentage. The inconsistency makes him nearly impossible to trust in fantasy lineups.
Walker is primarily providing value as a floor-spacer who can pass occasionally, but the passing component is decreasing with Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell returning from injury. Bennedict Mathurin is also eating shot attempts, further limiting Walker's offensive opportunities. The touches simply aren't there for Walker to develop consistent rhythm.
The Pacers play a back-to-back tonight and Saturday, making Walker an acceptable short-term streaming option for those two games. If he's starting and seeing 25+ minutes, there's enough opportunity for him to contribute across multiple categories. However, any faith beyond that two-game window is misplaced.
Recommendation: Walker is acceptable as a streamer for Indiana's back-to-back if you desperately need production across multiple categories and have an expendable roster spot. Don't hold him hoping for consistency. In deeper leagues where you're forced to roster inconsistent players, he's a frustrating but occasionally useful piece—just keep expectations measured.
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