Top Waiver Wire Pickups: 6 Must-Add Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Injuries continue to reshape the fantasy basketball landscape, forcing managers to stay aggressive on the waiver wire. With multiple NBA player injuries opening rotation minutes across the league, scouting updated fantasy basketball news and depth charts is crucial. This waiver wire breakdown highlights six widely available options who are seeing expanded roles, improving NBA player stats and rising fantasy basketball value. These pickups can help stabilize rosters and uncover potential fantasy basketball sleepers before they fully break out.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups

Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets (43% rostered)

The Nuggets have been hit hard by injuries. Still, they have one of the best records in the Western Conference. Watson is a big reason why. Over their last 12 games, he averaged 22.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.2 blocks and 2.2 three-pointers. He shot 49.5% from the field, including 41.9% from behind the arc.

Cameron Johnson (knee) has still not been cleared for contact. Nikola Jokic (knee) remains out, although Jonas Valanciunas (calf) could return as early as Thursday. Even when the Nuggets do start to get healthy, Watson has certainly made a strong case for a lot of playing time. He shouldn't still be available in this many leagues.

Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors (37% rostered)

Podziemski wasn't able to hold onto a starting role early in the season. However, he did start Tuesday against the Raptors, which was the Warriors' first game after the Butler injury. He played just 22 minutes in the lopsided loss, posting 11 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Over his last five games, he has averaged 17.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.4 three-pointers.

Podziemski can help fantasy managers in multiple categories. His problem has just been a lack of consistent playing time. Now that Butler is no longer in the picture, Podziemski could be in line for more minutes. The Warriors could eventually make a trade to bolster their roster, but for now, Podziemski could find himself with a larger role.

Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks (36% rostered)

The Mavericks are another team that has been hammered by injuries. With their lack of depth, Marshall is logging a career-high 29 minutes per game. Over their last 22 games, he has averaged 31 minutes. Over that 22-game stretch, he averaged 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals.

The Mavericks are still in the hunt for the Play-In Tournament. Anthony Davis (finger) won't be back until after the All-Star break, so if the Mavericks are going to stay afloat, they will need Marshall to continue to provide increased scoring. Even when P.J. Washington (personal) comes back, there are enough minutes and shot attempts on the table for Marshall to remain productive.

Tari Eason, Houston Rockets (33% rostered)

Eason recently missed five games with an ankle injury. He returned Tuesday, posting six points and six rebounds over 20 minutes against the Spurs. Injuries have limited Eason to just 22 games this season. That comes on the heels of him playing a total of just 79 games over the last two seasons. He has been productive when available, averaging 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.0 three-pointers in just 24 minutes per game.

While Eason logged limited minutes in his first game back from injury, the Rockets might need him to play more soon. Steven Adams was diagnosed with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain, which is likely to sideline him for multiple weeks. There's a chance that he's not on the floor again until March. With fewer double-big lineups in the cards for the Rockets, Eason has the potential for additional minutes.

Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers (29% rostered)

After not playing much during his rookie season, Tyson has become an important member of the Cavaliers' rotation. In 28 minutes per game, he has averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 three-pointers. His biggest area of improvement has been his efficiency. In his rookie campaign, he shot 43.0% from the field and 34.5% from deep. This season, he has shot 51.5% from the field and 45.5% from behind the arc.

It has been a while since we have seen the Cavaliers at full strength. Currently, they are without Darius Garland (toe) and Sam Merrill (hand). Max Strus (foot) hasn't even played in a game yet this season. With a clear path to a significant role, Tyson is worth rostering in 12-team and deeper leagues.

Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls (25% rostered)

Smith averages 19 minutes per game for the season but has averaged 25 minutes over his last 12 games. The added opportunities helped him average 11.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.7 three-pointers during that span. The Bulls have been playing Smith alongside Nikola Vucevic at times, including starting Smith in six of those 12 games.

Zach Collins (toe) is likely out through the All-Star break, which should continue to leave added minutes for Smith. There is the potential that the Bulls could also move Vucevic at the trade deadline, which could push Smith into even more minutes. Adding Smith now can provide immediate benefits to fantasy managers, while also providing even more upside if Vucevic is traded.