For the dedicated manager, securing a competitive edge often comes down to acting fast on the latest fantasy basketball news and monitoring NBA injury reports.
If you've been strategizing since your fantasy basketball draft using a top-tier fantasy basketball draft kit, you know the importance of keeping up with NBA player injuries and resulting changes to NBA starting lineups and NBA depth charts. This is especially true now, as we dive into three players surging on the fantasy basketball waiver wire today. Our analysis goes beyond simple fantasy basketball rankings, helping you uncover potential NBA sleepers whose recent NBA player stats suggest a significant short-term boost.
Let's look at why Saddiq Bey, Andre Drummond, and Derik Queen have become must-adds for the savvy fantasy NBA player.
Most-Added Fantasy Basketball Players on Friday
Saddiq Bey, Pelicans 
The Opportunity: With Zion Williamson sidelined, Saddiq Bey has inserted himself into the Pelicans' starting lineup for four consecutive games, and the results have been eye-catching. He's averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting an impressive 49% from the field, 44% from three-point range, and 78% from the free-throw line.
The Reality Check: Before you get too excited about those shooting percentages, pump the brakes. Bey's track record over the past three seasons tells a different story—41% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. Regression is coming, and it's likely to arrive sooner rather than later.
The Verdict: Bey profiles as a solid streaming option rather than a season-long hold. With his current usage rate, he should produce top-100 value in standard leagues while Zion remains out. The timeline for Williamson's return is the key variable here. Zion was cleared for on-court work with contact yesterday, suggesting he's progressing through his recovery. A return within one to two weeks seems plausible, which would crater Bey's fantasy value.
Recommendation: Bey isn't a must-add across all formats, but he makes plenty of sense for teams looking for short-term production, particularly in points or assists. Just be ready to cut him loose once Zion returns to action.
Andre Drummond, 76ers 
The Opportunity: Andre Drummond has stepped into the starting center role for the Philadelphia 76ers over the past two games with Joel Embiid nursing right knee soreness. His production has been vintage Drummond—16 points and 13 rebounds per game while logging 34 minutes of court time.
The Injury Situation: While an MRI revealed no structural damage to Embiid's knee and he's been labeled day-to-day, the lack of encouraging updates since the initial diagnosis is concerning. Given Embiid's injury history and the team's cautious approach to his health, another extended absence wouldn't be surprising. We could be looking at another week, two weeks, or even longer.
The Upside: When Drummond plays 24-34 minutes per game, his fantasy upside is immense. He's one of the league's elite rebounders and provides efficient scoring around the rim. The only real threat to his value is if head coach Nick Nurse decides to give more minutes to rookie Adem Bona, but that hasn't materialized yet.
Recommendation: Drummond should be added in most standard leagues immediately. Even if Embiid returns quickly, Drummond has proven he can provide value in a backup role. And if Embiid's absence extends, you'll have snagged one of the most productive big men available on waivers. This is a high-floor, high-ceiling pickup.
Derik Queen, Pelicans
The Opportunity: Derik Queen has been nothing short of impressive over his past five games, averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists with 2.2 combined steals and blocks in 26 minutes per game. Those numbers translate to top-75 production in standard leagues—exceptional value for a waiver wire pickup.
What's Working: Queen has showcased a mature offensive game for a rookie, functioning as an offensive engine who can both create for himself and facilitate for teammates. His basketball IQ and skill set have exceeded expectations, making him one of the most intriguing young players in fantasy formats.
The Concern: The elephant in the room is once again Zion Williamson. When the Pelicans' star returns, Queen's role becomes murky. The hope is that head coach Willie Green will recognize Queen's production and award him the bulk of the center minutes, relegating Kevon Looney and Yves Missi to backup roles. However, there's legitimate concern that Queen will suffer a significant usage drop once Zion is back on the court.
The Positional Puzzle: If the Pelicans can find a rotation that keeps Queen at center with manageable minutes even when Zion returns, he could maintain fantasy relevance. But that's banking on a coaching decision that hasn't been made yet.
Recommendation: This is an "add now, worry later" situation for most fantasy managers. Queen's current production is too good to ignore, and you'll have time to monitor the situation as Zion works his way back. Even if Queen's value ultimately takes a hit, you'll have gotten solid production in the meantime.
