We’re back with week 5 of the fantasy basketball waiver wire! As always, a number of players continue going down with injuries, leaving minutes and opportunities on the table for guys to step up and take advantage, even if just for a few games. But whether these waiver wire additions will help you win the upcoming week or the championship, they are certainly worth a look as someone who can help your fantasy squad. So let’s dive in and take a look at some of these potential difference-makers!
Week 5 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
Killian Hayes, PG/SG, Detroit Pistons (38% rostered)
With Cade Cunningham battling a leg injury, Killian Hayes has filled in as the starting point guard in Detroit, playing at least 34 minutes in each of his last two games. Between those games, Hayes has averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists to go with 1.5 steals and 2 triples per contest. With Cunningham out for at least another week, Hayes should continue to play major minutes and will be a very valuable fantasy contributor during that span. And with four games coming up this week, he should be a top waiver wire pickup.
Deni Avdija, SG/SF, Washington Wizards (39% rostered)
After failing to see 30 minutes in any of his first 11 games this season, Deni Avdija has now entered the starting lineup and seen at least 32 minutes in each of his last three games. Providing solid across-the-board numbers, Avdija has averaged 15.3 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2 threes in that span, making him a solid fantasy asset off the waiver wire. With the Wizards looking to continue the development of their 2020 9th overall pick, he should continue to see this type of increased opportunity as long as he keeps producing.
Corey Kispert, SG/SF, Washington Wizards (24% rostered)
Another wing on the Wizards who makes for a nice waiver wire pickup this week is Corey Kispert. The former 15th overall pick has worked his way back from an injury and is finally starting to see both his minutes and production on the rise. Averaging a tad over 30 minutes per game across his last two, Kispert has put up 15 points per contest to go with 1.5 steals and 3 triples a night. Shooting 50% or better from the floor in each of his past five games, the sophomore should continue to improve over the course of the season, and he could be a waiver wire addition who lasts on your team throughout the year.
Malik Beasley, SG/SF, Utah Jazz (61% rostered)
Malik Beasley doesn’t do a whole lot outside of scoring and knocking down some three-pointers, but he is doing that at an elite level of late, and needs to be rostered as a result. Beasley has buried at least 4 threes in each of his past four games for Utah, scoring 16.5 points per game over that time. He is even contributing a very respectable 4.5 boards and 1.3 steals during that span, making him a must-have player off the waiver wire if he is still available in your league.
Jeremy Sochan, PF, San Antonio Spurs (52% rostered)
After seeing 28 or more minutes just once through his first nine career games, Jeremy Sochan has now topped that number in each of his last three contests. Sochan has posted back-to-back double-digit scoring performances on an extremely efficient 71% from the floor, adding some strong defensive stats as well. The rookie might be a bit inconsistent at times, but it is clear that the Spurs plan to develop their youth over the course of this season, so their lottery pick is going to continue to see major minutes. He makes for an excellent waiver wire option if you are looking to strike gold with someone who could become a stat-stuffer down the stretch as the year progresses.