Welcome to week 9 of the NBA waiver wire season. The holiday season is upon us! Injuries continue to take down players so it’s important as ever to keep active on the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Don’t get fooled by brief star performances from the likes of Andrew Nembhard. He’s back to the bench after the Pacers returned to full health. Here are a few players though, who are primed for success and ready to contribute to your fantasy basketball teams!
Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF – Atlanta Hawks (63% rostered)
Bogdan Bogdanovic is officially back after missing the majority of the season healing from knee surgery. Bogdanovic made it rain this weekend dropping 31 points with seven three-pointers on Friday followed by a 28-point, seven-rebound, five-assist, six three-point made performance Sunday. Those numbers don’t grow on trees baby! Bogdanovic is now averaging 25.3 points, 4 rebounds, and six 3PTM in three of his past four games. With his minute’s restriction lifted, he is an absolute must-add player. Double Bogs is here to stay and he’s turning up the heat in Hot-Lanta folks!
Jalen Duren, PF/C – Detroit Pistons (35% rostered)
Pistons HC Dwane Casey decided to switch things up and start the rookie Jalen Duren at Center and the big man delivered! Duren posted back-to-back double-doubles averaging 11 points and 12.5 rebounds while shooting 83% from the field. Sign me up for those 10+ rebounds all day! He as now posted 12+ rebounds in three straight games. The Detroit Pistons are going nowhere this season, so you know the rookies are going to get some minutes. Duren’s upside is too good to ignore. Pick him up!
Moritz Wagner, PF/C – Orlando Magic (46% rostered)
Another lineup change and another big man who needs to be added. Moritz Wagner has moved into the starting lineup in favor of Mo Bamba and it’s paying off baby! Mo money Mo buckets for Wagner! Wagner is averaging 16.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal over his last three games including two double-doubles. As long as Wendell Carter is out of the lineup, Wagner will continue to roll.
Jalen McDaniels, SF/PF – Charlotte Hornets (38% rostered)
Jalen McDaniels might not blow you away, but he’s been a top-100 player for multiple weeks now and continues to provide serviceable production. Gordon Hayward cannot be counted on anymore so there’ll be a path to minutes for McDaniels all season long. McDaniels has been very solid of late with games of 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Two games before that he posted 21 points and five rebounds. When he gets over 30 minutes of action he’s going to produce! He now has at least 15 points and 5 rebounds in three of his past five games. You can do a lot worse on the waiver wire than Jalen McDaniels.
Jose Alvarado, PG – New Orleans Pelicans (37% rostered)
Jose Alvarado, you have my attention! The sophomore is making noise in the Pelicans’ offense, but his steals are the icing on the cake here. Alvarado is averaging 2.5 steals over his last two games and has picked up at least two or three steals in seven of his last nine games. Alvarado is providing the Pels with a massive scoring touch averaging 24.3 points in three of his past four games including 4.7 3PTM over the span. He’s giving you points, threes, steals, and a few assists. Worth an add!