If you’re in a fantasy league and struggling to find suitable players on the waiver wire, consider the following list of six players who are trending up in the fantasy rankings and have favorable positions on their teams’ depth charts. These players could provide a boost to your roster, whether you need a permanent addition or just a temporary injury replacement. But remember, nothing is certain in the world of fantasy sports, and even the most promising players can be replaced at any moment. So stay on top of the latest news and make sure to adjust your strategy accordingly.
Week 9 Fantasy Basketball Deep Waiver Wire Adds
Nicolas Batum, SF/PF/C – Los Angeles Clippers (8% rostered)
In the last 4, Batum has averaged 13 points, 3.7 threes, 5 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals. Not earth-shattering but good for a top 100 spot in 8-cat leagues. His role is somewhat dependent on the injury status of his teammates but, in general, that status will be favorable for Batum. Even with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Marcus Morris back in the Clippers’ starting lineup, Batum played 33 minutes off the bench against the Wizards on Sunday.
Yuta Watanabe, SF – Brooklyn Nets (10% rostered)
Watanabe returned to the Nets lineup on Saturday from a 10-game absence with a hamstring strain. In the three games before the injury, Watanabe averaged 16 points with three treys. It is yet to be seen, however, where in the Nets roster he will fit going forward. Since the rotation is constantly changing, there may be opportunities on the waiver wire other than Watanabe too.
Quentin Grimes, SG/SF – New York Knicks (13% rostered)
After missing the early part of the season with a foot injury, Grimes may have just played himself into the Knicks’ starting lineup. Overall in the last couple of weeks, Grimes has returned top 100 fantasy stat lines. He is still inconsistent and perhaps not yet at his peak NBA form but with his ability to stroke it from three, Grimes could really go off and be a nice waiver wire acquisition.
Naji Marshall, SF – New York Pelicans (13% rostered)
With Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones injured, Marshall has filled in nicely as the Pelicans starting small forward. In the last 3 games, he’s averaged 16 points, 3.3 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.7 threes, 0.7 blocks and 0.7 steals while going 65% from the field and 80% from the stripe. Mashing all that together will put him in the top 75 on a per-game basis in 8-cat leagues.
Zach Collins, PF/C – San Antonio Spurs (12% rostered)
Collins has been filling in for the injured Jakob Poeltl as the Spurs’ starting center and done a serviceable job, which is about what you’ll get deeper on the waiver wire. In the six games with Poeltl, Collins averages 10 points, 6.5 rebounds, 0.7 blocks, 0.7 threes, and 0.5 steals. Since Poeltl is expected to be out for a while still, Collins can provide solid end-of-bench production.
Charles Bassey, C – San Antonio Spurs (8% rostered)
For a more exciting Spurs backup center – look for Charles Bassey. In the last four, he’s averaged 8.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2 blocks while going 14-for-15 on field goals.