After a brutal week where some teams suited up just once, fantasy managers can finally breathe. Week 9 brings a return to a more normal slate, with games ramping up on the back end of the week. The Emirates NBA Cup wraps up Tuesday with Knicks–Spurs.
Once we get past that, Thursday and Saturday are loaded, and volume will matter again. Only three teams — the Rockets, Heat, and Raptors — play four games, giving them a clear scheduling edge in head-to-head formats.
Let’s break down the Week 9 storylines and the waiver-wire names that matter.
NBA Deep League Waiver Wire Adds
Marcus Smart – G, Lakers
Marcus Smart wasted no time reminding everyone he still has juice. Fresh off a six-game absence, he exploded for 26 points in 28 minutes, drilling eight triples on 14 attempts. That’s the version of Smart fantasy managers have been waiting for.
The season-long averages won’t pop, but context matters. He’s logging 27 minutes per game, and the Lakers simply don’t have deep guard depth. Smart is still giving you threes and steals — categories he’s delivered in for years — and that alone keeps him rosterable in deeper leagues. As long as the minutes stay intact, he’s a viable add.
Naji Marshall – F, Mavericks
With Dereck Lively II officially done for the season and Daniel Gafford struggling to stay on the floor, Dallas has leaned heavily on Naji Marshall’s versatility — and he’s answered the call.
Over his last four games, Marshall has scored in double figures every time, averaging 17 points with solid assists and steals while playing over 30 minutes a night. He’s not just a stopgap. His ability to slide across multiple positions should keep him locked into a meaningful role for the rest of the season.
Jonathan Isaac – F/C, Magic
Jonathan Isaac hasn’t topped 20 minutes in a game yet, but Franz Wagner’s injury could finally open the door. Even in limited run, Isaac continues to flash elite defensive upside, recording a block in each of his last two games despite playing fewer than 13 minutes.
If the minutes creep up, the fantasy payoff comes fast — especially in blocks and steals. He’s not a must-add yet, but he’s one of the best deep-league defensive streamers to monitor over the next couple weeks.
Jock Landale – C, Grizzlies
Zach Edey’s ankle injury has reshaped Memphis’ frontcourt, and Jock Landale is the immediate beneficiary. In the first game without Edey, Landale logged 27 minutes and flirted with a double-double.
The role is real, and the timing couldn’t be better — Memphis plays four games in Week 9. That combination makes Landale a strong volume-based streamer in deeper formats, especially for managers chasing rebounds and frontcourt minutes.
Moses Moody – G/F, Warriors
Moses Moody slid into the starting lineup and delivered a clean all-around line while shooting efficiently. Whenever Golden State’s rotation thins out, Moody tends to respond, providing scoring and three-point upside without hurting you elsewhere. He’s a situational add whenever the Warriors are short-handed.
Aaron Holiday – G, Rockets
Aaron Holiday continues to fly under the radar, but the minutes are telling the story. He’s played 26+ minutes in three of four games this month, scoring double figures in most of them while shooting over 43% from deep.
The box scores aren’t flashy beyond points, but playing time equals opportunity — especially on a Rockets team with four games this week. Holiday is a sneaky deep-league stream, particularly for managers needing scoring without tanking efficiency.
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