Week 19 is here and this is where managers need to stay aggressive on the waiver wire. Some teams are chasing seeding. Others? They’ve quietly pivoted to development mode. When franchises lean into youth, fantasy managers should lean into opportunity.
We are starting to enter silly season, which means that rotations get weird, veterans get mysterious rest days, and 22-year-olds suddenly jump from 18 minutes to 32. If you’re not mining the waiver wire right now, you’re behind.
Never assume someone is rostered. Check. Every. Time. The edge is often one overlooked name away.
The Hawks and Cavaliers are the only two teams that play two games this week. The Nuggets don’t play any games on the weekend. The Pistons, Magic, and Bucks all have back-to-backs on the weekend.
Deep League Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
Max Christie — G, Mavericks
Double-check to make sure Max is not hanging around waivers going into this week. Klay Thompson left Sunday’s game vs. the Thunder and did not return. Christie produced 14 points (5-of-11 FGs), seven rebounds, two steals, and four three-pointers. He’s more for points league players currently.
Pelle Larsson — G/F, Heat
Pelle Larsson should be on more rosters vs. what I’m seeing. The return of Tyler Herro hasn’t slowed down his minutes, playing in 32+ in five straight games. Larsson has had at least 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 4 of the 5 games played.
Derrick Jones Jr.— F, Clippers
Derrick Jones Jr. is getting more usage due to injuries, and without Harden, as he is a Cav now. Over the last two weeks, he’s averaging 0.8 steals and 1.3 blocks. However, even more impressive is that he’s scored double digits in 4 of his last 6 games played. Darius Garland is expected to make his season debut Monday night, but if you need steals and blocks, give Jones a look.
Taylor Hendricks — F, Grizzlies
Hendricks dropped 19 points, which included five 3-pointers, in the win against the Pacers Sunday night. He’s starting to see consistent run and is someone you’ll want now, vs. being too late. Steals and blocks are harder to find off waivers, so Hendricks fits. With Zach Eddy expected to be out with another surgery to his ankle, Hendricks minutes should stay in the high 20’s.
Walter Clayton Jr. — G, Grizzlies
Clayton Jr. has had five or more in three of his last four. However, he dished a career-best 14 against Indiana. Javon Small and Clayton Jr. are the Memphis guards going forward and should be treated with urgency if still on the wire.
Nick Richards — C, Bulls
Nick Richards has now seen back-to-back 27+ min performances. Jalen Smith is out for at least a week, while Patrick Williams is also still out. Richards has a low ceiling but will help boost percentages and blocks with double-double potential, as he showcased against the Blazers.
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