A new fantasy basketball week is here, and injuries and lineup changes continue to impact how managers maintain their rosters. If you are dealing with injuries or want to take advantage of players with increased short-term value, check the fantasy basketball waiver wire for these names.
Using rostered percentages from Yahoo Sports, we have highlighted eight players who are still available in over 50% of leagues. This week, we have also included a few players whom you could consider moving on from in your league.
Reed Sheppard, G, Houston Rockets
Rostered: 39%
Reed Sheppard has become a must-watch waiver wire target after a breakout stretch over his last five games. With minutes up to over 26 per contest, he’s averaging 16.4 points, 3.2 assists, 2.4 steals, and nearly four made threes, showing elite efficiency and a two-way impact.
His production is impressive given his limited role as a rookie, and with Tari Eason sidelined for 4-6 weeks, Sheppard is set to keep a prominent spot in Houston’s rotation.
Despite playing just two games this week, Sheppard’s long-term upside is clear. The Rockets’ offseason overhaul has created more opportunities. Sheppard’s recent production shows he’s ready to step up.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers
Rostered: 16%
Bogdan Bogdanovic has shaken off a rough start and is trending up. Over his last five games, he’s averaged 13.2 points, 4.2 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while logging heavy minutes, according to Basketball Reference. His roster rate continues to climb as he re-establishes himself as a reliable multi-category contributor.
Bradley Beal’s season-ending injury and Kawhi Leonard’s ankle issue have opened the door for Bogdanovic to play a larger role in the Clippers’ rotation. Ty Lue has leaned on his scoring and playmaking, keeping him over 30 minutes most nights. With consistent opportunity and solid across-the-board stats, Bogdanovic is inching toward must-add status in all fantasy formats.
Dillon Brooks, F, Phoenix Suns
Rostered: 38%
Dillon Brooks has caught fire since returning from his groin injury, averaging 23.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 3-pointers, and 1.6 steals over his last four games. With Jalen Green sidelined, Brooks has taken on a bigger offensive role and responded with efficient, confident scoring. He’s fresh off a season-high performance and continues to provide steady defensive production as well.
Dillon Brooks : Season-high 34 points (14-25 shooting, 3-7 from 3 & 3-3 from the FT line), 6 rebounds & 3 steals in 36 minutes pic.twitter.com/qWwDgXULv5
— Lee Harvey (@Sayian_Warrior) November 17, 2025
Grayson Allen’s quadriceps injury should solidify Brooks’ heavy workload, giving him more minutes and shot opportunities. Known for streaky but valuable scoring, Brooks is worth adding while he’s this involved in the Suns’ offense. He’s a strong short-term pickup with upside to hold value even when the roster gets healthier.
Tim Hardaway Jr., G, Denver Nuggets
Rostered: 10%
Tim Hardaway Jr. is thriving in Denver, finding quick chemistry with Nikola Jokic and producing efficiently in his minutes. He’s averaging 12.0 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from three, making him a reliable source of perimeter scoring. He is also shooting better than 94% from the free-throw line.
With Christian Braun sidelined for 4-6 weeks, Hardaway’s role and shot volume should both rise in the coming stretch.
Now stepping into the starting lineup, Hardaway projects as a valuable fantasy asset for anyone seeking 3-pointers and scoring consistency. His track record as a streaky but high-volume shooter fits well alongside Jokic’s playmaking. As long as Braun remains out, Hardaway deserves a spot in all standard fantasy basketball leagues.
Jabari Smith Jr., F, Houston Rockets
Rostered: 44%
Jabari Smith Jr. has quietly delivered consistent production for the Houston Rockets, averaging 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 threes, and 1.6 combined steals and blocks on efficient shooting. He has filled the stat sheet lately, highlighted by a 22-point showing against Portland, and continues to provide steady scoring and strong rebounding in the Rockets’ high-powered offense.
Even with Kevin Durant joining the roster, Smith has carved out a reliable role and looks more confident on both ends. His combination of 3-point shooting, athleticism, and defensive activity makes him a solid all-around fantasy contributor. For managers seeking a stable frontcourt option with upside, Smith is a worthy waiver wire pickup.
Ace Bailey, F, Utah Jazz
Rostered: 31%
Ace Bailey has taken full advantage of Taylor Hendricks’ absence, averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 threes over his last five games. He got into foul trouble on Sunday and played only 10 minutes, but his earlier role was encouraging.
The rookie has shown composure and versatility, flashing clear two-way upside. Utah’s rebuilding direction only boosts his fantasy appeal, as the Jazz continue to prioritize developing young talent.
Even when Hendricks returns, Bailey’s strong play should keep him in a meaningful role. The No. 5 pick’s athleticism, shot-making, and defensive energy make him a valuable stash in deeper leagues. He could steadily climb into standard-league relevance as his confidence and minutes grow.
Fantasy Basketball Cut Candidates
Draymond Green, F, Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green’s fantasy appeal has dropped sharply this season. He’s averaging 7.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 37.3% from the field and posting declining defensive stats. Once a multi-category difference-maker, Green now hurts fantasy managers more than he helps, offering few steals and blocks with poor efficiency. At this stage, he’s closer to a cut candidate than a hold, especially in standard formats.
Cameron Johnson, F, Denver Nuggets
It may be time to move on from Cameron Johnson, who’s dealt with inconsistent play and now a biceps strain that leaves his immediate availability in question. Expected to be an upgrade on the wing, he’s instead struggled to find rhythm or meaningful production in the Nuggets’ offense. With limited output across the board and his role in flux, there’s little reason to keep waiting.
Malik Monk, G, Sacramento Kings
Malik Monk has struggled to match last season’s production, averaging just 13.1 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in reduced minutes. His playing time has dropped from 31 to 24 minutes per game, and while his shooting percentages remain solid, his assist numbers and overall impact have dipped noticeably. With an ankle injury costing him additional games and Sacramento spreading touches around, Monk’s role has lost stability.
