As the fantasy basketball season gains momentum, Week 11 presents a critical window for managers to fortify their rosters via fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups. Whether you are navigating a sudden injury crisis, seeking immediate statistical boosts or identifying the next breakout star, maintaining an aggressive approach is vital for staying ahead of the competition.
To assist your search, we have categorized this week’s top targets into three rostership tiers:
30-49%
15-29%
0-14%
We’ve also analyzed the upcoming schedule to help you optimize your streaming strategy and maximize games played. Let’s dive into the Week 11 landscape.
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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 11)
Four games:
ATL, BKN, CHI, CLE, DEN, GSW, IND, MIA, MIL, MIN, NOP, NYK, OKC, ORL, PHX, POR, SAC, SAS, WAS
Three games:
BOS, DAL, DET, HOU, LAC, LAL, MEM, PHI, TOR, UTH
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Collin Gillespie (PG, SG – PHX)
With Jalen Green (hamstring) expected to be sidelined for at least another two weeks, Collin Gillespie remains firmly on the fantasy radar. He has scored at least 16 points in five straight games and is averaging 16.2 points, five rebounds, 6.6 assists and 2.2 steals across 32.6 minutes per game during that stretch.
Gillespie offers valuable all-around production, contributing across multiple categories while handling a significant workload. His consistent role and heavy minutes make him a strong option for managers looking to capitalize on the Phoenix Suns’ backcourt injuries.
Cedric Coward (SG, SF – MEM)
Cedric Coward, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been one of the most consistent rookies this season. He is averaging 27 minutes per game in December while posting 14.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest.
Coward has maintained a steady role throughout the season regardless of who is in or out of the lineup, giving him a reliable floor and making him a strong option for fantasy managers seeking consistent production.
Tari Eason (SF, PF – HOU)
Tari Eason missed more than a month with an oblique injury but returned on December 21st and has appeared in four games since. Over his last two contests, he has averaged 23.6 minutes while posting 11 points, 4.5 rebounds, one assist, three steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
While the assist totals remain modest, Eason’s defensive impact is well established, and he should continue to provide strong production in steals and blocks for managers in need of help in those categories.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Brook Lopez (C – LAC)
Ivica Zubac (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for at least the next two weeks, putting Brook Lopez in an excellent spot for increased opportunity. With Zubac out, Lopez has logged at least 25 minutes in each of his last three games and is averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and two blocks per contest.
The Clippers center is also averaging 4.3 three-pointers over that span, adding valuable category juice from the center position. Lopez profiles as a strong short-term pickup in category leagues, especially for managers looking to boost both blocks and three-point production.
Jusuf Nurkic (C – UTH)
Jusuf Nurkic has continued to impress as the Utah Jazz’s starting center, producing across the board, which makes his wide availability somewhat surprising. He is averaging 12.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists in December while providing steady value in multiple categories.
Nurkic has been particularly strong of late, scoring at least 16 points in three straight games and recording a double-double in two of his last three contests. His consistent role and well-rounded production make him a strong waiver wire target in any format.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Peyton Watson (SF, PF – DEN)
With Christian Braun (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Cameron Johnson (knee) all sidelined, Peyton Watson should continue to see increased opportunities, making him worth adding in deeper leagues. Over his last four games, he is averaging 12 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest while showing added defensive upside.
Watson has also recorded five steals across his last two games, and while the overall numbers are not eye-popping, the expectation of heavy minutes allows him to deliver strong performances.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG, SF – DEN)
With the Denver Nuggets battling multiple injuries, Tim Hardaway Jr. has settled into a consistent role and is taking full advantage of the increased opportunity. His minutes have stabilized in the low 30s, allowing him to find a rhythm offensively. Over his last four games, he is averaging 20.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 31.9 minutes per game.
Hardaway is also knocking down an average of five three-pointers during that stretch, providing a significant boost in points and perimeter shooting. For fantasy managers in need of scoring, especially in category leagues, he profiles as a strong short-term add while Denver continues to deal with injuries.