Week 8 of the fantasy basketball season is here, giving managers another opportunity to strengthen rosters through waiver wire pickups. Whether dealing with injuries, hunting short-term help or looking to identify a breakout candidate before the rest of the league, staying engaged at this point in the season can create a real edge.
Below are players to consider across the following roster-percentage tiers:
- 50-60%
- 30-49%
- 15-29%
- 0-14%.
A full breakdown of each team’s upcoming schedule is also included to help maximize streaming value and fine-tune weekly lineup choices. Let’s dive into the Week 8 fantasy basketball waiver wire, beginning with the schedule.
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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 8)
Three games:
IND, MIN, NOP, SAC
Two games:
ATL, BKN, CHA, CHI, CLE, GSW, MIL, PHI, PHX, POR, SAS, WAS
One game:
BOS, DAL, DEN, DET, HOU, LAC, LAL, MEM, MIA, NYK, OKC, ORL, TOR, UTH
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Jerami Grant (PF – POR)
Jerami Grant struggled through an injury-plagued 2024-25 season, finishing at just 37.3% from the field — his first time shooting below 40% since 2016-17. This year has been a different story. Through 22 games, including 10 starts, he’s averaging 19.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists, looking far more comfortable and efficient on both ends.
Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Grant has delivered consistent production all season, and that stability makes him an appealing long-term pickup if he’s still available. His scoring and versatility give him a safe fantasy floor with upside baked in.
Matas Buzelis (SF, PF – CHI)
The Chicago Bulls have been hit hard by injuries, with 10 players appearing on Sunday’s injury report, even though most are listed day-to-day. Matas Buzelis has capitalized on the extra opportunities, averaging 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, three assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals through his first three games in December.
Buzelis should continue to see elevated minutes as the Bulls work their way back to full strength, especially with Kevin Huerter (hamstring) expected to miss at least a week. The 21-year-old has played with confidence and activity, making him an appealing short-term pickup with the potential to hold value even after the roster stabilizes.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Jeremiah Fears (PG – NOP)
The New Orleans Pelicans are dealing with a long list of injuries, and Jeremiah Fears has stepped up in a major way over the last month. He averaged 16.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals in November, and those numbers have climbed to 18.3 points, four rebounds, 5.3 assists and one steal through his first three games in December. His growth as a scorer and playmaker has been one of the few bright spots during a difficult stretch.
Fears should continue to log heavy minutes while the Pelicans work their way back to full health, and with a 3-21 record, they have no incentive to rush anyone back. His expanded role appears safe for the foreseeable future, making him a strong short-term pickup with the potential for sustained value.
Kyle Kuzma (SF, PF – MIL)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is expected to miss some time, and Kyle Kuzma should see an expanded role in his absence. In the two games Antetokounmpo has already missed, Kuzma has averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, one assist and one steal across 28.7 minutes, giving Milwaukee a steady scoring presence.
Kuzma profiles as a solid short-term pickup over the next couple of weeks, especially for fantasy managers seeking points. His role should remain secure until Antetokounmpo returns, making him a useful streaming option in the meantime.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Anthony Black (PG, SG – ORL)
With the Orlando Magic close to full health, Anthony Black is still seeing heavy minutes and producing consistently. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 30.7 minutes while contributing 16.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, four assists, and 1.7 steals, giving Orlando steady two-way play night after night.
The way the 21-year-old is performing makes him an appealing long-term pickup with real upside. His role is already secure, and his usage and production should climb even higher whenever the Magic deal with an injury in the rotation.
Ryan Nembhard (PG – DAL)
Ryan Nembhard has stepped into the starting lineup and delivered strong production over his last six games, averaging 14.8 points on 63.8% shooting along with 2.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists. He’s been efficient, composed, and effective on the offensive end, giving the Dallas Mavericks a steady presence at the position.
Given the inconsistencies the Mavericks have dealt with at point guard this season, Nembhard should continue to get a real opportunity to solidify the role. His decision-making and efficiency make him an appealing long-term fit if he maintains this level of play.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Jordan Walsh (SF – BOS)
Jordan Walsh has quickly emerged as a standout for the Boston Celtics and has been a major factor in their four-game winning streak. Over that stretch, he’s logging 28.2 minutes per contest and contributing 15.3 points, seven rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks, offering production across every category.
Given his recent play, Walsh should remain in the starting lineup. His activity on the glass is especially valuable for a small forward, and his two-way impact continues to give Boston a reliable boost on both ends of the floor.
Pat Spencer (PG – GSW)
Pat Spencer just guided the Golden State Warriors to a stunning 99-94 upset over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds, seven assists and one steal.
After the win, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, “His coach realized that Pat is that motherf—er,” he said. “That became clear. Sorry. Am I allowed to say that?”
Kerr was referring to Spencer’s viral celebration two nights earlier in Philadelphia, when Spencer drilled a late 3 to put Golden State up five over the Philadelphia 76ers and twice shouted “I’m that motherf—er” toward the crowd as the 76ers called a timeout.
With the Warriors battling multiple injuries, Spencer has clearly earned Kerr’s trust and carved out a meaningful role. His edge, energy and fearlessness have made him an obvious short-term pickup while Golden State works toward getting back to full health.