The fantasy basketball calendar continues to roll along, and Week 9 presents another key window for managers to improve roster depth via fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups. Navigating injuries, chasing short-term production or getting ahead of an emerging breakout can all pay dividends, and remaining proactive at this stage of the season can provide a meaningful advantage.
Below are players to consider across the following roster-percentage tiers:
- 30-49%
- 15-29%
- 0-14%.
Each team’s upcoming schedule is outlined below to help pinpoint the best streaming opportunities and optimize weekly lineup decisions. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at the Week 9 fantasy basketball waiver wire, starting with the schedule.
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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 9)
Four games:
BOS, DAL, DEN, DET, HOU, MEM, MIA, NYK, SAS, TOR, UTH
Three games:
ATL, CHA, CHI, CLE, GSW, IND, LAC, MIN, NOP, OKC, ORL, POR, SAC, WAS
Two games:
BKN, LAL, MIL, PHI, PHX
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Bobby Portis Jr. (PF – MIL)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is expected to miss at least two more weeks, which should keep Bobby Portis Jr. locked into an expanded role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ frontcourt. With additional usage and consistent minutes available, Portis has remained a steady source of production while filling the void in the rotation.
Over his last four games, Portis is averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in just 25 minutes per night. He should continue to post similar numbers as long as Antetokounmpo remains sidelined, giving Portis a clear path to fantasy relevance. He profiles as a strong short-term rental who can deliver reliable scoring and rebounding during this stretch.
Cedric Coward (SG, SF – MEM)
Cedric Coward is a strong option for fantasy managers searching for immediate help, especially with a four-game schedule on tap this week. He has carved out a reliable role while maintaining consistent minutes, making him a practical streaming target for managers prioritizing short-term production.
Over his last three games, Coward is averaging 27.5 minutes along with 17 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest. The rebounding stands out in particular given his position, and he has paired that volume with strong efficiency, shooting 53.7% from the field during this stretch.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Jay Huff (C – IND)
Jay Huff has seen a notable increase in his role in December, jumping from 17.9 minutes per game in November to 26.2 minutes this month, and he has made the most of the added opportunity. The expanded workload has allowed his strengths to show up consistently in the box score.
In December, Huff is averaging 10 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and an impressive 3.4 blocks per game. While the rebounding is modest for his position, the elite shot-blocking more than compensates for it, particularly in category leagues where blocks can swing matchups. As long as his minutes remain elevated, Huff offers a valuable specialist profile.
Jaylon Tyson (SG, SF – CLE)
Jaylon Tyson has carved out a consistent role with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is building momentum as the season progresses. His minutes have stabilized, giving him a reliable workload that has translated into steady fantasy production.
Through five games in December, Tyson is averaging 32.4 minutes along with 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The rebounding production stands out in particular for a guard-eligible player, adding to his appeal in both category and points formats as long as his role remains secure.
Anthony Black (PG, SG – ORL)
I purposely like to avoid repeating players in back-to-back weeks, but I’m making an exception for Anthony Black this week, as I believe he remains a priority add if he is still available. The 21-year-old has settled into a more consistent role this season, averaging 28.5 minutes per game, and his opportunity should remain secure in the short term.
With Franz Wagner (ankle) sidelined for at least another couple of weeks and Jalen Suggs (hip) potentially missing time after exiting Saturday’s game against the New York Knicks, Black is in line for continued usage and expanded responsibilities. Over his last six games, he is averaging 13 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and one block, offering across-the-board production that plays well in most formats while the Orlando Magic navigate multiple injuries.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Naji Marshall (SF, PF – DAL)
Dereck Lively II (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, and with Daniel Gafford struggling to stay on the floor, the Dallas Mavericks have increasingly leaned on Naji Marshall. His versatility has made him a dependable option within the rotation, allowing the team to cover multiple lineup needs.
Marshall has been solid all season, but has taken another step forward over his last four games. During that stretch, he has scored in double figures in every contest, while averaging 17 points, 2.3 rebounds, three assists and 1.3 steals in 30.7 minutes per game. His ability to play multiple positions should keep him heavily involved for the rest of the season, giving him sustained fantasy appeal beyond a short-term stream.
Noah Clowney (PF – BKN)
Noah Clowney has been outstanding in December, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and one block per game. Logging 32.2 minutes per contest, he has scored at least 10 points in all five games this month, showing consistency that fantasy managers can trust.
Clowney is a reliable option to plug into lineups while Cam Thomas (hamstring) remains sidelined. Once Thomas returns, his usage — and potentially his minutes — will likely decrease, but for now, Clowney provides dependable production and should be rostered in deeper leagues.
Jock Landale (C – MEM)
With Zach Edey (ankle) expected to miss at least four weeks, Jock Landale is set to see a noticeable uptick in minutes and becomes an appealing option in deeper formats. The Memphis Grizzlies are thin in the frontcourt without Edey, which should keep Landale involved on a nightly basis.
In Memphis’ first game without Edey in December, Landale logged a month-high 27 minutes and finished with eight points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block. That workload provides a clear path to improved production as he becomes more settled into the role. The appeal is further boosted by Memphis playing four games in Week 9, giving Landale added streaming value for managers chasing volume.
