As the season moves into Week 15, managers have another opportunity to strengthen rosters through fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups.
With injuries mounting, short-term needs popping up and new contributors emerging around the league, staying active on waivers can be a key edge in gaining ground on the competition.
To streamline the process, this week’s recommended adds are grouped into three rostership tiers:
30–49%
15–29%
0–14%
The Week 15 schedule is also included to help guide streaming decisions and maximize the number of games played. Let’s take a closer look at the top waiver wire options for the week ahead.
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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 15)
Five games:
CHI
Four games:
ATL, BOS, BKN, CHA, CLE, DEN, DET, HOU, LAL, MEM, MIA, MIN, NYK, ORL, PHI, PHX, POR, SAC, UTH, WSH
Three games:
DAL, GSW, IND, LAC, MIL, NOP, OKC, SAS, TOR
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Bobby Portis Jr. (PF – MIL)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is expected to miss the next four to six weeks, dealing a significant blow to fantasy managers counting on his elite production. The silver lining is that Bobby Portis Jr. remains available in over half of leagues and profiles as one of the best direct replacements during Antetokounmpo’s absence. Portis has consistently proven he can step into a larger role when needed, making him a priority add for managers looking to stabilize their frontcourt.
The numbers clearly support the move. In 30 games with Antetokounmpo active this season, Portis has averaged 11.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.3 minutes across 30 appearances. However, in the 14 games Antetokounmpo has missed, Portis’ production has increased to 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists while seeing his minutes rise to 26.7 per game. With an extended runway for increased playing time and usage, Portis is poised for a substantial boost in fantasy value.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG, SF – PHI)
Kelly Oubre Jr. missed more than a month with a knee injury but has continued to trend upward since returning to the rotation on January 7th. His workload has ramped up steadily, highlighted by a 41-minute outing in Thursday’s overtime win over the Houston Rockets. Oubre has also appeared in both legs of back-to-backs, signaling growing trust from the coaching staff and a return to a full workload.
The increased minutes have translated directly into fantasy production. Over his last four games, Oubre is averaging 19.8 points, four rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals in 36.9 minutes, offering reliable contributions across multiple categories. With his role stabilized and his energy evident on both ends of the floor, Oubre has re-established himself as a dependable fantasy option.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Kyle Kuzma (SF, PF – MIL)
Kyle Kuzma has been one of the most notable beneficiaries of Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) being sidelined this season. When Antetokounmpo has been available, Kuzma’s role has been more limited, as he has averaged 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and two assists in 24.6 minutes across 29 games. In that context, his fantasy value has largely been capped by reduced usage and playing time.
That changes noticeably when Antetokounmpo is out. In 13 games without him, Kuzma’s production jumps to 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while his minutes climb to 29.9 per game. The increased workload allows Kuzma to be more involved on the glass and as a secondary scoring option, boosting his overall fantasy appeal. With Antetokounmpo expected to miss extended time, Kuzma should continue to see elevated minutes and usage, making him a solid waiver wire add for managers seeking well-rounded production.
Cam Spencer (PG, SG – MEM)
Ja Morant (elbow) is expected to miss at least the next three weeks, once again creating an opportunity for Cam Spencer to take on a larger role. When Morant is available, Spencer’s responsibilities are more limited, as he has averaged 11 points, two rebounds and 3.7 assists in 19.7 minutes across 20 games alongside him.
The difference is clear when Morant is off the floor. In 22 games without Morant, Spencer’s production jumps to 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists while logging 27.9 minutes per game. He has also flashed legitimate upside during that stretch, most notably in Friday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, when he finished with 21 points, five rebounds and 11 assists in 28 minutes. With Morant sidelined, Spencer is positioned for increased minutes, usage and playmaking duties, making him a strong waiver option for managers in need of assists and overall guard production.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Jalen Smith (PF – CHI)
Jalen Smith has reached double-digit scoring in seven straight games and has been highly effective during that stretch. He is averaging 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists, coming close to a double-double on a nightly basis while providing strong interior production.
The increased output has been fueled by a significant rise in playing time. Smith is averaging 28.1 minutes per game during this run, a substantial jump from his season average of 19.6 minutes. With the expanded role and consistent rebounding presence, Smith has become a reliable fantasy option, particularly for managers in need of points and boards.
Bub Carrington (PG – WSH)
Bub Carrington has seen his role expand significantly with Trae Young (knee, quad) still unavailable, and has taken full advantage of the opportunity. Carrington has emerged as a key piece for the Washington Wizards, leading the team in playing time over the last five games at 37.1 minutes per contest — a clear indication of the trust he has earned.
The increased workload has translated into steady all-around production. During that stretch, Carrington is averaging 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.4 steals, contributing across multiple categories. With his minutes secure and his usage trending upward, Carrington profiles as a strong option in deeper leagues.
