Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups by Category (Week 13)

It’s lucky Week 13 in the fantasy basketball season! Another pivotal week is on the horizon as we move deeper into the heart of the season, the waiver wire is less about finding household names and more about reacting quickly to shifting roles, unexpected absences, and ripple effects caused by major roster changes. This is often the stretch where proactive managers gain a decisive edge by identifying opportunity before it fully shows up in the box score.

In Dallas, Anthony Davis‘ injury has sent shockwaves through the Mavericks’ fantasy ecosystem. His absence not only strips the lineup of elite two-way production, but also forces Dallas to redistribute usage, rebounding, and interior defense. Secondary scorers and frontcourt rotation pieces are suddenly seeing expanded roles, creating short-term fantasy value that savvy managers can exploit while Davis remains sidelined. Elsewhere, the league was turned on its head by the Trae Young trade, a move that opens the door for some key names to emerge on his new team. Also, the injury to Alperen Sengun has created a clear next-man-up scenario. Steven Adams has stepped into a larger role, providing much-needed stability on the glass and a reliable source of rebounds.

These are the kinds of league-altering developments that don’t always scream “must-add” at first glance but can quietly swing weekly matchups. Let’s break down the players benefiting most from these changes and identify where the smartest fantasy value lies before the rest of your league adjusts.

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Fantasy Basketball Category League Waiver Wire Pickups

Points

Naji Marshall (SF-DAL) | 39% Rostered

Last week, I featured Mavericks forward Max Christie in this spot as a points option, but things have changed, and we need to talk about his teammate, Naji Marshall. Actually, you can consider this a bit of a 2-for-1 deal, as Max Christie is still just 43% rostered and needs to be added if he’s still available.

Why the urgency on the Dallas forwards? You may know by now that Anthony Davis “could miss a number of months,” according to Shams Charania, if the ligament damage in his hand requires surgery. Christie and Marshall are both worth adding, though for the points category specifically, I would still lean towards Christie. Both forwards are playing 30+ minutes and contributing in multiple categories. The path to consistent usage seems to have cleared for these guys, so grab one (or both!) depending on availability and fit for your team.

Assists

Carlton Carrington (PG – WAS) | 45% Rostered

Yes, that roster percentage is correct (at least, in CBS leagues), but it may finally be time for Bub to shine! Fantasy managers who have been monitoring Carlton Carrington for his year and change in the NBA have been waiting for his role to increase with no luck. He’s been considered a draft-day steal this season and alas, with little to show for it. Now, the role is increasing, and he’s definitely worth a speculative add.

How much will Carrington really benefit from the Trae Young trade? That remains to be seen, but the Wizards did send away a starting guard in CJ McCollum, and in return they got a point guard who is not famous for his assists, and may not even play much at all, according to NBA analyst Brian Windhorst. Carrington’s performance has been solid lately, with a consistent 4+ assists in his last eight games, including seven dimes against the Sixers this past Wednesday. I try not to highlight players that are close to 50% rostered, but Carrington might be too good to pass up if he can hang on to his 30+ minutes the rest of the season.

Rebounds

Steven Adams (C – HOU) | 13% Rostered

Guess who’s back?? Sengun is missing time, so we add Steven Adams. It’s really that simple. Adams has 30+ minutes and 11 rebounds in each of his last two games. The ideal rebounds streamer has returned to fantasy relevance!

Sengun is set to miss at least next week with a sprained ankle, so fantasy managers need to keep in mind that this will most likely be a short-term add. Nonetheless, Adams contributes way too much to be ignored when he plays starter’s minutes. In 30 minutes against the Trailblazers on Wednesday, Adams pitched in with seven points, four assists, two steals, and two blocks to go with his 11 boards. Get this potential double-double demon on your roster before it’s too late.

Blocks

Justin Champagnie (SF – WAS) | 23% Rostered

No disrespect to Justin Champagnie, but I would feature Isaiah Stewart in this spot again if I didn’t have him here one week ago. His roster percentage only climbed 3% since last week and is still under 50% rostered in CBS leagues. Prioritize the Pistons center for blocks if he’s available, especially while Jalen Duren is still out until at least January 15.

While Isaiah Stewart is the guest of honor, Justin Champagnie is also invited to the block party. Champagnie’s role has been inconsistent this season, but he doesn’t need a ton of action on the floor to contribute. Champagnie has two blocks in three of his last five games, averaging just 24.6 minutes over that stretch. Typically, we look for 25+ minutes for a decent fantasy add, so we just need to round up a little bit in this case. I believe Champagnie is worth adding as he’s been solid lately and could see some extended run given the current situation with the Wizards.

Steals

T.J. McConnell (PG – IND) | 45% Rostered

Timothy John McConnell. What more needs to be said? In all seriousness, there’s a good reason the Pacers’ six man is rostered in so many leagues. While he did just have his best fantasy night of the season with Bennedict Mathurin sidelined, his steals numbers have been relatively consistent throughout the season, as he is able to grab at least one per game in limited minutes.

While this may be a short term add, the numbers are up for the 33-year-old and fantasy managers need to take note. Steals and assists are the TJ’s bread and butter as we saw throughout the most recent NBA Finals. Like Steven Adams, if McConnell is getting extended run, you add him just to see where things go.

Three-Pointers Made

Miles McBride (PG – NYK) | 26% Rostered

DEEUUCCEEE. The Knicks’ six man is getting extended run as well with Josh Hart sidelined and head coach Mike Brown opting to go with a smaller lineup at times. McBride is just lighting it up from downtown, sinking 14-of-24 throughout his last three games.

The high 3-point percentage could come down for McBride, but percentage is not typically a factor for this particular category; we just need the attempts to be there. There is also some risk with Mike Brown potentially rolling out a bigger lineup or Josh Hart returning from injury. However, McBride is certainly worth a speculative add for next week if you’re needing a boost in the three point category. Plus, although this doesn’t always translate into fantasy production, the home crowd at Madison Square Garden absolutely loves him.