As the 2025-26 NBA season begins, fantasy basketball managers should consider various players for waiver wire pickups to enhance their teams. This week's focus is on players who are either widely available or present in limited rosters, especially those demonstrating potential due to strong preseason performances or player injuries.

Read More

Notably, the Philadelphia 76ers are the only team playing four games this week, prompting questions about their bench players' viability. Conversely, teams like Portland, Cleveland, Phoenix, Denver, and Boston will only have two games, limiting streaming opportunities.

Here's a look at some recommended players for standard leagues, focusing on those rostered in 30% or fewer leagues:

- **Moussa Diabate (C, 28%)**: As Charlotte's starting center, Diabate showcases potential for double-doubles and contributes defensively. Despite competition for minutes, his energy and tenacity keep him relevant.

- **Nikola Vucevic (C, 28%)**: After a season off the bench in Boston, Vucevic returns to Orlando, where he can offer size and shooting, potentially gaining around 25 minutes on the floor.

- **Yves Missi (C, 28%)**: Even though some advocate for Derik Queen to start for New Orleans, Missi is expected to secure a larger role due to his defensive attributes and rebounding.

- **Mitchell Robinson (C, 26%)**: Robinson might share minutes but could still prove valuable in rebounds and blocks, particularly if he exceeds 20 minutes per game.

- **Tari Eason (SG/SF/PF, 25%)**: Back in a bench position, Eason still holds potential for production due to his shooting and rebounding skills, especially with the prospect of extra minutes when starters rest.

- **Gui Santos (SF/PF, 24%)**: Anticipated to play a significant role for the Warriors, Santos’s performance will be worth monitoring as he tries to solidify his spot in the lineup.

- **Tre Jones (PG, 23%)**: Having had success as a starter last year, Jones could still be influential off the bench, providing essential contributions in assists and defensive stats.

- **Keaton Wagler (SG, 21%)**: With limited depth in the Clippers' roster, Wagler's performance in preseason suggests significant potential for points and minutes.

- **Bobby Portis (PF/C, 21%)**: Expected to contribute points and rebounds from the bench for Miami, Portis offers reliable fantasy stats with a notable scoring ability.

- **Grayson Allen (SG/SF, 20%)**: Allen is eyed to start for the Hornets, making him a feasible option for scoring and three-pointers.

- **Aaron Nesmith (SG/SF, 18%)**: Starting at the three, Nesmith may benefit greatly from being paired with a strong facilitator, providing threes with reasonable efficiency.

- **Jared McCain (PG/SG, 17%)**: Though not offering extensive statistical categories, McCain could average decent points off the bench.

- **Collin Sexton (PG/SG, 16%)**: Positioned to maintain his scoring ability as a bench player with the Lakers, Sexton could provide value through points alone.

- **Isaiah Jackson (C, 13%)**: A sturdy contributor in boards and blocks, Jackson stands out as a center option for teams needing depth.

This week also sees deep league players, including:

- **Scotty Pippen Jr. (PG, 15%)**

- **Cam Spencer (PG/SG, 6%)**

- **Dennis Schroder (PG/SG, 6%)**

- **Leonard Miller (SF/PF, 5%)**

- **Jaxson Hayes (C, 2%)**

Further monitoring may be required as the season progresses, with many players still jockeying for position and roles within their respective teams.