Week 5 of the fantasy basketball season has arrived, offering another chance to upgrade your roster with fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, looking for short-term boosts or trying to spot the next breakout talent before everyone else, staying active at this stage of the season can create an early advantage.
Below are players worth targeting across the following rostered-percentage tiers:
- 50-60%
- 30-49%
- 15-29%
- 0-14%.
You’ll also find a full look at each team’s upcoming schedule to help maximize streaming value and make the most of your weekly lineup decisions. Let’s jump into the Week 5 waiver wire — starting with the schedule.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 5)
Four games:
ATL, CHA, CHI, CLE, DAL, DEN, LAC, MIA, NOR, OKC, ORL, PHI, POR, TOR
Three games:
BKN, BOS, DET, GSW, IND, MEM, MIL, MIN, NYK, PHX, SAC, SAS, UTH, WAS
Two games:
HOU, LAL
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Kel’el Ware (C – MIA)
Bam Adebayo (toe) has missed the Miami Heat’s last five games, allowing Kel’el Ware to step into the starting lineup. The 21-year-old has made the most of the opportunity, averaging 12 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 29.8 minutes.
Adebayo has been traveling with the team but still doesn’t have a firm return timeline, keeping Ware on the fantasy radar. With his rebounding and shot-blocking production, he’s a worthy pickup for managers in need of frontcourt help.
Reed Sheppard (PG, SG – HOU)
Reed Sheppard has been terrific over his last four games, taking advantage of a noticeable uptick in minutes. In 26.5 minutes per contest, he’s averaging 16.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals and four made threes, showing impressive efficiency and strong two-way impact.
With Tari Eason (hip) expected to miss 4-6 weeks, Sheppard should continue to see an expanded role. However, he plays only two games this week, making him more of a long-term pickup or stash rather than an ideal option if you’re simply chasing extra games for a weekly matchup win.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Quentin Grimes (SG, SF – PHI)
Quentin Grimes continues to come off the bench, but he’s thriving in that role, averaging 16.6 points, four rebounds and 4.4 assists in 31 minutes per game. His scoring and playmaking have been steady, and he’s taken full advantage of the increased opportunities in recent weeks.
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently without Paul George (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee). On top of that, Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) was injured on Friday and may not be available for Monday’s matchup. With so many key pieces sidelined, the 76ers will continue leaning on Grimes, keeping him firmly in play as a strong waiver option.
Dillon Brooks (SG, SF – PHX)
Dillon Brooks has been excellent since returning from his groin injury four games ago, averaging 21 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. With Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined, Brooks has taken on a heavier offensive load and delivered efficient scoring in the process.
Grayson Allen (quadriceps) has already been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks and could miss additional time heading into Week 5. That only boosts Brooks’ appeal, as he should continue to see elevated usage and minutes in the short term.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Ace Bailey (SF, PF – UTH)
Ace Bailey has seen an uptick in playing time with Taylor Hendricks (hamstring) sidelined, and he’s made the most of the opportunity. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals, showing strong two-way production and growing confidence on the floor.
Even once Hendricks returns, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bailey remain in a 20-minute role given how well he’s performing — and given that he was selected fifth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. His long-term upside and steady contributions make him a worthwhile pickup in deeper formats.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (PG, SG – ATL)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has returned to action for the Atlanta Hawks over the past two games after missing time with a back injury, and he hasn’t missed a beat. In those two outings, he’s averaged 15 points, four rebounds, 4.5 assists, one steal and two blocks per game, contributing across every category.
With Trae Young (knee) expected to miss at least the next couple of weeks, Alexander-Walker should remain in the starting lineup and continue seeing elevated usage. His all-around production makes him a strong pickup.
Jusuf Nurkic (C – UTH)
Walker Kessler (shoulder) will miss the remainder of the season, and Jusuf Nurkic has stepped up nicely in his absence. In the seven games since Kessler went down, Nurkic has averaged 27 minutes while posting 7.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 steals, along with three double-doubles during that stretch.
Nurkic is providing steady rebounding, underrated playmaking and surprising defensive production, making him a strong depth option for fantasy managers needing reliable center minutes.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Andre Drummond (C – PHI)
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as day-to-day, but the Philadelphia 76ers will continue to take a cautious approach with their star center. He has missed the last three games, and Andre Drummond has stepped in impressively, averaging 14.3 points, 12 rebounds and 1.3 assists while holding down the starting role.
Drummond will remain the starter while Embiid is out and is worth stashing even after Embiid returns, as the team will likely manage Embiid’s minutes and continue holding him out for one game in back-to-back sets.
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