Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Top Pickups for Week 12

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — As the NBA season hits its stride, fantasy basketball managers are scrambling to optimize their rosters with key waiver wire pickups. Week 12 presents a mix of emerging stars and reliable role players who could make a significant impact in fantasy leagues.

Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers has been a standout since returning from a hand injury, averaging 33.7 fantasy points per game over his last four outings. With Joel Embiid and Paul George likely to miss games due to back-to-back sets, Oubre is poised to take on a larger offensive role. “Oubre will be the second offensive option in those matchups, so make sure he’s not on waivers,” said fantasy analyst Jim McCormick.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat has also emerged as a key player in Jimmy Butler‘s absence. Jaquez recently posted a 16-12-10 triple-double with five steals, solidifying his place as a must-roster player. Meanwhile, Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic could see increased minutes if Jalen Suggs remains sidelined with a back injury. Anthony has averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in his last two games.

For those in deeper leagues, Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Toumani Camara of the Portland Trail Blazers are worth considering. Wallace has been a defensive force, averaging two steals per game over the past two weeks, while Camara has been a consistent contributor with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game in January.

The week also offers prime streaming opportunities, with lighter game slates on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Teams like the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets, which only play two games this week, should be avoided for streaming purposes. Instead, focus on players from teams with four-game weeks, such as the Sixers and Thunder.

Injuries continue to shape the fantasy landscape. Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers left Sunday’s game with a hamstring strain, opening the door for Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell to step up. Similarly, Zion Williamson‘s suspension and Herb Jones‘ shoulder injury have created opportunities for Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans.

As the season progresses, staying active on the waiver wire will be crucial for fantasy success. “Working the waiver wire is pivotal to succeeding in fantasy basketball,” McCormick emphasized. “With so many games, injuries, and endless shifts in rotations, we’ll need to source stats from free agency to maximize our imaginary rosters.”