X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 20

We're in the final stretches of the NBA fantasy season for most, as a majority of leagues will start their playoffs starting on Week 22. Owners should be looking at every realm of possibility to improve their team's chances of locking in a playoff berth. It's time to drop the dead weight and scout for the waiver wire for any production that would be helpful for your team. Looking into Week 20, there are a couple of must-add players that you shouldn't leave behind on your waiver wire.

With that said, we're here to bless you all with everything you guys need to stay ahead of your opponents in all your fantasy leagues. Below are our recommended waiver wire pickups for Week 20 of the fantasy basketball season, for those looking to beef up their teams. We wish everyone the best of luck in your leagues and may the odds forever be in your favor!

It's the best time to start exploring trades, and get out ahead before it's too late! Sell high, buy low - trying to look for ways to improve your team despite where you are in the standings will go a long way for you in case injuries and cold streaks happen. As a reminder for most leagues, it's crucial to plan ahead. Waiver wire adds, scheduling and player injuries are all things to consider. Drop the dead weight, make an effort to improve your team by maximizing your weekly adds and utilizing streamer spots via the waiver wire. Don't be attached to short-term pickups when there is a hot player on the horizon, especially if a hot player can stick with significant minutes the rest of the season. Be wary of weekly streaming options and stay ahead of your opponents. Our staff at RotoBaller has great insight and daily columns on how to improve your squad and tips to make your team successful, so be sure to check them out! Now let's get prepared for Week 20.

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

Week 20 Schedule

4 Games - Trail Blazers, Magic, Thunder, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Bucks, Heat, Grizzlies, Lakers, Clippers, Pacers, Rockets, Warriors, Pistons, Cavaliers, Bulls, Hornets, Nets, Celtics, Hawks

3 Games - Mavericks, Nuggets, Knicks, Sixers, Suns, Kings, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Wizards

 

Week 20 Standard Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

I write my columns based on H2H 9-category standard size leagues:

Tyler Johnson - PG/SG, SUNS (29% Ownership)

Johnson has logged consistent minutes since being traded to the Suns, and he blew up on Saturday with a season-high 29 points against the Hawks, adding five rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block and four 3-pointers. He's got the upside to put up top-100 numbers with the amount of minutes he's getting, and he should be added in standard leagues.

Joakim Noah - PF/C, GRIZZLIES (14% Ownership)

Noah finally found a team that was willing to give him meaningful minutes, and could be a sneaky add that can turn your fantasy season around. Over his last five the veteran power forward/center is averaging 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 57.1% from the field and 80.6% from the foul line. We seen this level of upside before when he was healthy in Chicago, and the injury to Jaren Jackson J.R. (quad) could mean this is sustainable for a while.

Ivan Rabb - PF/C, GRIZZLIES (11% Ownership)

Jaren Jackson J.R. (quad) is out indefinitely and that leaves a void for Rabb, who will be looking at a great opportunity to capitalize for the foreseeable future. Rabb scored 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 25 minutes on Friday and he should be added in most 12 team formats for his upside.

Miles Bridges - SF, HORNETS (5% Ownership)

Bridges suddenly got promoted into the starting lineup following the All-Star break and it's probably a move that could stick for the remainder of the season. Bridges fared well in his first start, scoring 14 points with six rebounds, one block, three steals and one 3-pointer then dealt with foul trouble the following night with only four points and four boards. Although his upside isn't great, a 26-28+ minute role down the stretch could pay dividends for owners who are in need of a healthy body.

Jonathan Isaac - SF/PF, MAGIC (72% Ownership)

Congrats to those who held him, because he's been terrible for much of the year. He's finally turned his performances into expectations, as he's now averaging 10.8 points, 8.8 boards, 1.3 dimes, 1.8 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.2 treys over the last six games. He's a must-own player and looks to have a huge finish.

Robin Lopez - C, BULLS (25% Ownership)

Lopez revived his season over the past month, as he's playing fantastic lately. Over the last six games, Lopez is averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 assists per game, all while shooting 66.1 percent from the field. He's going to cool off at some point, but he has to be added given how well he's played. At this point of the fantasy season, owners need to be making quick decisions when it comes to getting players who are contributing.

Avery Bradley - PG/SG, GRIZZLIES (18% Ownership)

Before the four-point dud on Saturday, Bradley has played well with his new team, scoring 17 + points in three straight games. There's not a lot of upside with Bradley, but as log as he's getting more than 25 minutes and hitting his shots, he can be useful in most nights.

Cheick Diallo - C, PELICANS (11% Ownership)
After scoring 16 points and grabbing a career-high 18 rebounds, Diallo followed up with another impressive double-double Saturday against the Lakers. He would go perfect from the field (8-0f-8) with 18 point, 10 boards, and two blocked shots. Anthony Davis (rest) didn't play in that one, but he could still be useful even in limited minutes with his upside. He's a intriguing add right now, and his play is very similar to Mitchell Robinson in New York.

Mitchell Robinson - C, KNICKS (47% Ownership)

If Robinson is still on your waiver wire, change that immediately. He's going to challenge the league for most blocked shots post All-Star break and he's only going to continue to get better as the leash gets shorter for the tanking Knicks.

Dion Waiters - SG/SF, HEAT (20% Ownership)

I'm not sure how long it could last, but Waiters has scored in double-figures in six straight contests. Goran Dragic (knee) returned and could make things complicated in the Heat rotation, but he should be added right now given how well he's playing.

Cody Zeller - PF/C, HORNETS (28% Ownership)

Zeller has played well lately, and he should remain in the starting line up the rest of the way. He's not going to have any popcorn stat lines, but can be useful given that he's a double-double threat with a block every night. He's worth a roster spot in most 12 team leagues.

 

Week 20 Deeper Leagues - Waiver Wire Pickups

Reggie Bullock - SG/SF, LAKERS  (16% Ownership)

Bullock was traded before the trading deadline and he remains in the starting lineup with the Lakers as a floor spacer. He doesn't do much outside of 3-pointers, but he's still logging enough minutes on a team that desperately needs his shooting. Give him a look in 14+ team leagues.

Mason Plumlee - PF/C, NUGGETS (21% Ownership)

Coach Mike Malone started playing Plumlee at the power forward position next to Jokic, and that's worked well. He'll contribute in multiple categories in field-goal percentage, rebounds, and assists from a center position so he should be added in most leagues.

Landry Shamet - PG/SG, CLIPPERS (14% Ownership)

The Clippers are committed making Shamet their starter the rest of the way, so he's a useful add if you are in need of 3-pointers. He'll offer a hint of upside in steals and assists, but can be looked at mainly as a 3-point specialist.

Jake Layman - SF, BLAZERS (12% Ownership)

Layman has played incredibly well lately, and his improved play will force his coach to continue to play him meaningful minutes. The arrival of Enes Kanter hasn't hurt him yet, but he should be added until he completely cools off.

Mikal Bridges - SG/SF, SUNS (27% Ownership)

Oddly, Bridges minutes goes down without Devin Booker but goes up with Booker in the lineup. He's still contributing in the defensive stats to be added in deeper settings.  At this point, he's worth a look in all 14+ team leagues given his defensive contributions and 3-pointers (1.8 steals, 0.8 blocks, 1.2 3-pointers over the last five) Keep your eyes on him and the tanking Phoenix Suns.

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis


By popular demand, RotoBaller has aggregated all of our fantasy basketball NBA waiver wire pickups into a running list of NBA waiver options, so bookmark the page and check back often for updates.



POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jameson Williams

Lions Didn't Entertain Trade Offers For Jameson Williams
Dalton Rushing

Homers In Four-Hit Game
Qadir Ismail

Raiders Sign Qadir Ismail
New York Giants

Giants Plan To Exercise Kayvon Thibodeaux's Fifth-Year Option
Russell Wilson

Will Be Giants Starting Quarterback
Max Muncy

With A Pair Of Doubles Back At Triple-A
Michael Lorenzen

Tosses Quality Start
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Close Out The First Round With Josh Simmons
Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Trade Up One Spot In First Round To Select Jihaad Campbell
A.J. Puk

Likely To Miss Multiple Months
Marquis Grissom Jr.

Notches Fifth Save At Double-A
Buffalo Bills

Bills Address Secondary And Take Maxwell Hairston With 30th Overall Pick
Félix Bautista

Felix Bautista Records Third Save
NFL

Eagles, Chiefs Swap First-Round Picks
Washington Commanders

Josh Conerly Jr. Goes At No. 29 Overall To Commanders

Giants Trade Up For Jaxson Dart At No. 25
Detroit Lions

Tyleik Williams Taken By Lions At No. 28 Overall
Shane Smith

Tosses Five Shutout Frames
Roman Anthony

With Home Run No. 5 On Thursday
Baltimore Ravens

Ravens Go With Malaki Starks At No. 27 Overall In NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Takes Donovan Jackson No. 24 Overall
NFL

Rams Trade The 26th Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft To The Falcons
Andrés Muñoz

Andres Munoz Secures Ninth Save
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Trade Back Into First Round To Draft James Pearce Jr. At No. 26 Overall

Matthew Golden Selected No. 23 Overall By Green Bay
NFL

Texans Trade The 25th Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft To The Giants
Jakob Marsee

Up To 18 Steals At Triple-A

Omarion Hampton Taken No. 22 Overall By Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Selects Derrick Harmon At No. 21 Overall
Denver Broncos

Broncos Build Secondary By Selecting Jahdae Barron At No. 20

Buccaneers Add Emeka Egbuka At No. 19
Jeff McNeil

Activated From Injured List
Brett Baty

Optioned To Minors
Zack Gelof

To Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Ryan Walker

Remains Giants Closer
Kumar Rocker

Heads To Injured List
Brent Rooker

Resting For First Time This Season
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Isaiah Stewart

Remains Out For Game 3
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Bryan Woo

Picks Up Third Win, Strikes Out Eight On Thursday
Cade Cavalli

Moving Rehab Assignment To Double-A
Paul DeJong

Having Surgery On His Nose
Royce Lewis

Starting His Rehab Assignment On Friday
Tyler O'Neill

Out On Thursday With Sore Neck
Linus Ullmark

Attempts To Overcome Playoff Struggles Thursday
Anthony Cirelli

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Logan Thompson

Comes Up Big In Game 2
Connor McMichael

Strikes Twice In Wednesday's Win
Anze Kopitar

Tallies Four Points In Game 2 Victory
Adrian Kempe

Notches Two Goals, Two Assists In Wednesday's Win
Tyler Seguin

Gives Stars Series Lead With Overtime Winner
Gabriel Landeskog

Delivers Six Hits In First Game Since 2022
Tyler Herro

Scores Game-High 33 Points In Wednesday's Loss
Donovan Mitchell

Fires In 30 Points In Game 2 Win
Paolo Banchero

Notches 32 Points In Game 2 Loss
Jaylen Brown

Posts 36-Point Double-Double Wednesday
Jalen Green

Erupts For 38 Points In Game 2 Victory
Brandin Podziemski

Limited To 14 Minutes Wednesday
Jimmy Butler III

Set For MRI Thursday
Brandin Podziemski

Upgraded To Available
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Michael Porter Jr.

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Davion Mitchell

Moves Into Starting Lineup Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Picks Up Questionable Tag
Al Horford

Starts Game 2
Michael Porter Jr.

Practices On Wednesday
Jayson Tatum

Out On Wednesday
Isaiah Stewart

May Miss Another Game Thursday
NYI

Cal Clutterbuck Announces Retirement
Pavel Zacha

Recovering From Small Procedure
Nikolaj Ehlers

To Miss At Least Two More Games
Miro Heiskanen

Still Out On Wednesday
John Klingberg

Enters Oilers Lineup For Game 2
Evander Kane

To Make Season Debut Wednesday Night
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Posts Team-High 26 Points In Tuesday's Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Notches 27 Points Despite Poor Shooting
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Pascal Siakam

Scores Team-High 24 Points In Game 2 Win
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF