Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: 9 Nba Sleepers & Pickups For Yahoo Leagues

Injuries continue to accumulate, meaning that for many fantasy basketball managers, the waiver wire is looking relatively shallow. However, with each new injury, there is a player inching toward a return. Getting ahead of things in fantasy basketball can be crucial when it comes to ROS success. As always, the waiver wire is the place to be, providing managers with bargain players who could be about to ascend the NBA fantasy rankings. And remember, never assume a player is rostered. It always pays to double-check, just in case they have been overlooked.

Identifying players benefiting from expanded roles, whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player boosting your blocks and steals, is vital as you navigate the season.

Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.

Yahoo High Score Leagues

Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat (29% rostered)

Larsson has been one of the more underrated, quiet achievers this season, having also recently moved into the starting lineup for Miami. While he doesn't have the highest upside, Larsson is a perfect example of a plug-and-play fantasy asset. Through 11 appearances this season, he has averaged just over 23 fantasy points per game, which puts him in the top-100 range on most nights. Those in High Score leagues can safely deploy him, in the hope that he manages to catch fire from the field or locks down on defense. However, when all else fails, he should still do enough to provide your team with meaningful value.

Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets (26% rostered)

Johnson continues to work his way back from an early-season ankle injury, which ultimately cost him just three games. Since getting back on the floor, Johnson has played at least 29 minutes in six straight games, scoring at least 18 points in two of his past three appearances. In that three-game period, he has been a borderline top-100 player in High Score leagues, averaging almost 26 fantasy points per contest. Not unlike Larsson, Johnson should be a relatively stable asset, although one with slightly more upside, particularly on the offensive end.

De'Andre Hunter, Sacramento Kings (19% rostered)

Despite the fact that the landscape in Sacramento is far from predictable, Hunter has managed to carve out a consistent role, logging at least 30 minutes in seven straight games. His overall appeal is built around an ability to score the basketball, which makes him less appealing than both Larsson and Johnson. However, he has recorded at least 20 fantasy points in four of his past six games, with two of those performances yielding 28 and 38 fantasy points. His role feels relatively secure, making him a low-upside target in standard High Score leagues.

Standard 9-Category Leagues

Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans (38% rostered)

Taking a chance on Missi should certainly be considered "getting ahead of the curve," given the ultra-small sample size we have to work with. After a breakout performance in the opening game of the season, Missi suffered a knee injury in game No. 2, which has subsequently cost him 10 straight games. However, it appears he's nearing a return, having been upgraded to doubtful for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. While he could very well remain sidelined for that game, it's reasonable to assume that he could be back as soon as next week. If you are on the hunt for rebounds and blocks, Missi should probably be high on your list of priorities.

Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder (28% rostered)

We know the drill when it comes to Caruso's fantasy value. As a per-minute guy, he typically delivers for anyone rostering him. However, there are two main issues when it comes to his overall appeal, those being minutes and games played. Typically, the Oklahoma City coaching staff is hesitant to play him more than about 20 minutes on any given night, in an attempt to maximize his games played. With that said, injuries to other players could see Caruso doing a little more than anticipated, especially if his last outing is anything to go by. On the second night of a back-to-back, Caruso finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals and four 3-pointers in 29 minutes. It's pretty simple. Pick him up, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Matisse Thybulle, Los Angeles Lakers (15% rostered)

Known as a steals specialist, Thybulle is one of the more frequent visitors when it comes to the waiver wire. While that fact remains true, Thybulle's role this season feels a little more sustainable than in past seasons. He has played in every game for the Lakers thus far, starting all 13. His playing time has remained relatively stable, allowing him to ease into his new role without the added pressure of trying to "prove himself". He has been a borderline top-100 player to this point, averaging 2.2 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.7 3-pointers in 24.4 minutes per game. While he is still quite clearly a specialist, a steady role should see him rostered in a lot more leagues than he is currently.

Standard Points Leagues

De'Anthony Melton, Golden State Warriors (34% rostered)

With Stephen Curry set to miss up to a month due to an oblique injury, Melton looks poised to shift into a sizeable role for the foreseeable future. To this point, it's been largely rocks and diamonds when it comes to Melton's fantasy output. Through 12 games, he has averaged 22.5 fantasy points per game, a modest number to be sure. However, assuming his playing time pushes closer to 29 minutes per game, there is scope for him to flirt with 27 or 28 fantasy points, which should see him land inside the top 100 in points formats. If he is available in your league, it makes sense to roll the dice, given his proven ability to contribute across the board.

Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic (23% rostered)

It's been a solid start to the season for da Silva, having now scored in double digits in six of his past seven games. After being added in most leagues, a recent calf injury saw him dropped in several spots, opening the door for savvy managers to pick him up when the time is right. That time could be now, after da Silva was upgraded to questionable for Friday's game against the Bucks. If he does manage to get back on the floor, there could, of course, be some minor limitations. However, thinking beyond the next one or two games, he is someone who should be picked up in both points and category formats, at least until Paolo Banchero is back on deck.

Meleek Thomas, Cleveland Cavaliers (19% rostered)

Thomas continues to go from strength to strength, having carved out a meaningful role for himself in Cleveland. While injuries to other players have certainly helped his cause, there is a chance Thomas has simply moved ahead of certain players, a fact that shouldn't be lost on fantasy managers. He has averaged almost 32 fantasy points per game in his past two appearances, which puts him firmly on the fantasy radar. Assuming he can maintain a 25-minute-per-night role moving forward, he should at least be considered a viable addition in points leagues.