Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Targets: 6 Breakout Players to Add

The fantasy basketball waiver wire continues to be shaped by NBA injuries, unexpected breakouts and shifting NBA depth charts as December rolls on. Several under-rostered players have carved out meaningful roles thanks to extended opportunities, while others are improving their NBA player stats after slow starts or recent returns. Whether you're searching for short-term streaming value or a player with staying power in standard leagues, this week's crop offers help across categories. Below are six waiver-wire targets who deserve consideration right now, ranging from steady guards providing assists and steals to big men delivering rebounds, blocks and efficient scoring.

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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups

Collin Gillespie, Suns (31% rostered)

With the news that Jalen Green is still out at least another two weeks with his hamstring injury, Gillespie remains a quality, safe add in fantasy basketball. The point guard has been one of the surprises of the season and has now started 10 of the past 11 games with averages of 16.1 points, 4.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 32.0 minutes. There's a good chance that even when Green returns that Gillespie is still worth rostering. At the very least, don't drop him prematurely right when Green returns. Wait and see what Gillespie's workload is for a week or so.

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Cam Spencer, Grizzlies (30% rostered)

Ja Morant returned for just two games before suffering a sprained ankle, and now he's missed four games in a row. That means Spencer has continued his impressive play. It's been 13 straight games of double-digit scoring for the guard, averaging 16.4 points, 6.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 27.7 minutes during this stretch. He's arguably established himself as the most consistent producer on the Grizzlies. At this point, even when Morant returns, it seems likely Spencer will continue seeing starter-level minutes and producing at a rate that demands being rostered in standard fantasy leagues.

Mitchell Robinson, Knicks (16% rostered)

With the news that Robinson would likely begin the season as a starter, he was drafted in many fantasy leagues. However, he got off to a slow start, which resulted in managers dropping him. But now that we're in December, Robinson has gotten into a groove and picked up his play, making him a worthy addition. Across the past seven games, the center has averaged 7.0 points on 75 FG%, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals in 21.1 minutes. Keep in mind Robinson doesn't play one half of back-to-backs, but he's otherwise been healthy.

Sam Merrill, Cavaliers (10% rostered)

Merrill has returned from a month-long absence and has appeared in two games. After a quiet first outing (4 points, 5 assists), he erupted in his second game, posting 22 points, six rebounds, seven assists and a steal in 26 minutes as a starter. While that performance will likely stand as one of his best of the season, Merrill was already providing steady value before his injury, averaging 14.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists with 3.7 three-pointers in 26 minutes across 12 games. In category leagues, his perimeter shooting alone makes him a viable roster option, and he should see elevated usage while Evan Mobley remains sidelined. Merrill is a solid add rather than a must-roster player, but with Cleveland playing every other day through next Friday, he's well worth a streaming spot to evaluate his role.

Moussa Diabate, Hornets (10% rostered)

Ryan Kalkbrenner has missed two consecutive games with a sprained elbow, and there's a realistic chance he remains sidelined longer. During that span, Diabate has been highly productive, totaling 17 points, 32 rebounds, three assists and six steals. Compounding the opportunity, Mason Plumlee is also dealing with a groin strain, which could further thin Charlotte's frontcourt. With a clear path to 30-plus minutes in the near term, Diabate should be added in most leagues as an elite rebounder who can also contribute strong field-goal percentage and defensive stats. While the Hornets' upcoming schedule isn't ideal for streaming, Diabate's upside makes him worth adding immediately, even if only in a flexible roster spot.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Nuggets (8% rostered)

Cam Johnson sprained his knee in the latest game, and while his timetable remains unclear, any extended absence would open up additional minutes and usage. Hardaway has already been trending up, totaling 44 points and 13 three-pointers over his past two games. More broadly, he has scored in double figures in 12 of his last 13 contests, averaging 15.0 points and 3.1 made threes during that stretch. If Johnson misses time, Hardaway's role should only become more secure. He's a strong add for managers seeking three-point production, though his value is more situational in other builds. With Denver playing every other day through next Friday, Hardaway also profiles as an excellent short-term streamer.