10 MUST ADD Waiver Wire Targets || NBA Fantasy Basketball [WEEK 4]
Week 4 Waiver Wire: The Real Difference-Makers
After hours scouring box scores, tracking usage rates, and keeping tabs on the latest NBA rotations, I’ve locked in my top ten waiver wire pickups for Week 4. These are players you want to grab before your league mates wake up. The wire is thin this time of year, but you can’t let opportunity pass you by if you want to stay in the hunt.
Noah Clowney – Brooklyn Nets
Let’s kick it off with Noah Clowney. The Nets rookie has started to show real flashes, especially with injuries piling up in Brooklyn. He is only 1.7% rostered in ESPN leagues. Over the last few games, he’s averaged 18 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5 assists. His usage rate is up at 21.1% recently, and you know how I love grabbing a player before they become the talk of the fantasy world. As long as Cam Thomas is out, Clowney should continue to see heavy minutes. His window could close soon, but ride it while Brooklyn is so banged up.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Miami Heat
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is quietly one of the most NBA-ready rookies. I saw him throw down a mean crossover and dunk just a few nights ago, and that’s just a taste of his confidence and skill. If you’re in a 12-team league, he’s likely already gone, but he should not be on waivers in an 8- or 10-team league, especially while Tyler Herro is sidelined. He’s not just getting minutes; he’s thriving, with 20-plus points in three out of his last five off the bench and “starter-level” run because of Miami’s injuries. Add him wherever you can right now.
Jarace Walker – Indiana Pacers
Jarace Walker has finally gotten an extended opportunity in Indiana and is only rostered in 9.5% of ESPN leagues. Over 29 minutes per game, Walker is averaging 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds. He is at his best as a streamer, but his well-rounded game and increased run make him more than just a short-term plug. Even if you don’t hold him forever, he’s worth a start while the Pacers are thin up front.
Derik Queen – New Orleans Pelicans
Derik Queen has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing big men in the NBA, especially for dynasty leagues, and he’s barely rostered in just over six percent of leagues. Over the past week, Queen has averaged 10 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals. Those defensive stats are borderline elite for a waiver pickup, and his minutes and role should only expand for New Orleans, especially with the frontcourt battling various injuries.
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Terance Mann – Brooklyn Nets
Terance Mann has been a fantasy sleeper for years, and this season he’s started providing quiet value again with the Brooklyn Nets. Averaging over 26 minutes per game, he’s upped it to 27 in the last week, and is giving you 8.4 points and 1.2 steals. Mann chips in across the board and won’t kill your categories. Think of him as a steady hand for deeper leagues or anyone needing reliable week-to-week streaming help.
AJ Green – Milwaukee Bucks
You want threes? You got threes. AJ Green is your man. He is shooting the lights out for Milwaukee and is only 2.8% rostered in ESPN leagues. He’s hit at least three triples in every single game so far this year, making him absolutely elite as a streaming option for three-pointers. He also gives you a pinch of boards and assists. With the Bucks needing shooting, his role feels secure for now, so patch any holes in those categories with Green.
Cedric Coward – Memphis Grizzlies
Coward is a rookie with a massive ceiling and he’s already putting his stamp on Memphis’ rotation. Cedric Coward has scored at least 12 points in eight of his first ten NBA games. He’s thriving as a sixth man and his playing time is trending in the right direction, which is exactly what I love to see from waiver wire stashes. If you’re in a deep league or just want to take a flier before the masses catch on, add Coward.
Ryan Kalkbrenner – Charlotte Hornets
Ryan Kalkbrenner is making noise for the Charlotte Hornets. He has been a shot-blocking specialist ever since his Creighton days and is now actually earning minutes in Charlotte’s rotation. With injuries, he’s been able to chip in rebounds, points, and those crucial blocks. If you play in a dynasty or deep format, you should absolutely grab him, but Kalkbrenner is stream-worthy in standard leagues this week for his defensive stats and growing role.
Davion Mitchell – Miami Heat
Davion Mitchell continues to fill the stat sheet while Tyler Herro is out, and don’t forget, Bam Adebayo has missed time too. Mitchell is averaging 9.2 points, three rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 2.4 steals over five games this month. That is supreme short-term value, especially for assists and steals, and he could emerge as a more permanent option if injuries persist in Miami. Watch for rotation updates, but he’s a must-stream for now.
Zaccharie Risacher – Atlanta Hawks
Rounding out my top ten is Zaccharie Risacher, who is benefiting directly from Trae Young’s absence. His production can go up and down, but he’s showing the ability to score, hit threes, and is getting a juicy 22.3% usage rate over his last five. He just put up 15.4 points and two triples per game during that span. Watch his role carefully because when the Hawks play with pace, Risacher can go off.
Honorable Mentions and Watch List
These are the names I want you to keep close on your radar or stream as situations dictate:
Russell Westbrook: Should be rostered everywhere, period.
Jusuf Nurkic: Worth grabbing, particularly in eight- or ten-team leagues.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Holds value as long as Trae Young is sidelined in Atlanta.
Isaiah Jackson: Risky, but his upside and opportunities keep coming.
Tre Jones: Plug him in as long as Kobe White is out.
Andrew Nembhard: Only about 56% rostered—he needs to be on someone’s roster now.
If you take only one thing from this week’s breakdown, let it be this: there’s always an edge to be found if you’re aggressive and prepared. Scrutinize injuries, track rotations, and pounce before your league mates do. The fantasy grind never stops, and those with the strongest, most flexible benches will separate as the season rolls on. Good luck in week four, and keep those waiver claims sharp.
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Robbin Marx
NBA Fantasy Analyst
Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network