10 MUST ADD Waiver Wire Targets || NBA Fantasy Basketball WEEK 5
Waiver Wire advice for Week 5,
I spent way too much time researching to find the top 10 waiver wire targets so you could get a head start on your league mates before they even find out about these dudes.
Daniss Jenkins (Detroit Pistons)
Let’s get it started with Daniss Jenkins from the Detroit Pistons. This guy has been out here cooking with hot bacon grease. He’s only rostered in 7% of ESPN leagues. Since Cade Cunningham has been banged up, Jenkins has stepped up; he’s averaging 21 points, 7.5 assists, and six rebounds over the last few games. Completely undrafted in 2024, but making noise in 2025. While Cade is out, Jenkins is absolutely a must-add, and with Jaden Ivey also out, there may be more opportunity for standalone value even after Cade returns.
Brandon Williams (Dallas Mavericks)
Brandon Williams of the Dallas Mavericks should not be on anyone’s waiver wire at this point. Only 12% rostered, and over the last week he’s averaged about 28 minutes, 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2 steals. Dallas has experimented with Cooper Flagg at point guard, but Williams is taking over and thriving, filling in for Kyrie Irving and benefitting from other injuries. His uptick in assists and minutes makes him a multi-category contributor for any league type.
Vít Krejčí (Atlanta Hawks)
Vít Krejčí has quietly emerged as a hot option for streaming with the Atlanta Hawks. Only rostered in about 5% of ESPN leagues, Krejčí just logged 32 minutes, 20 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals off the bench in his last outing. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 19 points, 1.3 steals, nearly five triples, and over 60% shooting from the field. With Trae Young out, there is a pathway for consistent value and if trade rumors turn real, his season-long value could explode.
Max Christie (Los Angeles Lakers)
This isn’t the flashiest name, but Max Christie is producing. With 13% rostered, he has averaged 33.7 minutes a game over the last week for the Lakers. That comes with 11.7 points, 6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 7 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. When a young guard is seeing this kind of opportunity in the Lakers’ rotation, you do not leave him on the wire.
Royce O’Neale (Phoenix Suns)
Royce O’Neale continues to rack up stats and should be rostered in points and category leagues alike. He’s typically in the top 100 for points formats and scored 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 0.7 steals over his last week, with almost 25 minutes per night. He is especially valuable with Phoenix’s depth in flux after the Kevin Durant trade.
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Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz)
Ace Bailey has finally gotten his shot with the Utah Jazz. With recent starts due to injuries, Bailey is averaging 16 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals. Only 35.5% rostered, and with dynasty appeal, make sure you grab him before your league mates catch on.
Jordan Clarkson (New York Knicks)
Due to Jaylen Brunson’s absence, Jordan Clarkson has become a priority streamer with the New York Knicks (though he was most recently on the Jazz). In his recent Miami matchup, he played 33 minutes, put up 24 points, 5 boards, and 3 assists for 46 fantasy points. If you need scoring and volume, Clarkson is a plug-and-play solution, and he continues to deliver whenever he gets the minutes.
Vince Williams Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ season has been a disaster, but Vince Williams Jr. is a rare new bright spot. Just 4% rostered, he’s shooting 100% from the free throw line this year. Over the last week, he is playing 22.5 minutes, averaging 9.3 points, 6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and even giving you good defensive stats. While he’s not a long-term hold, he is a great streaming option for this week.
Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings)
Keon Ellis is on Sacramento’s radar due to various injuries. Recently hitting six threes in one game and three in another, Ellis is also known for defensive value—he’s averaging 1.8 steals per game over the last week and 1.5 on the season. Stream him for steals and threes, but don’t expect to hold him forever as the Kings get healthy.
Herbert Jones (New Orleans Pelicans)
Herbert Jones does more than just fill up the defensive categories for the New Orleans Pelicans. Only 18% rostered. Over the last week, he’s played 32.3 minutes, scoring 10.3 points with 2.7 rebounds, about 3.3 assists, and 1 steal per game. He is the ideal short-term streaming add with upside for more if the Pelicans keep battling injuries and rotation changes.
Now that you know the top waiver wire pickups for week five, get ready to take control and out-hustle your league on the wire. Good luck with your adds!
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Robbin Marx
NBA Fantasy Analyst
Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network