Fantasy Basketball 2025-2026: The 10 best reserve players off the bench and into your lineups
The mid-January grind is officially here, and for fantasy basketball managers, this is the time of year that separates contenders from pretenders. As injuries pile up and rotations tighten ahead of the All-Star break, finding reliable production on the waiver wire feels increasingly difficult. However, a deeper look at the league reveals a crop of reserve players who are not only filling gaps but delivering starter-level value.
Leading the pack is Donte DiVincenzo, who has become indispensable for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Averaging over 32 minutes a night, DiVincenzo is shooting a blistering 38% from deep, making him a priority add for any team needing threes and steals. In the Western Conference, Peyton Watson has emerged as a defensive savant for the Denver Nuggets. With the Nuggets navigating frontcourt injuries, Watson’s ability to rack up "stocks"—steals and blocks—while maintaining a high field-goal percentage provides a rare boost in category leagues.
The "next man up" mentality has also benefited Naji Marshall in Dallas. Marshall has capitalized on a banged-up Mavericks rotation, offering consistent scoring and rebounding numbers that stabilize lineups. Similarly, Aaron Nesmith has stepped into a larger role for the Indiana Pacers, providing steady wing production, while Cam Spencer has carved out a niche in Memphis as one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter specialists.
For managers seeking frontcourt help, Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate and Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart are essential targets. Diabate has been a rebounding machine in limited minutes, while "Beef Stew" continues to provide physical defense and double-double potential. Portland’s Toumani Camara and Phoenix’s Royce O'Neale round out the veteran defensive specialists who contribute across multiple categories without hurting efficiency.
Finally, keep an eye on the rookies. Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles is flashing immense athletic upside, and Washington’s Tre Johnson is beginning to find his scoring rhythm. These ten reserves have graduated from the waiver wire watch list to must-start status, offering the depth required to survive the long winter stretch of the 2025-2026 season.
Leading the pack is Donte DiVincenzo, who has become indispensable for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Averaging over 32 minutes a night, DiVincenzo is shooting a blistering 38% from deep, making him a priority add for any team needing threes and steals. In the Western Conference, Peyton Watson has emerged as a defensive savant for the Denver Nuggets. With the Nuggets navigating frontcourt injuries, Watson’s ability to rack up "stocks"—steals and blocks—while maintaining a high field-goal percentage provides a rare boost in category leagues.
The "next man up" mentality has also benefited Naji Marshall in Dallas. Marshall has capitalized on a banged-up Mavericks rotation, offering consistent scoring and rebounding numbers that stabilize lineups. Similarly, Aaron Nesmith has stepped into a larger role for the Indiana Pacers, providing steady wing production, while Cam Spencer has carved out a niche in Memphis as one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter specialists.
For managers seeking frontcourt help, Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate and Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart are essential targets. Diabate has been a rebounding machine in limited minutes, while "Beef Stew" continues to provide physical defense and double-double potential. Portland’s Toumani Camara and Phoenix’s Royce O'Neale round out the veteran defensive specialists who contribute across multiple categories without hurting efficiency.
Finally, keep an eye on the rookies. Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles is flashing immense athletic upside, and Washington’s Tre Johnson is beginning to find his scoring rhythm. These ten reserves have graduated from the waiver wire watch list to must-start status, offering the depth required to survive the long winter stretch of the 2025-2026 season.
