Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Best Week 12 Pickups
The "dog days" of the NBA season have officially arrived. As fantasy managers navigate Week 12, the waiver wire landscape is being reshaped by a fresh wave of injuries and rotation shuffles. With the trade deadline looming next month, securing depth now is critical for the playoff push. This week’s priority adds focus on players capitalizing on teammate absences to deliver elite production.
The headline pickup for Week 12 is Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz. The sophomore guard has finally been unleashed, averaging a stunning 10.0 points and 8.7 assists over his last 10 games. With the Jazz leaning heavily into their youth movement, Collier has taken command of the second unit and is closing games with increasing frequency. His assist numbers are elite for a waiver wire add, and while his shooting remains streaky, the volume is undeniable. If he is still available in your league, he is a must-add for managers needing dimes.
In the frontcourt, a familiar veteran face has resurfaced in a new uniform. Brook Lopez, now manning the middle for the Los Angeles Clippers, has become a vital streamer following the ankle injury to Ivica Zubac. Lopez has started five straight games, providing his signature blend of perimeter shooting and rim protection. While he no longer offers high-ceiling scoring nights, his ability to contribute blocks and three-pointers without hurting free-throw percentage makes him a perfect category specialist for the short term.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are dealing with a significant blow to their backcourt rotation. With Josh Giddey sidelined due to a hamstring strain, Ayo Dosunmu has stepped back into a primary playmaking role. Dosunmu has always been a per-minute producer, and with Giddey out, his usage rate is set to spike. Expect Dosunmu to provide solid points, steals, and assists as the Bulls navigate a heavy Week 12 schedule. Finally, keep an eye on Bilal Coulibaly of the Washington Wizards, who is gaining momentum after an injury-plagued start to the season and offers immense defensive upside.
The headline pickup for Week 12 is Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz. The sophomore guard has finally been unleashed, averaging a stunning 10.0 points and 8.7 assists over his last 10 games. With the Jazz leaning heavily into their youth movement, Collier has taken command of the second unit and is closing games with increasing frequency. His assist numbers are elite for a waiver wire add, and while his shooting remains streaky, the volume is undeniable. If he is still available in your league, he is a must-add for managers needing dimes.
In the frontcourt, a familiar veteran face has resurfaced in a new uniform. Brook Lopez, now manning the middle for the Los Angeles Clippers, has become a vital streamer following the ankle injury to Ivica Zubac. Lopez has started five straight games, providing his signature blend of perimeter shooting and rim protection. While he no longer offers high-ceiling scoring nights, his ability to contribute blocks and three-pointers without hurting free-throw percentage makes him a perfect category specialist for the short term.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are dealing with a significant blow to their backcourt rotation. With Josh Giddey sidelined due to a hamstring strain, Ayo Dosunmu has stepped back into a primary playmaking role. Dosunmu has always been a per-minute producer, and with Giddey out, his usage rate is set to spike. Expect Dosunmu to provide solid points, steals, and assists as the Bulls navigate a heavy Week 12 schedule. Finally, keep an eye on Bilal Coulibaly of the Washington Wizards, who is gaining momentum after an injury-plagued start to the season and offers immense defensive upside.
