Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 9: Top Under-Rostered NBA Sleepers to Target
Week 9 of the fantasy basketball season has arrived, bringing with it the usual mix of schedule normalization and injury-induced chaos. As managers navigate the mid-December grind, the waiver wire becomes the most critical tool for sustaining momentum or turning a struggling season around. With significant rotation shake-ups hitting contenders and lottery teams alike, several under-rostered players are poised to deliver immediate value.
The most pressing situation involves the Dallas Mavericks, where the frontcourt rotation has been upended. With Dereck Lively II unfortunately ruled out for the season due to a lingering foot issue, Naji Marshall (19% rostered) emerges as a priority add. Marshall has already shown flashes of versatility this season, and without Lively anchoring the paint, Dallas will rely heavily on Marshall’s defensive switchability and transition scoring. Expect his minutes to stabilize in the high 20s, making him a must-roster player in standard 9-category leagues.
In Orlando, Anthony Black (30% rostered) is finally having his breakout moment. The third-year guard is playing the best basketball of his young career, capitalizing on increased usage to deliver consistent counting stats. Black has evolved from a defensive specialist into a reliable playmaker who contributes across the board, making him a safe floor play for managers needing guard depth.
Perhaps the most intriguing name on the wire is Sacramento Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud. After flying under the radar, Raynaud has leapfrogged veterans Precious Achiuwa and Drew Eubanks in the rotation. Over his last three games, the rookie has averaged an impressive 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block in just 26 minutes. His soft touch on the short roll has added a new dimension to the Kings' offense, and his efficiency makes him a high-upside target.
Finally, look toward Cam Spencer of the Memphis Grizzlies (21% rostered) in points leagues. Spencer has carved out a consistent role and provides the perimeter shooting necessary to swing weekly matchups. Be aggressive this week; these windows of opportunity close quickly as savvy managers race to fill the voids left by recent injuries.
The most pressing situation involves the Dallas Mavericks, where the frontcourt rotation has been upended. With Dereck Lively II unfortunately ruled out for the season due to a lingering foot issue, Naji Marshall (19% rostered) emerges as a priority add. Marshall has already shown flashes of versatility this season, and without Lively anchoring the paint, Dallas will rely heavily on Marshall’s defensive switchability and transition scoring. Expect his minutes to stabilize in the high 20s, making him a must-roster player in standard 9-category leagues.
In Orlando, Anthony Black (30% rostered) is finally having his breakout moment. The third-year guard is playing the best basketball of his young career, capitalizing on increased usage to deliver consistent counting stats. Black has evolved from a defensive specialist into a reliable playmaker who contributes across the board, making him a safe floor play for managers needing guard depth.
Perhaps the most intriguing name on the wire is Sacramento Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud. After flying under the radar, Raynaud has leapfrogged veterans Precious Achiuwa and Drew Eubanks in the rotation. Over his last three games, the rookie has averaged an impressive 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block in just 26 minutes. His soft touch on the short roll has added a new dimension to the Kings' offense, and his efficiency makes him a high-upside target.
Finally, look toward Cam Spencer of the Memphis Grizzlies (21% rostered) in points leagues. Spencer has carved out a consistent role and provides the perimeter shooting necessary to swing weekly matchups. Be aggressive this week; these windows of opportunity close quickly as savvy managers race to fill the voids left by recent injuries.
