NBA Fantasy Weekly Advice: March 9, 2026
We’re deep into the fantasy playoffs for many leagues, and every decision, every waiver wire pickup, can make or break your championship hopes. For those in head-to-head formats, you’re likely in the thick of a critical matchup. Rotisserie players are eyeing those final category boosts. Let's get into the moves that matter this week.
Waiver Wire Pickups (Under 50% Rostered)
1. Malik Monk (SG/PG - Sacramento Kings): Monk has been on a tear, averaging 21.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals over his last four games. De'Aaron Fox missed one of those games, but even with Fox active, Monk's usage has been high. He’s shooting 47% from the field and hitting 3.5 threes per contest in that span. The Kings have a four-game week (vs. PHI, vs. CHI, vs. CLE, at ORL), offering plenty of opportunity for Monk to contribute across multiple categories. If you need scoring, assists, and a few threes, Monk is your guy. His roster percentage is still hovering around 45% in many leagues, making him a prime target.
2. Daniel Gafford (C - Washington Wizards): Gafford has been a consistent source of blocks and rebounds since the All-Star break. Over his last five games, he's averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. The Wizards are playing at a fast pace, and Gafford is getting plenty of opportunities around the rim. He shot 65% from the field in February. While his free throw percentage can be a drag (58% for the season), his defensive stats are too good to ignore, especially if you’re in a category league needing blocks. The Wizards have a three-game week (at MEM, vs. LAL, at DET), which is slightly lower volume, but his per-game impact is strong. He's available in over 60% of leagues.
3. Jalen Suggs (PG/SG - Orlando Magic): Suggs has quietly put together a solid stretch, showcasing his defensive prowess. Over his last six games, he’s averaging 13.0 points, 3.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks. His shooting percentages can fluctuate, but he’s been hitting 1.7 threes per game in that period. The Magic have a four-game week (vs. IND, at MIA, vs. SAC, vs. PHI), providing a good schedule. If you need steals and a little bit of everything else, Suggs is a strong add, especially in deeper leagues or those that value defensive stats highly. His roster percentage is around 35%.
4. Xavier Tillman (PF/C - Memphis Grizzlies): With Jaren Jackson Jr. dealing with a minor knee issue and Brandon Clarke still sidelined, Tillman has seen an increased role. In his last three games, he's averaged 9.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks. While his scoring isn’t high, he’s a solid rebounder and provides defensive stats. The Grizzlies have a three-game week (vs. WAS, at OKC, at MIL). If you need a big man who can contribute rebounds and blocks without hurting your percentages too much, Tillman is a good streaming option, especially if Jackson Jr. misses more time. He's widely available, often under 15% rostered.
Start/Sit Decisions
Start: Keldon Johnson (SF/PF - San Antonio Spurs) Johnson has found his rhythm recently, averaging 20.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over his last four games. He's shooting 48% from the field and 40% from three during this stretch. The Spurs have a fantastic four-game schedule this week (vs. DAL, vs. GSW, at DEN, vs. DAL), with favorable matchups for scoring. His usage rate has been consistently high, and he’s a reliable source of points and rebounds. Don’t overthink it; get him in your lineup.
Sit: Miles Bridges (SF/PF - Charlotte Hornets) Bridges has been inconsistent since the All-Star break. While he can have big scoring nights, his efficiency has dipped, and his peripheral stats are down. Over his last five games, he's averaging 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, but on just 39% shooting from the field. The Hornets have a tough three-game week (at DET, vs. BOS, at TOR). While he might still get you some points, his poor percentages could hurt you, especially in close matchups. Consider benching him for someone with a better schedule or more consistent production.
Start: Alperen Sengun (C - Houston Rockets) Sengun has been a fantasy beast all season, but some might be worried about his recent ankle tweak. However, he returned to action last game and put up 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Rockets have a four-game week (at OKC, vs. PHO, vs. UTA, at NOP), and Sengun is central to their offense. He provides elite big-man assists, strong rebounding, and good scoring. Unless there’s a new injury report, he’s a must-start.
Sit: Wendell Carter Jr. (C - Orlando Magic) Carter Jr. has been battling injuries and inconsistent play all season. While the Magic have a four-game week, his production has been underwhelming. Over his last five games, he’s averaging just 8.0 points and 6.4 rebounds, with minimal defensive stats. His minutes have fluctuated, and he’s not the consistent double-double threat he once was. There are better options available on the waiver wire or on your bench who can provide more reliable production.
Trade Targets
Buy Low: Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF/C - Memphis Grizzlies) Jackson Jr. has been dealing with a minor knee issue, which has led to some missed games and slightly decreased production in others. This is the perfect window to acquire him if his owner is panicking or needs immediate production. When healthy, Jackson Jr. is an elite source of blocks, points, and threes. He averages 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game on the season. His knee issue is not considered serious, and the Grizzlies will need him fully healthy for their playoff push. Offer a player who has been hot recently but has a lower ceiling. Think about offering a player like Jusuf Nurkic or a streaking guard like Jordan Poole (if you can stomach his other stats) to get a top-tier fantasy asset.
Sell High: Paul George (SF/PF - Los Angeles Clippers) George has been playing exceptionally well lately, averaging 25.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.8 steals over his last five games. He’s shooting 52% from the field and 45% from three in that stretch. While he’s a fantastic player, George has a history of late-season injuries and load management. With the Clippers vying for playoff positioning, they might be cautious with his minutes down the stretch. If you can get a top-20 player who has a more stable injury history or a better playoff schedule, now is the time to sell high on George. Look for a player like Pascal Siakam or Dejounte Murray, who have been consistently producing and have fewer injury concerns.
Buy Low: Tyrese Haliburton (PG - Indiana Pacers) Haliburton has been in a bit of a slump recently, especially with his scoring efficiency. Over his last six games, he’s averaging 17.0 points and 10.5 assists, but on just 38% shooting from the field. He’s also had a few games with higher turnovers. This dip in efficiency might make some owners nervous. However, Haliburton is still one of the league's premier assist men and can rack up steals and threes. His shooting will normalize. The Pacers have a competitive playoff schedule, and Haliburton is their engine. Offer a player who is currently overperforming or has a lower long-term ceiling. A package involving a consistent scorer like Anfernee Simons or a rebounding big like Nic Claxton could be enough to pry Haliburton away.
Good luck this week! Make those smart moves and push for that championship.