NBA Fantasy Waiver Wire: March 2026 Boosts
We’re well into March, and the fantasy basketball playoffs are either in full swing or just around the corner for most leagues. This is the time of year when injuries, unexpected rotation changes, and players getting extended looks can completely swing a championship. The waiver wire isn’t just about filling a roster spot; it's about finding that diamond in the rough who can provide a week-winning boost in points, rebounds, assists, or even steals and blocks. Let's look at some players who are trending up and deserve a serious look for your fantasy squad.
Remember, these are deeper dives, not your everyday starters. We’re looking for players owned in 50% or less of leagues, with an eye towards those available in 20-30% of leagues or more. The goal is to find immediate production for the next 2-3 weeks.
Point Guards Stepping Up
Malik Monk, PG/SG, Sacramento Kings
De'Aaron Fox has been dealing with a nagging hamstring issue, causing him to miss a few games recently and play limited minutes in others. This has opened the door for Malik Monk to run the offense more frequently. Monk has always been a scorer, but his assist numbers have jumped with the increased ball-handling duties. He's also a surprisingly efficient source of steals. The Kings are in a tight playoff race, and they'll lean on Monk's scoring punch even when Fox is on the court, but his value skyrockets when Fox is out or limited.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 25-28 MPG): 17.5 PPG, 2.8 REB, 5.5 AST, 1.2 STL, 2.5 3PTM, 44% FG, 85% FT.
T.J. McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton's minutes have been managed more carefully in recent weeks, and Andrew Nembhard has been inconsistent. This has led to T.J. McConnell getting more run off the bench, often closing out games. McConnell is a classic "per-minute" monster, especially in assists and steals. He doesn't shoot many threes, but his field goal percentage is usually excellent for a guard, and he rarely turns the ball over. If you need assists and steals, and don't mind sacrificing some scoring, McConnell is your guy, especially if Haliburton continues to be eased back.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 20-23 MPG): 8.0 PPG, 2.0 REB, 6.0 AST, 1.8 STL, 0.2 3PTM, 52% FG, 75% FT.
Big Men Making Noise
Onyeka Okongwu, C/PF, Atlanta Hawks
Clint Capela has been out with an ankle sprain, and while the Hawks hope he returns soon, his recovery has been slower than expected. This has given Onyeka Okongwu a clear path to starter's minutes. Okongwu is an elite shot-blocker and a strong rebounder. He's also shown flashes of improved offensive game around the rim. The Hawks are fighting for a play-in spot, so they’ll need his energy and defense. Even when Capela returns, Okongwu could retain significant minutes, especially if Capela is eased back into action.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 28-30 MPG): 12.5 PPG, 9.0 REB, 1.0 AST, 0.8 STL, 2.0 BLK, 65% FG, 70% FT.
Jericho Sims, C, New York Knicks
The Knicks have been hit hard by injuries in their frontcourt. Mitchell Robinson is still recovering, and Isaiah Hartenstein has been battling minor ailments. This has opened the door for Jericho Sims to get significant minutes. Sims is primarily a rebounder and shot-blocker, but he's also a decent finisher around the rim. He won't give you much in terms of scoring or assists, but if you're desperate for boards and blocks, he's a strong option, particularly in deeper leagues. His value is directly tied to the health of Robinson and Hartenstein, so monitor their status closely.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 20-24 MPG): 7.0 PPG, 8.5 REB, 0.5 AST, 0.5 STL, 1.3 BLK, 68% FG, 60% FT.
Shooters and Scorers on a Roll
Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are a team in flux, and with Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges both seeing heavy defensive attention, Dorian Finney-Smith has been getting more open looks from deep. He's been hitting them at a good clip recently, and his defensive contributions (steals and blocks) are always a bonus. He's not a high-volume scorer, but his ability to hit threes and contribute across multiple categories makes him a valuable streaming option, especially if you need some defensive stats and outside shooting.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 28-30 MPG): 11.0 PPG, 4.5 REB, 1.5 AST, 1.0 STL, 0.5 BLK, 2.5 3PTM, 43% FG, 78% FT.
Luke Kennard, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are playing out the string, and with many of their key players either injured or shut down, Luke Kennard is getting all the minutes he can handle. He's a pure shooter and will launch threes whenever he gets an inch of space. His value is almost entirely tied to his three-pointers, but in category leagues where you need that boost, he's a prime target. Don't expect much else, but if you’re trailing in threes, Kennard can help you catch up quickly.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 25-28 MPG): 13.0 PPG, 2.5 REB, 2.0 AST, 0.5 STL, 3.5 3PTM, 42% FG, 90% FT.
Dynamic Contributors
Keyonte George, PG/SG, Utah Jazz
The Jazz are in full development mode, and Keyonte George has been given the keys to the offense. He's had some rough shooting nights, but his assists have been steadily climbing, and he's capable of big scoring outbursts. He's a high-usage player, which means more opportunities for points and assists, even if his efficiency isn't always great. If you can tolerate some lower percentages, George is a great source of points, assists, and threes. He's a gamble, but one with high upside in the fantasy playoffs.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 30-32 MPG): 16.0 PPG, 3.0 REB, 7.0 AST, 0.8 STL, 2.5 3PTM, 39% FG, 80% FT.
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are another team dealing with significant injuries, particularly in their frontcourt. Precious Achiuwa has been a beneficiary, seeing increased minutes and a more prominent role. He's a good rebounder and can block shots, and he's shown flashes of expanding his offensive game, including hitting some threes. His production can be a bit volatile, but the opportunity is there for him to put up solid numbers across the board, especially in rebounds, blocks, and decent scoring.
Projected Stats (next 2 weeks, assuming 26-29 MPG): 10.5 PPG, 7.5 REB, 1.5 AST, 0.8 STL, 1.2 BLK, 0.8 3PTM, 48% FG, 65% FT.
As always, keep a close eye on injury reports and rotation changes. The NBA scene shifts quickly, especially in March. Good luck in your fantasy playoffs!