G
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
G
Donovan Mitchell
QB
Cade Cunningham
G
Anthony Edwards
C
Donovan Clingan
Week 16 of the 2025-26 NBA season delivered a star-studded waiver wire performance, with several league-leading playmakers dominating the fantasy scoreboard across a four-game slate. Denver's dynamic duo continued their elite run, while breakout performers from smaller markets proved that depth opportunities could rival established superstars on any given week.
The waiver wire landscape shifted dramatically as scoring leaders and secondary contributors alike put up impressive fantasy totals, signaling which players remained must-have assets heading into the latter stages of the season.
Across his 4 games this week, Jokic compiled 98 points, 57 rebounds, 42 assists, 6 blocks, and 5 steals while recording 15 turnovers. The Denver big man remained the most dominant fantasy asset on the board, leveraging his elite playmaking and rebounding prowess to accumulate the week's highest fantasy point total.
His continued excellence made any waiver wire activity surrounding Jokic irrelevant for most leagues, as he was either rostered from the draft or unavailable. For the few teams without him, the opportunity to acquire his services had passed long ago.
Across his 4 games this week, Murray dropped 116 points while dishing 36 assists and collecting 17 rebounds, along with 2 blocks and 2 steals against 8 turnovers. The Denver guard ran the offense efficiently and maintained strong offensive volume alongside Jokic.
Murray's consistent secondary star status meant he was drafted in most formats and unavailable on waivers. His production validated the heavy investment Denver made in maintaining their two-star core.
Across his 4 games this week, Edwards erupted for 118 points, 23 rebounds, and 17 assists while adding 7 steals and 4 blocks against 12 turnovers. The Minnesota guard showcased elite two-way production, establishing himself as a true scoring and defensive menace.
Edwards had been a draft priority for most fantasy managers, but his elite week reinforced why missing out on him represented a significant draft-day loss for non-rostered teams.
Across his 4 games this week, Collier distributed 52 assists while scoring 75 points and collecting 17 rebounds, 10 steals, and 0 blocks against 13 turnovers. The Utah point guard's assist volume stood out as elite for the week, marking him as a facilitator operating at the highest level.
Collier had been a consistent waiver wire target throughout the season, and his Week 16 explosion cemented his status as a priority pickup for teams seeking backcourt help and assist production.
Across his 3 games this week, Johnson contributed 82 points, 36 rebounds, 34 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks against 8 turnovers. The Atlanta forward delivered balanced all-around production with particular emphasis on rebounding and playmaking.
Johnson established himself as a cornerstone waiver wire asset for Atlanta, offering positional flexibility and contributed across multiple categories at above-average rates for his playing time.
Across his 4 games this week, Suggs compiled 54 points, 24 rebounds, 33 assists, 13 steals, and 7 blocks against 10 turnovers. The Orlando guard delivered exceptional defensive production and solid secondary playmaking that translated into premium fantasy value.
Suggs emerged as a consistent waiver wire darling, offering elite steal numbers and complementary scoring that made him attractive for managers building defensive-minded rosters.
Across his 4 games this week, Cunningham posted 103 points, 32 assists, 24 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block against 14 turnovers. The Detroit playmaker maintained strong offensive volume while facilitating efficiently for his teammates.
Cunningham's steady week-to-week production kept him relevant on waiver wires, though his higher turnover rate limited his ceiling for some fantasy formats.
Across his 4 games this week, Brunson scored 106 points, dished 25 assists, and grabbed 16 rebounds while adding 6 steals against 8 turnovers. The New York guard established himself as New York's lead facilitator with reliable scoring and solid defensive contributions.
Brunson's consistent production made him a valued waiver wire option for teams seeking backcourt depth with offensive creation capabilities.
Across his 3 games this week, Mitchell scored 96 points, distributed 23 assists, and collected 8 steals and 4 blocks against 7 turnovers. The Cleveland guard continued delivering impressive two-way impact despite reduced games played.
Mitchell's elite per-game production maintained his status as a high-value asset, though his limited availability that week prevented waiver wire scavenging opportunities.
Across his 4 games this week, Clingan pulled down 58 rebounds while scoring 62 points, adding 8 blocks and 9 assists against 5 turnovers. The Portland center dominated the boards and delivered elite rim protection.
Clingan's rebounding-heavy profile made him a waiver wire target for managers needing interior production and defensive upside.
Across his 4 games this week, Maxey scored 99 points, dished 26 assists, and collected 14 rebounds and 8 steals against 12 turnovers. The Philadelphia guard remained explosive offensively while contributing solid secondary production across multiple categories.
Maxey's dual-threat profile kept him in demand on waiver wires, as his scoring and playmaking provided dual-position flexibility.
Across his 4 games this week, James scored 84 points, dished 37 assists, and pulled 20 rebounds while adding 5 steals and 2 blocks against 19 turnovers. The Los Angeles veteran continued leveraging his elite passing ability to orchestrate the Lakers offense.
James's consistent all-around contribution remained valuable despite higher turnover rates, establishing him as a reliable waiver wire option for teams seeking facilitating forward production.
Across his 3 games this week, Leonard scored 97 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, and distributed 13 assists while adding 7 steals against 8 turnovers. The Los Angeles Clippers forward balanced scoring and defensive contributions effectively during limited availability.
Leonard's elite per-game average maintained his status as a high-value asset, though his reduced games played limited waiver wire relevance that particular week.
Across his 4 games this week, Alexander-Walker scored 78 points, distributed 27 assists, and grabbed 21 rebounds while recording 6 steals and 1 block against 7 turnovers. The Atlanta guard established himself as a versatile secondary creator.
Alexander-Walker represented a steady waiver wire addition for teams seeking backcourt depth with solid playmaking and defensive upside.
Across his 3 games this week, Castle scored 72 points, distributed 22 assists, and collected 22 rebounds and 9 steals while adding 3 blocks against 12 turnovers. The San Antonio guard delivered exceptional per-game production despite reduced availability.
Castle's elite defensive metrics and all-around contribution made him a waiver wire priority for managers seeking young talent with upside potential.
For complete season archives, historical data, and advanced fantasy analytics to track waiver wire performance throughout the entire 2025-26 campaign, visit PlayCaller at playcallerapp.com.
Get AI-powered waiver wire picks for your specific roster every week.
Start Free 7-Day TrialNo credit card. Cancel in under 10 seconds.