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NBA Waiver Wire Week 18 2026 — AI-Powered Pickup Targets

WEEK 18 · 2026 May 28, 2026

Week 18 of the 2025-26 NBA season delivered a showcase of elite fantasy performances, with several stars capitalizing on full three-game schedules to produce week-long stat lines that dominated waiver wire discussions. The week highlighted both established superstars maintaining their dominance and emerging players making compelling cases for sustained roster spots.

As we look back at the completed box scores from Week 18, the performances below defined which players separated themselves in fantasy value during this competitive stretch of the season.

Nikola Jokic (DEN) - C, 195.70 pts

Jokic produced the week's highest fantasy point total across his three games, accumulating 89 points, 46 rebounds, 25 assists, 7 steals, and 2 blocks while turning the ball over 13 times. His historic all-around output once again cemented his status as fantasy basketball's most reliable engine, with the rebound and assist totals particularly showcasing his unique ability to impact every statistical category across a full week of play.

This dominant week reinforced that Jokic remained the safest and most consistent fantasy anchor available, making him the gold standard for center production heading forward in the season.

Victor Wembanyama (SAS) - F, 187.60 pts

Wembanyama finished second in fantasy points for the week with 66 points, 43 rebounds, 14 assists, 15 blocks, and 3 steals across his three games, while managing just 5 turnovers. His elite defensive activity and rebounding prowess stood out, particularly the 15 blocks accumulated across the week, which illustrated his expanding impact on both ends of the floor.

This performance validated Wembanyama's emergence as a legitimate second-tier fantasy asset capable of competing with the league's most accomplished veterans on a weekly basis.

Cade Cunningham (DET) - G, 184.60 pts

Cunningham delivered an impressive week with 76 points, 23 rebounds, 36 assists, 8 blocks, and 4 steals across his three games, turning the ball over 9 times. The 36 assists across the week demonstrated his playmaking prowess, while the dual-position eligibility and overall stat diversity made him a valuable contributor to any fantasy lineup.

Cunningham's balanced production established him as one of the more underrated fantasy guards available on waivers, offering both scoring and elite assist totals that filled multiple statistical needs.

Jalen Johnson (ATL) - F, 153.60 pts

Johnson accumulated 74 points, 38 rebounds, 20 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals across his three games this week, with 11 turnovers. His rebounding volume remained elite for a forward, and the assist total suggested he was handling increased offensive responsibility within Atlanta's system.

This week validated Johnson as a consistent contributor capable of putting up solid two-way numbers, making him a reliable depth piece for fantasy teams seeking forward production with assist upside.

Tyrese Maxey (PHI) - G, 149.80 pts

Maxey led all guards in scoring output this week with 94 points across three games, adding 9 rebounds, 18 assists, 8 steals, and 2 blocks while recording 12 turnovers. His scoring volume and steal total revealed his strengthening role as Philadelphia's primary offensive option alongside his elite perimeter defense.

Maxey's week positioned him as a guard who could finally deliver the scoring volume that had been anticipated from his talent level, making him an increasingly valuable fantasy asset moving forward.

Kevin Durant (HOU) - F, 143.30 pts

Durant produced 83 points, 19 rebounds, 19 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals across his three games this week, turning the ball over 9 times. The balanced distribution of scoring and assists indicated he remained Houston's primary offensive weapon while still functioning as a secondary playmaker alongside the team's backcourt.

Durant's consistency and multi-category production ensured he remained a mainstay in fantasy lineups despite the increased competitive depth in the league this season.

Paolo Banchero (ORL) - F, 143.20 pts

Banchero tallied 72 points, 26 rebounds, 22 assists, 5 blocks, and 1 steal across his three games, with 11 turnovers. His assist total proved he was handling expanded playmaking duties, while the 26 rebounds demonstrated continued physical dominance on the boards.

This week showed Banchero developing into a more well-rounded fantasy asset, with the assist increase suggesting growing offensive maturity that could sustain his value through season's end.

Kawhi Leonard (LAC) - F, 133.20 pts

Leonard delivered 91 points across three games, paired with 16 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals while committing 10 turnovers. His scoring total led most forwards, underscoring Los Angeles' continued reliance on him as the offensive centerpiece during this stretch.

Leonard's week confirmed that he remained a top-tier fantasy option when healthy, with the scoring output validating his continued presence on championship rosters.

Desmond Bane (ORL) - G, 132.60 pts

Bane produced 87 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals, and 2 blocks across his three games this week, remarkably managing just 3 turnovers. His shooting volume remained elite, and the turnover efficiency was exceptional for a scoring guard of his usage level.

This efficient week highlighted Bane as a steady scoring guard option who could contribute efficiently without disrupting team chemistry or ball movement patterns.

Bennedict Mathurin (LAC) - G, 127.70 pts

Mathurin accumulated 85 points, 21 rebounds, 11 assists, 0 blocks, and 3 steals across his three games, turning the ball over 8 times. The 21 rebounds for a guard indicated he was crashing the offensive glass aggressively, complementing his solid scoring output.

Mathurin's week demonstrated growing offensive confidence and expanded responsibilities within the Clippers' system, making him an intriguing deeper league option.

Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) - C, 127.30 pts

Towns posted 74 points, 29 rebounds, 7 assists, 0 blocks, and 5 steals across his three games this week, managing 7 turnovers. His rebound total proved he was securing consistent possession wins, while his three-point volume continued to differentiate him among centers in the fantasy landscape.

This performance established Towns as a reliable scoring and rebounding center for New York, though his lack of defensive production remained a limiting factor in some formats.

Jarace Walker (IND) - F, 122.50 pts

Walker put together a well-rounded week with 49 points, 35 rebounds, 19 assists, 0 blocks, and 5 steals across three games, with 12 turnovers. His rebounding and assist output was exceptional for a 22-year-old forward, signaling expanded offensive responsibilities and physical intensity on the boards.

This breakout week suggested Walker was developing into a legitimate fantasy asset worthy of consistent roster consideration, particularly in deeper leagues seeking youth with production potential.

LaMelo Ball (CHA) - G, 122.40 pts

Ball delivered 66 points, 17 rebounds, 20 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals across his three games this week, remarkably efficient with just 3 turnovers. His assist total demonstrated continued playmaking excellence, while the turnover rate was among the best for high-usage guards.

Ball's efficient week reaffirmed his status as Charlotte's future franchise centerpiece, with the assist and turnover combination suggesting a maturing player entering his prime fantasy value years.

Jalen Brunson (NYK) - G, 121.30 pts

Brunson accumulated 72 points, 14 rebounds, 23 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals across his three games this week, turning the ball over 11 times. His assist total led most guards, reflecting his primary facilitator role in New York's halfcourt system, while the 72 points showed he remained a scoring threat despite reduced volume compared to previous seasons.

Brunson's week illustrated his evolution into a floor general archetype, making him valuable in assist-heavy fantasy formats despite modest scoring totals.

Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU) - F, 119.00 pts

Smith produced 67 points, 20 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals across his three games, turning the ball over just 5 times. His defensive activity stood out prominently, with the combined blocks and steals indicating he was developing into a legitimate two-way contributor for Houston's rotation.

Smith's efficient week with elite turnover management suggested he was finally establishing the defensive identity that scouts projected, making him a deeper-league gem for teams seeking defensive production alongside solid scoring.

Full 2025-26 NBA Season Archive

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