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NBA Waiver Wire Week 20 2026 — AI-Powered Pickup Targets

WEEK 20 · 2026 May 28, 2026

Week 20 of the 2025-26 NBA season delivered elite performances from top-tier fantasy contributors, with several star players logging heavy minutes and strong all-around production. The waiver wire landscape continued to reward strategic pickups and highlight emerging depth pieces who filled critical roster gaps.

This retrospective examines the standout fantasy performers who shaped Week 20 outcomes and determined the trajectory of numerous fantasy campaigns heading into the final stretch of the season.

Victor Wembanyama (SAS) — F, 238.90 pts

Wembanyama dominated across his four games this week, tallying 104 points, 42 rebounds, nine assists, 19 blocks, and six steals while managing just four turnovers. His elite defensive versatility and shot-blocking prowess were on full display, establishing him as a cornerstone fantasy asset in the frontcourt.

The San Antonio forward's consistent week reinforced his status as a must-own player in 2025-26 fantasy leagues, with his combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive upside proving difficult to replace on the wire.

Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) — C, 235.00 pts

Towns delivered elite production across five games this week, accumulating 115 points, 70 rebounds, 18 assists, three blocks, and three steals alongside nine turnovers. His rebounding volume was particularly impressive, establishing him as a critical interior presence for the Knicks despite the high turnover total.

The New York center's performance highlighted his value as both a scoring and rebounding outlet, making him a reliable fantasy contributor whose presence on rosters proved invaluable throughout Week 20.

Luka Dončić (LAL) — F, 230.10 pts

Dončić showcased his all-around excellence across four games, posting 133 points, 38 rebounds, 23 assists, nine steals, and three blocks while accumulating 19 turnovers. His playmaking and scoring were elite, though the turnover count reflected his aggressive offensive approach.

The Lakers star remained a fantasy cornerstone despite turnover concerns, delivering the offensive firepower and playmaking that made him a perennial top-tier fantasy option throughout the season.

Jalen Brunson (NYK) — G, 204.10 pts

Brunson orchestrated the Knicks' offense across five games this week, distributing 55 assists while contributing 103 points, 18 rebounds, four steals, and zero blocks alongside 15 turnovers. His assist volume was extraordinary, establishing him as one of the league's premier playmakers.

The New York point guard's facilitating abilities proved essential for fantasy rosters seeking consistent helper production, cementing his value as a primary ball handler in high-volume offenses.

Bam Adebayo (MIA) — C, 196.40 pts

Adebayo delivered versatile production across four games, accumulating 92 points, 37 rebounds, 16 assists, nine steals, and four blocks while minimizing turnovers at just three. His two-way dominance on both ends of the court exemplified his fantasy appeal.

The Miami center's balanced stat sheet made him an excellent fantasy investment, providing scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals in a package that addressed multiple category needs simultaneously.

Kawhi Leonard (LAC) — F, 194.30 pts

Leonard starred across four games this week, posting 116 points, 29 rebounds, 15 assists, eight steals, and zero blocks while turning the ball over just three times. His efficient scoring and defensive contributions established him as a consistency anchor for fantasy squads.

The Clippers forward's clean stat line and high-volume scoring made him a reliable fantasy addition whose balanced approach minimized negative category contributors.

Nikola Jokić (DEN) — C, 185.30 pts

Jokić displayed his trademark excellence across three games this week, tallying 98 points, 34 rebounds, 31 assists, three steals, and two blocks alongside 15 turnovers. Despite limited games played, his per-contest production remained elite in both scoring and playmaking categories.

The Denver center's injury-limited week still produced strong fantasy returns, with his playmaking volume cementing his status as a top-tier fantasy option despite reduced opportunity.

Paolo Banchero (ORL) — F, 177.40 pts

Banchero contributed across four games this week, amassing 111 points, 37 rebounds, 18 assists, two steals, and one block while logging 14 turnovers. His high-volume scoring and rebounding made him a consistent presence in fantasy lineups.

The Orlando forward's week demonstrated solid depth value for fantasy rosters seeking secondary scoring and rebounding contributions at the forward position.

OG Anunoby (NYK) — F, 174.80 pts

Anunoby appeared in all five games this week, collecting 100 points, 29 rebounds, 10 steals, eight assists, and three blocks while accounting for 11 turnovers. His steals total was particularly notable, showcasing his elite perimeter defense.

The Knicks defender provided consistent fantasy production grounded in defensive upside, making him a valuable complementary piece for rosters prioritizing steals and three-and-d contributions.

Kyle Filipowski (UTA) — C, 171.70 pts

Filipowski impressed across four games this week, posting 59 points, 51 rebounds, 17 assists, six blocks, and six steals while logging 10 turnovers. His rebounding volume and defensive production made him an intriguing waiver wire asset with unexpected utility.

The Utah big man's week highlighted emerging depth value in the center position, with his combination of rebounding and defensive stats providing relative scarcity in the waiver pool.

Kel'el Ware (MIA) — C, 165.80 pts

Ware delivered high-impact defensive production across four games, recording 13 blocks, 13 steals, 34 rebounds, 49 points, and two assists while managing just five turnovers. His defensive versatility was exceptional despite minimal offensive involvement.

The Miami reserve's elite defensive week represented a waiver wire treasure, with his blocks and steals total offering rare category value for rosters seeking defensive specialists off the bench.

Devin Booker (PHX) — G, 161.40 pts

Booker accumulated 106 points, 22 assists, 17 rebounds, four steals, and one block across four games this week, alongside 13 turnovers. His scoring and playmaking remained consistent cornerstones for Phoenix's offense.

The Suns backcourt leader provided reliable fantasy output grounded in scoring and assist production, making him a steady contributor despite occasional turnover struggles.

Trey Murphy III (NOP) — F, 161.40 pts

Murphy produced across four games this week, posting 88 points, 22 rebounds, 16 assists, seven steals, and two blocks while limiting turnovers to four. His balanced contributor profile made him a dependable depth option.

The New Orleans forward's week exemplified valuable waiver wire production from secondary scoring options, with his clean efficiency and defensive contributions appealing to budget-conscious fantasy managers.

Tyler Herro (MIA) — G, 160.90 pts

Herro appeared in four games, accumulating 105 points, 22 rebounds, 19 assists, two steals, and one block alongside eight turnovers. His combination of scoring and playmaking demonstrated expanded offensive responsibilities within Miami's system.

The Heat guard's week showcased versatile backcourt depth, with his scoring volume and assist production providing viable fantasy value alongside elite teammates.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) — G, 158.40 pts

Gilgeous-Alexander appeared in just three games this week, producing 88 points, 28 assists, 17 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks while posting seven turnovers. His playmaking and scoring remained elite despite limited opportunity.

The Oklahoma City star's per-game contributions remained franchise-defining, with his exceptional efficiency providing strong fantasy value despite reduced games played.

Full 2025-26 NBA Season Archive

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