F-C
Victor Wembanyama
QB
Cade Cunningham
G
Anthony Edwards
C
Donovan Clingan
G
Stephon Castle
Week 21 of the 2025-26 NBA season delivered several dominant performances from elite ball handlers and versatile forwards, with a handful of surprise contributors emerging on the waiver wire. The four-game and five-game weeks favored players with consistent offensive output and secondary stat contributions.
Here is a retrospective look at the top waiver wire pickups and performance standouts from the week that was.
Dončić was the week's most dominant performer across his four games, accumulating 148 points, 38 rebounds, 37 assists, 8 steals, and 5 blocks. His all-around production was nearly impossible to replicate, combining high-volume scoring with playmaking and elite perimeter defense contributions.
His league-leading fantasy total made him an obvious hold for any roster fortunate enough to have him, though those on the waiver wire hunt had little chance of acquiring a player of his caliber during the middle of the season.
Giddey finished second in weekly fantasy points with 231.90 across his four games, posting 84 points, 47 rebounds, 55 assists, 7 steals, and 1 block. His assist total was particularly impressive, showcasing his value as a facilitator in Chicago's offense alongside his unexpected rebounding contributions for a guard.
Giddey remained a strong depth option for teams seeking secondary playmaking and triple-double upside on the waiver wire during this stretch.
Despite playing only three games, Jokić was among the week's elite performers with 226.10 fantasy points, recording 71 points, 48 rebounds, 39 assists, 13 steals, and 4 blocks. His efficiency in limited action highlighted his elite two-way dominance and ability to impact winning in multiple statistical categories.
Jokić's availability status remained critical for fantasy managers, as his three-game week still produced elite scoring, suggesting full health and engagement in Denver's system.
Johnson contributed 215.20 fantasy points across four games with 95 points, 41 rebounds, 42 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. His balanced stat line demonstrated Atlanta's offensive diversity and Johnson's role as a wing capable of both scoring and facilitating in Mike Budenholzer's system.
Johnson's mid-tier production made him a solid depth addition for teams lacking forward flexibility during this week.
Flagg accumulated 199.50 fantasy points across a five-game week with 100 points, 35 rebounds, 35 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals. His 100-point scoring total highlighted Dallas's willingness to feature the young forward while his assist numbers underscored his expanded role in the Mavericks' offensive scheme.
Flagg's performance suggested growing importance to Dallas's rotation, making him an intriguing waiver addition for dynasty and season-long formats seeking long-term upside.
Cunningham posted 193.80 fantasy points across four games, with 79 points, 52 assists, 19 rebounds, 8 steals, and 1 block. His assist total was particularly noteworthy, further cementing his role as Detroit's primary offensive hub ahead of any potential trades.
His consistent playmaking made him a reliable waiver target for teams needing depth at the point guard position with genuine scoring support.
Booker accumulated 189.60 fantasy points across four games, leading with 141 points while adding 18 rebounds, 18 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. His offensive dominance and dual-assist responsibilities in Phoenix's backcourt fueled the bulk of his scoring output.
Booker's consistent scoring made him valuable on the waiver wire, though his lower peripheral stats relative to other guards limited his ceiling for fantasy purposes.
Reaves contributed 189.40 fantasy points across four games with 108 points, 26 assists, 22 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. His complementary role alongside Dončić allowed him to accumulate steady secondary playmaking and steal contributions while maintaining secondary scoring responsibilities.
Reaves remained a solid depth guard addition for waiver wire users seeking consistent mid-tier fantasy production without the ceiling limitations of lower-usage options.
Adebayo posted 185.80 fantasy points across three games, recording 124 points, 24 rebounds, 7 steals, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. His high-volume scoring in just three games suggested heavy playing time and aggressive offensive usage by Miami during this stretch.
Adebayo's production made him an excellent three-game week pickup for teams seeking rim protection and scoring depth at center.
Wembanyama accumulated 185.70 fantasy points across three games with 92 points, 36 rebounds, 13 assists, 10 blocks, and 4 steals. His shot-blocking total was elite, while his rebounding and scoring demonstrated San Antonio's commitment to featuring the young forward in expanded roles.
Wembanyama's defensive upside made him an attractive waiver addition for teams in need of elite blocks and rebounds from the forward position.
DeRozan produced 184.70 fantasy points across four games with 119 points, 25 assists, 11 rebounds, 7 steals, and 3 blocks. His scoring efficiency and playmaking contributions remained consistent, though his lower volume in secondary categories limited his overall ceiling compared to positional peers.
DeRozan remained a steady scoring source on the waiver wire for teams prioritizing perimeter offense without elite multi-category upside.
Buzelis recorded 182.00 fantasy points across four games, posting 110 points, 30 rebounds, 7 blocks, 6 assists, and 4 steals. His elite shot-blocking for a power forward position and strong rebounding made him a unique defensive contributor alongside his offensive scoring.
Buzelis emerged as a valuable waiver addition for teams seeking rim protection combined with forward scoring upside.
Clingan contributed 181.40 fantasy points across four games with 52 points, 52 rebounds, 12 blocks, 12 assists, and 4 steals. His rebounding and shot-blocking totals were elite, positioning him as a defensive anchor despite modest scoring output.
Clingan's defensive prowess made him an excellent waiver pickup for teams willing to prioritize rim protection and rebounding over scoring volume at the center position.
Castle accumulated 170.80 fantasy points across four games with 86 points, 34 rebounds, 34 assists, 2 steals, and 0 blocks. His exceptional rebounding and playmaking for a guard position suggested a unique role in San Antonio's system as a multi-positional facilitator.
Castle's unconventional skill set made him an interesting waiver experiment for teams seeking secondary playmaking with guard-sized scoring from an undersized floor general.
Edwards posted 167.10 fantasy points across four games, recording 111 points, 19 assists, 18 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. His scoring volume remained high, though his lower assist and secondary stat totals compared to elite playmakers limited his overall fantasy ceiling.
Edwards remained a reliable scoring source on the waiver wire for teams needing volume offense without expecting elite playmaking or perimeter defense contributions.
For comprehensive game logs, season-long tracking, and detailed waiver wire analytics throughout the entire 2025-26 NBA season, visit PlayCaller at playcallerapp.com. Stay ahead of the competition with real-time player data and customizable league insights.
Get AI-powered waiver wire picks for your specific roster every week.
Start Free 7-Day TrialNo credit card. Cancel in under 10 seconds.