G
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
QB
Cade Cunningham
F
Paolo Banchero
C
Alperen Sengun
G
Keyonte George
Week 9 of the 2025-26 NBA season showcased elite offensive firepower and versatility across the league's top performers. Teams were settling into their mid-season rhythms, with several players emerging as consistent fantasy contributors worthy of waiver wire attention.
The following retrospective examines the standout performers from the completed week, evaluating their statistical outputs and impact on fantasy rosters.
Gilgeous-Alexander led all players this week with 185.90 fantasy points across his 3 games. The star guard compiled 98 points, 22 rebounds, 21 assists, 8 steals, and 5 blocks while committing 9 turnovers. His all-around production was exceptional, particularly his contribution from the perimeter defense where he accumulated multiple steals consistently.
For fantasy purposes, Gilgeous-Alexander remained a premium hold throughout this period. His elite scoring combined with secondary statistics made him one of the most valuable acquisitions any roster could have secured on the waiver wire.
Johnson delivered 167.60 fantasy points across his 3 games this week, posting 96 points, 33 rebounds, 24 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. The Atlanta forward showcased his playmaking ability alongside strong rebounding production, though he did turn the ball over 13 times during the stretch.
Johnson proved to be a valuable waiver wire target for managers seeking frontcourt depth. His rebounding and assist numbers elevated him above typical forward contributions, making him a worthy addition despite his turnover issues.
Brunson accumulated 155.20 fantasy points across 3 games with 94 points, 16 rebounds, 24 assists, and 3 steals. The Knicks guard maintained exceptional efficiency with just 3 turnovers, a strong indicator of careful ball-handling and decision-making throughout the week.
The elite point guard was locked onto most rosters, but for those who had passed on him, Week 9 demonstrated his value as a waiver wire asset. His low turnover rate combined with double-digit assists made him a model of modern guard production.
Banchero recorded 154.40 fantasy points in 3 games, accumulating 70 points, 37 rebounds, 26 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. The Orlando forward was a rebounding machine this week, leading his team in almost every category and demonstrating his versatility as a scoring and playmaking threat.
For fantasy managers on the waiver wire, Banchero represented excellent value. His ability to produce across multiple statistical categories made him a cornerstone piece for any roster seeking balanced production from the forward position.
Jokić finished with 153.70 fantasy points across his 3 games this week, tallying 62 points, 31 rebounds, 31 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. The Denver center's triple-double capacity was on full display, showcasing why he remains one of the league's most dominant forces despite the turnovers.
Jokić was an automatic roster fixture for fantasy purposes. His 31 assists combined with his rebounding made him invaluable, even as his 13 turnovers highlighted the turnover-prone nature of high-volume playmakers.
Ware produced 149.50 fantasy points over 3 games with 74 points, 45 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 blocks, and just 1 turnover. The Miami center was a rebounding specialist this week, accumulating one of the league's highest rebound totals and demonstrating elite rim protection.
For waiver wire purposes, Ware was an excellent target for managers seeking defensive production and rebounding. His minimal turnovers paired with shot-blocking made him a steal for teams needing center depth.
Davis gathered 149.20 fantasy points across 3 games, posting 74 points, 46 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks, and 1 steal. The Dallas forward dominated the glass, establishing himself as one of the week's premier rebounders while also contributing meaningfully on the defensive end.
Davis represented elite waiver wire value for fantasy teams. His rebounding prowess and defensive contribution made him a premium acquisition, particularly for managers seeking to strengthen their frontcourt.
Giddey accumulated 147.20 fantasy points in 3 games with 59 points, 26 rebounds, 30 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block. The Chicago guard was a facilitator and defender rolled into one, establishing himself as a unique playmaking talent with strong secondary production.
For waiver purposes, Giddey was valuable despite modest scoring. His combination of rebounds, assists, and steals created a diverse statistical profile that benefited fantasy rosters seeking guard play beyond pure scoring.
Durant posted 144.10 fantasy points over 3 games, accumulating 87 points, 23 rebounds, 15 assists, 5 blocks, and 1 steal. The Houston forward remained a scoring engine while also contributing across secondary categories, though his 11 turnovers were notable.
Durant was a waiver wire commodity based primarily on his elite scoring. His scoring volume combined with rebounding and shot-blocking made him attractive to managers seeking a perimeter scoring boost.
Cunningham recorded 139.20 fantasy points across 3 games with 65 points, 26 rebounds, 28 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. The Detroit guard showcased his playmaking ability while also generating secondary production from the backcourt position, an increasingly rare skill set.
For waiver wire evaluations, Cunningham was a solid addition. His assist and rebound totals from the guard position provided roster flexibility and differentiation from traditional scoring guards.
George compiled 137.20 fantasy points in 3 games with 81 points, 16 rebounds, 24 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. The Utah guard was a consistent scoring threat throughout the week while maintaining steady playmaking and defensive production.
As a waiver wire target, George offered solid scoring complemented by assist production. His consistency made him a reliable pickup for managers seeking backcourt depth during the mid-season period.
DeRozan generated 136.10 fantasy points across 3 games, posting 75 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, 9 steals, and 1 block. The Sacramento guard was a defensive force this week, accumulating one of the league's highest steal totals while maintaining solid scoring and playmaking.
DeRozan represented excellent waiver wire value for defensive-minded fantasy managers. His 9 steals combined with double-digit assists made him a premium pickup for teams seeking perimeter defense.
Avdija accumulated 134.50 fantasy points over 3 games with 77 points, 20 rebounds, 25 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. The Portland forward was a surprising facilitator this week, generating elite assist numbers while also contributing points and rebounds from the frontcourt.
For waiver purposes, Avdija was a valuable discovery. His ability to generate assists from the forward position provided statistical diversity that many managers overlooked.
Vučević recorded 133.80 fantasy points across 3 games with 57 points, 29 rebounds, 12 assists, 6 steals, and 3 blocks. The Chicago center balanced scoring limitations with strong rebounding and unexpected defensive production, making him a well-rounded contributor.
Vučević was a solid waiver wire option for managers seeking center depth. His rebounding and defensive contributions compensated for modest scoring, offering balanced statistical production.
Sengun posted 133.10 fantasy points in 3 games, accumulating 64 points, 23 rebounds, 15 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals. The Houston center provided versatile production with dual-position value, demonstrating defensive prowess alongside offensive contribution.
For waiver acquisitions, Sengun offered excellent value. His combination of defensive stats and assists from the center position made him a premium pickup for teams seeking all-around big man production.
For comprehensive fantasy basketball analysis, roster management tools, and continuing seasonal coverage, visit PlayCaller at playcallerapp.com. The platform provides detailed box score data, waiver wire recommendations, and projections to optimize your fantasy basketball experience throughout the entire 2025-26 season.
Get AI-powered waiver wire picks for your specific roster every week.
Start Free 7-Day TrialNo credit card. Cancel in under 10 seconds.