The final weeks of the NBA regular season are prime time for fantasy managers willing to scour the waiver wire. Injuries, rest days and tanking have opened the door for under-the-radar players to step into expanded roles and deliver surprising production. Whether it's a backup guard filling in for an injured star or a young forward finally getting consistent minutes, these opportunities can be league-winners for managers who act fast. Here are five waiver wire pickups generating real fantasy value right now — and why their production should hold up through the end of the regular season.
5 NBA Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups for the Final Stretch
Daniss Jenkins, Detroit Pistons 
Jenkins only appeared in seven games for the Pistons last season. He found his way onto the floor more often to begin this season, but he was still relegated to limited minutes off the bench. All that changed when Cade Cunningham (chest) went down in the middle of March. Jenkins not only took his spot in the starting lineup, but he has averaged 36 minutes over the eight games without him.
Jenkins has not only been helping run the Pistons offense, but he hasn't been shy about looking for his own shot. The result has been him averaging 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.1 three-pointers since stepping into the starting lineup. The Pistons are inching closer to locking down the top seed in the Eastern Conference, so there is no need for them to rush Cunningham
The final weeks of the NBA regular season are prime time for fantasy managers willing to scour the waiver wire. Injuries, rest days and tanking have opened the door for under-the-radar players to step into expanded roles and deliver surprising production. Whether it's a backup guard filling in for an injured star or a young forward finally getting consistent minutes, these opportunities can be league-winners for managers who act fast. Here are five waiver wire pickups generating real fantasy value right now — and why their production should hold up through the end of the regular season.
5 NBA Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups for the Final Stretch
Daniss Jenkins, Detroit Pistons
Jenkins only appeared in seven games for the Pistons last season. He found his way onto the floor more often to begin this season, but he was still relegated to limited minutes off the bench. All that changed when Cade Cunningham (chest) went down in the middle of March. Jenkins not only took his spot in the starting lineup, but he has averaged 36 minutes over the eight games without him.
Jenkins has not only been helping run the Pistons offense, but he hasn't been shy about looking for his own shot. The result has been him averaging 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.1 three-pointers since stepping into the starting lineup. The Pistons are inching closer to locking down the top seed in the Eastern Conference, so there is no need for them to rush Cunningham back. Their goal is likely to just get him back at some point in the playoffs. Those who scooped up Jenkins off the waiver wire should continue to receive valuable production from him.
Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors 
The Warriors are on a path to make the Play-In Tournament despite a rash of injuries. Jimmy Butler (Knee) won't be back and Stephen Curry (knee) has been sidelined since the end of January. It was reported Tuesday that Curry will likely miss at least two more games, but there is the potential that he returns Sunday. If he does, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him log limited minutes for at least a game or two.
Brandin Podziemski has been excellent since Curry hit the sidelines, but Payton has also quietly increased his fantasy value. Over his last 12 games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals. During that span, he shot a robust 66.7% from the field. Currently rostered in only 12% of CBS leagues, Payton can help managers in need of a guard, even if Curry returns Sunday.
Cody Williams, Utah Jazz 
The Jazz have taken tanking to another level this season. We haven't seen Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), Lauri Markkanen (hip) and Jusuf Nurkic (nose) in weeks. Keyonte George (hamstring) hasn't played since March 11 and may not return this season. Even Isaiah Collier (hamstring) has missed their last seven games.
As the Jazz's depth chart continues to dwindle, Williams has stepped into a prominent role. He is only averaging 23 minutes per game for the season, but he has averaged 35 minutes across his last 13 games. With that additional playing time, he averaged 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals. The Jazz like to push the pace and they play very little defense, which leads to high-scoring games that also benefit their own players on the offensive end of the court. Like Payton, Williams might still be on your waiver wire as he is rostered in just 39% of CBS leagues. There's no reason to think that his role will decline anytime soon.
Leonard Miller, Chicago Bulls 
After being a regular in the Play-In Tournament, the Bulls were on a path to making it again this season. They finally decided to change direction, becoming sellers at the trade deadline. They are not tanking, though, continuing to play key starters like Josh Giddey and Tre Jones. One of the young players that they acquired is Miller, who was mostly out of the rotation with the Timberwolves. The Bulls lack size, though, which opened up an opportunity for Miller to prove himself.
Miller is making a case to be in the Bulls' long-term plans. Over the last 11 games, he averaged 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 three-pointers. He shot 52.5% from the field and 77.8% from the charity stripe over 26 minutes per game. The Bulls play at the third-fastest pace in the league, which makes Miller even more appealing in fantasy. He is only rostered in 14% of CBS leagues. Expect him to remain in his current role.
Daeqwon Plowden, Sacramento Kings 
The Kings are well on their way to one of the worst records in the league. Not only are they missing some key starters because of injuries, but some of their other veterans have seen their playing time dwindle down the stretch. Russell Westbrook (toe) has missed seven of their last 10 games and does not have a timetable for a return. Malik Monk (shoulder) has sat out five of the last 10 games.
Plowden has been one of the young players who has been pushed into a larger role. He has averaged 31 minutes over his last 11 games, generating 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.8 three-pointers a night. He shot 37.3% from behind the arc during that span and can be a difference maker for fantasy managers who need help from behind the arc. Despite his hot shooting from three, Plowden is rostered in just 9% of CBS leagues.
