The finish line is finally in sight. For fantasy basketball managers who have survived the grueling months of the regular season to reach the championship round, the stakes could not be higher. As we enter the final week of the 2025-26 NBA season, the waiver wire is no longer about long-term potential—it is about immediate production, games played, and category-specific needs. With several teams resting veterans or pivoting toward youth development, new opportunities have opened up for players like Jeremiah Fears and Will Riley to become league winners.
The High-Upside Rookies: Jeremiah Fears and Will Riley
As the season winds down, teams out of the playoff hunt are handing the keys to their youngest talents. Jeremiah Fears has emerged as one of the most compelling fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups for the final stretch. Fears has seen a significant uptick in usage rate and minutes, proving he can contribute across multiple categories, particularly in points and steals. If your roster is suffering from late-season DNPs from your stars, Fears offers the high-ceiling energy needed to bridge the gap.
Similarly, Will Riley has become a must-add in most formats. Riley’s versatility allows him to slot into multiple positions, providing a unique blend of three-point shooting and secondary playmaking. For managers fighting in head-to-head categories like True Shooting percentage or triples, Riley’s efficiency during this final week could be the marginal difference between a trophy and a runner-up finish. Both players are seeing 30-plus minutes a night, which is the gold standard for waiver wire hunting in April.
Veteran Stability: Tre Jones and Collin Sexton
While rookies provide the upside, veterans provide the floor. Tre Jones remains one of the most reliable sources of assists and assist-to-turnover ratio available on the wire. With many primary ball-handlers seeing reduced minutes to preserve health, Jones’ steady hand in the backcourt is invaluable. He is a specialist who can single-handedly win you the assists category if you are in a tight battle.
Collin Sexton is another name that demands attention. Known for his aggressive scoring mentality, Sexton is a volume shooter who can provide a massive boost to your points and free-throw percentage. In the final week of the season, scoring often becomes erratic as rotations shift; having a proven bucket-getter like Sexton ensures that your offensive output remains consistent regardless of who else is on the floor.
Frontcourt Depth: Neemias Queta and Maxime Raynaud
If your team is struggling with rebounds and blocked shots, the waiver wire still holds a few gems. Neemias Queta has proven to be a per-minute monster whenever he sees the floor. His ability to impact the game defensively makes him a priority add for those needing a boost in defensive stats. Even in limited minutes, Queta’s high motor translates to fantasy relevance.
Joining him in the frontcourt conversation is Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud has shown flashes of being a double-double threat, utilizing his size and positioning to dominate the glass. For managers looking to solidify their big man rotation, Raynaud offers a reliable source of field goal percentage and rebounding without the high turnover risk associated with younger centers.
Filling the Gaps: Cameron Johnson and Naji Marshall
Success in the final week often comes down to the "glue guys" who fill out the middle of your roster. Cameron Johnson remains a premier target for those needing three-pointers and floor spacing. His role is secure, and his ability to catch fire from deep can flip the script on a weekly matchup in a single evening. On the other side of the ball, Naji Marshall provides the defensive versatility and hustle stats that often go overlooked. Marshall is the type of player who contributes a little bit of everything—points, rebounds, and the occasional steal—making him a safe floor play for managers who cannot afford a zero from their utility spot.
Key Targets for the Final Week
- Jeremiah Fears: High usage, scoring, and steals.
- Will Riley: Three-pointers and multi-position eligibility.
- Tre Jones: Elite assists and low turnovers.
- Brice Sensabaugh: Scoring punch for teams needing offensive volume.
- Daniss Jenkins: Late-season breakout potential in the backcourt.
Final Strategy for Championship Week
When navigating these fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups, remember to check your league’s remaining games schedule. A player with four games in the final week is almost always more valuable than a superior player with only two. Maximize your transactions early to ensure you aren't left with empty roster spots on the final Sunday. Whether it is the scoring of Brice Sensabaugh or the defensive grit of Naji Marshall, the right move today could be the reason you're celebrating a championship tomorrow.
Sources & Original Reporting
