As March and the fantasy basketball playoffs arrive next week, managers are racing to strengthen their rosters for the final stretch. The focus keyword GG Jackson fantasy add applies as the waiver wire becomes increasingly competitive with valuable player additions becoming more scarce. To accommodate this urgency, the waiver threshold for roster inclusion in this column has dropped from 50% to 25%, giving teams more access to potential game-changers in the closing phase of the season.
Key Players to Target Before Playoff Push
Several emerging players like Maxime Raynaud, Jalen Smith, and Jarace Walker have gained traction, being rostered in over a quarter of Yahoo! fantasy leagues. Managers who have yet to claim these talents should do so quickly to boost their playoff chances. Alongside these names, there are other rising performers available, each offering distinct statistical contributions that can influence league outcomes.
Top Waiver Wire Candidates for Week 18
Here are the leading fantasy basketball waiver picks to consider this week, listed in order of recommendation:
- GG Jackson
- Nolan Traoré
- Gui Santos
- Day’Ron Sharpe
- Marvin Bagley III
- Olivier-Maxence Prosper
- Julian Strawther
- Brook Lopez
- Kris Dunn
- Jose Alvarado
- Precious Achiuwa
- Oso Ighodaro
GG Jackson’s Increasing Impact in Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson has emerged as a dominant fantasy option, especially with minimal competition for frontcourt opportunities late in the season. Jackson has excelled recently, averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, nearly 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 triples over his last seven games, six of which he started. His consistent scoring includes three consecutive games with at least 20 points and a standout 28-point, 9-rebound performance against Miami.
GG Jackson rushes to the rim and hammers it home! pic.twitter.com/2hEI7fuIxR— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026
Brooklyn Nets’ Frontcourt Options: Sharpe and Traoré
Day’Ron Sharpe, while recently returning to a bench role, remains a valuable asset due to Nic Claxton’s uncertain health. In six starts, Sharpe has recorded averages of 11.8 points, 7.8 boards, 3.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1 block, showcasing his all-around ability.
Nolan Traoré has become a fixture in Brooklyn’s starting lineup for 11 straight games, producing 15 points, 2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 triples over his last seven contests. Available in over 80% of fantasy leagues, Traoré offers a steady source of assists and steals, with scoring upside as an added bonus.
Veterans Making Essential Contributions
Brook Lopez is experiencing a resurgence with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging double-digit points and strong defensive stats like 1.5 blocks and over 1 steal per game across his previous eight matchups. He is poised to see increased playing time as the Clippers push into the postseason.
Gui Santos from the Golden State Warriors has been a reliable presence despite the team’s roster challenges. Over 10 games, Santos has averaged nearly 15 points, 5 rebounds, close to 4 assists, and solid defensive numbers, including 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.
GUIIII THREE 🗣️📺 #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/L04doTiM5C— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 22, 2026
Dallas, Sacramento, and Los Angeles Offer Solid Depth Adds
Marvin Bagley III has stepped up as Dallas Mavericks’ backup center, contributing nearly 12 points and 10 rebounds in fewer than 24 minutes over five games. With Daniel Gafford expected to miss time, Bagley III may earn starting minutes, increasing his value significantly.
Precious Achiuwa’s role has expanded for the Sacramento Kings due to injuries, giving him four consecutive starts. While his overall production is moderate, his ability to generate steals at an elite level makes him an attractive pickup.
Kris Dunn of the Clippers has started most games this season and has increased his assists output since James Harden’s trade. Over the last nine games, Dunn has provided nearly 8 points and 6 assists, alongside consistent steals and triples.
Emerging Talent and Deep-League Options
Memphis’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper has enjoyed a strong recent run, averaging 16.8 points, nearly 5 rebounds, and 2.4 triples in just over 26 minutes per game. His performance includes two 20+ point outings and a balanced stat line in a recent start.
New York Knicks’ Jose Alvarado has impressed since joining the team, delivering 10 points, 3.7 assists, and a notable 2.2 steals per game across six appearances, making him a strategic add for managers needing defensive stats.
GTA5️⃣😱 pic.twitter.com/ucULwfWLx1— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 22, 2026
Denver’s Julian Strawther has taken on an increased role amid injuries, averaging 15.5 points and over 2 triples per game in his six starts.
Phoenix Suns’ Oso Ighodaro serves primarily as Mark Williams’ backup but could become more valuable if Williams misses time, with recent averages of 8.6 points and 6 rebounds on efficient shooting during limited minutes.
Additional Waiver Wire Candidates to Monitor
Other notable waiver wire players include Dylan Harper, Jaylen Wells, Isaiah Joe, Nique Clifford, Khris Middleton, Tristan Vukčević, and Guerschon Yabusele. While these options vary in availability and impact, some may provide crucial depth during the fantasy playoffs depending on roster needs and injury developments.
Implications for Managers in the Fantasy Playoff Race
As the fantasy postseason looms, managers face a heightened sense of urgency to identify players poised for increased opportunities, especially those like GG Jackson with minimal frontcourt competition and consistent production. The waiver wire adjustments to a 25% rostered threshold broaden access, but quality remains limited, making timely roster moves essential. Attentive owners who capitalize on these under-the-radar options stand to gain significant advantages in their league title pursuits during this tense stretch.
GG Jackson rushes to the rim and hammers it home! pic.twitter.com/2hEI7fuIxR
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026
GUIIII THREE 🗣️
📺 #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/L04doTiM5C
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 22, 2026
GTA5️⃣😱 pic.twitter.com/ucULwfWLx1
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 22, 2026
