Washington Wizards guard Will Riley has captured the attention of fantasy basketball managers with a significant surge in his value this week, increasing by 11.31% to reach an overall ownership of 29.29%. Riley, a rookie making his mark during the 2025-26 NBA season, has appeared in 51 games with three starts, averaging solid contributions across points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in just 17.5 minutes per game.
His recent performances have been particularly impressive, outscoring expectations by posting double-digit points in nine of the 12 games he played in February. During the month, Riley averaged 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.1 blocks while playing over 27 minutes per game. This uptick in production has elevated his status from a deep-league sleeper to a genuine fantasy option worth close monitoring, with potential to break into standard leagues if his form continues.
Micah Potter Gains Momentum as a Valuable Bench Contributor
Indiana’s Micah Potter is also on the rise, with his ownership rising 8.11% to 34.78% across fantasy leagues. Over 28 games this season, including three starts, Potter is averaging 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks in roughly 20 minutes per night. His recent stretch of eight games reveals a boosted output, with averages rising to 15.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 25.6 minutes.
Despite coming off the bench, Potter’s consistent scoring and rebounding have made him an attractive option for deeper leagues and a viable streaming pick in standard formats. His recent scores of 18, 19, and 23 points over three games underscore his growing fantasy appeal, making him a favored waiver wire addition among many managers.
Andre Drummond’s Elevated Role During Embiid’s Absence
Andre Drummond has gained 6% in ownership, climbing to 22.36% as fantasy teams look to capitalize on Joel Embiid’s injury absence for the Philadelphia 76ers. Drummond’s most recent game highlighted his value, as he played 32 minutes and contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, along with four assists and steals.
Embiid’s continued absence is expected for a few more games, which makes Drummond a short-term but worthwhile addition for teams needing help in points and rebounds. While primarily a deep-league asset, Drummond can serve as a streaming option in standard leagues, especially for those with an available center spot looking to fill the gap during this injury period.
Derrick Jones Jr. Gains Attention with Increased Playing Time
Veteran Derrick Jones Jr. is seeing a renewed fantasy interest, as his roster percentage increased by 5.82% to 27.64%. Jones has played 27 games this season, starting in 22, and averages 10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 26.3 minutes per game. Since returning from a lengthy absence in early February, his production has slightly improved with averages of 11.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.9 steals in nearly 30 minutes per appearance.
Jones has scored in double figures in five of his last six outings, including three games tallying 15 points or more. While his contributions outside scoring are limited, his upward trend keeps him relevant as a deep-league option, and he may also serve as a short-term streaming choice in standard leagues for teams seeking scoring boosts.
Jakob Poeltl Shows Signs of Rebounding After Injury
Center Jakob Poeltl has been added in 5.63% of leagues recently, pushing his overall ownership to 82.3%. After missing significant time this season, Poeltl’s performance metrics have declined compared to previous years. However, in 26 games (24 starts), he’s maintained averages of 9.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks in nearly 25 minutes per game.
Poeltl has appeared in five of the last six games and showcased a strong recent run, posting a combined total of 33 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks and steals in the last two games. This resurgence has created optimism that he might regain his previous form, making him a timely pickup for standard leagues. If his upward trajectory continues, Poeltl could rapidly become a near-universal rostered player.
Waiver Wire Moves Poised to Influence Fantasy Playoff Runs
The recent waiver wire activity around players like Will Riley, Micah Potter, Andre Drummond, Derrick Jones Jr., and Jakob Poeltl signals critical opportunities for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters during this crucial stretch of the NBA season. Each player offers a unique mix of upside, whether through increased minutes, injury-related opportunities, or returning form.
Monitoring these developments can provide the edge needed for teams navigating the uncertain waters of the fantasy playoffs. Particularly with Riley’s rapid rise and Poeltl’s return to form, managers willing to make bold moves now stand to gain as these players stabilize or continue ascending. The shifting dynamics around Embiid’s injury also ensure that Drummond remains a player of note for the immediate future.
As the season heads into its final months, continuing to track these and other emerging fantasy assets will be essential for managers aiming to maximize their roster efficiency and secure playoff success.
