Each week is starting to feel like a movie at this point, and the season-ending injuries just keep coming. While this is jarring for many managers, especially with the playoffs looming, it also creates a ton of opportunities on the waiver wire. This article highlights some of the prime beneficiaries of recent roster changes, as well as underperformers whose upside might no longer be worth waiting for as the playoffs approach.
Adds
Donte DiVincenzo
(Shallow League)
The veteran wing has finally returned from a long-term injury, and despite playing on a minutes restriction, he has impressed in a big way. Donte DiVincenzo was already trending up at the start of 2025, ranking within the top 70 before sustaining a long-term toe injury. Now that he’s back, he looks ready to reprise his role as the starting point guard for the Timberwolves.
In just two games since his return (three by the time this article is published), his impact has been immeasurable. He provides elite shooting, with 3.5 triples per game helping to create space for high-usage players like Anthony Edwards in the paint. DiVincenzo also contributes strong assists, steals, and occasional scoring when called upon.
From a fantasy perspective, his play has been stellar—he has ranked 34th in category leagues over the last two weeks while coming off the bench. If he ramps back up to his pre-injury workload, he should easily finish inside the top 75, making him a clear add in shallow leagues.
Guerschon Yabusele
(Standard League)
Joel Embiid is done for the season, and the Philadelphia 76ers are likely to pull the plug on their playoff hopes in the coming weeks. In his absence, Guerschon Yabusele is poised to take on a significant share of the center minutes, even though he’s currently backing up Andre Drummond.
Yabusele is a well-rounded fantasy contributor when given the chance. He’s extremely efficient, shooting over 50% from the field while providing valuable out-of-position three-pointers. He can also contribute low-end production in rebounds and assists.
While he’s coming off the bench for now, Yabusele has started many games during Embiid’s previous absences. As the Sixers begin managing more players (especially Paul George), he projects as a great volume scorer with top-80 upside, making him a strong injury replacement in standard leagues.
Davion Mitchell
(Deep League)
The Miami Heat have quietly been in shambles since trading Jimmy Butler, but Davion Mitchell has shined as one of their best new additions. He fits perfectly into the “Heat Culture” mindset of Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley, bringing much-needed playmaking and perimeter defense to a team desperate for both.
From a fantasy perspective, Mitchell’s biggest contribution is to the assists category—he’s averaging 5.3 per game over the last week while also recording 1.3 steals per night in that span. He’s also provided positive value in three-pointers, efficiency (surprisingly), and turnovers since joining the Heat.
The young guard has found a home in Miami and has effectively pushed Terry Rozier out of his role. His defense is elite, and his partnership with Tyler Herro has been key in balancing the team. Mitchell has ranked inside the top 100 over the last two weeks and makes for a solid high-minute flier in deep leagues, though his upside is somewhat limited.
Drops
Collin Sexton
(Shallow League)
The Utah Jazz have become an offensive disaster, seemingly giving up on looking like an NBA-level team in their tanking efforts. This has created several fantasy casualties—Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson have all struggled to maintain a consistent role. Now, Collin Sexton appears to be the next veteran on the chopping block, with his ankle issues providing a convenient excuse to limit his playing time.
From a fantasy standpoint, Sexton’s recent performances might suggest he should be an add—his only real limitation has been minutes restrictions. He’s a great scorer, free-throw shooter, and a moderate playmaker, keeping him near the top 100. However, his production is heavily dependent on playing time, and if his minutes remain capped, he’ll quickly fall outside the top 150.
In shallow leagues, Sexton isn’t valuable enough to be a stash. It’s unclear if he’ll shake his minutes limit or the restrictions on playing back-to-backs. With the Jazz prioritizing Isaiah Collier and Jaden Springer, Sexton can be safely dropped in favor of streaming options until further notice.
Benedict Mathurin
(Standard League)
The Indiana Pacers have been in top form over the past month, and unfortunately for Benedict Mathurin owners, they’ve done it without him. Mathurin has long struggled to be a consistent fantasy asset, and it took a long-term injury to Aaron Nesmith to create an opportunity for him. However, that window has closed, making him a clear drop candidate as the playoffs approach.
Mathurin’s fantasy profile is unbalanced—he’s a high-volume but inefficient scorer, an archetype that doesn’t translate well to fantasy success. Over the last two weeks, he has been a strong negative in five categories, with free-throw percentage being the only area of positive value. Even with Nesmith sidelined for multiple months, Mathurin has remained outside the top 150 on the season.
The Pacers have no reason to extend Mathurin’s role going forward. Like Sexton, he’s highly dependent on minutes, and without heavy playing time, he won’t hold fantasy relevance. Some managers might hold onto him due to his upside earlier this season (especially in points leagues), but in standard leagues, that would be an exercise in futility.
Max Christie
(Deep League)
Many expected Max Christie to break out after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, and early on he didn’t disappoint. However, his recent play has declined, and over the last two weeks, he has been relegated back to a low-usage role. Unfortunately, that means it’s time to cut bait in deep leagues.
At his best, Christie provides fantasy value in typical 3-and-D categories, but his recent slump has turned him into a net negative in seven categories (everything except free throws and turnovers). His usage rate has also dipped to a season-low 12% over the past week, with no signs of improvement.
For most 3-and-D players, once their efficiency disappears, there isn’t enough volume to keep them fantasy-relevant. Christie is no exception—he has ranked 186th over the last two weeks, and with little upside to begin with, he should be dropped even in deep leagues. There are likely better waiver-wire options with more potential.