Welcome back to The Playlist — your weekly scan of the fantasy basketball landscape, where we break down waiver adds for 9-cat and standard points leagues to help you stay competitive.
Week 10 means it’s time for Christmas and hoops. There are no games on Wednesday (Christmas Eve), and while 11 teams play four games this week (most of which I discuss in my pickups), the Nets are the only team to play two. So, you can move on from fringe players from BK.
Advertisement
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk pickups.
You can also read my High Score pickups story for advice in that format.
🎧 Who’s in My Rotation: Shallow leagues
Cam Spencer – PG/SG, Memphis Grizzlies (27% rostered)
Ja Morant and Vince Williams Jr. are out on Monday against the Thunder, opening up another spot start for Spencer. He’s surprisingly ranked 31st over the past month, providing a balance of scoring, efficiency and assists. There’s no guarantee Morant plays on Tuesday either, so if Spencer is on your waiver wire, scoop him up in 9-cat or points leagues as the Grizzlies play four games in Week 10. Spencer had 19 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists across 37 minutes in a loss to Washington on Saturday. I’d also look at Jock Landale as an alternative in the frontcourt.
Advertisement
Cason Wallace – PG/SG, Oklahoma City Thunder (25% rostered)
OKC has a favorable schedule this week, starting with a back-to-back on Monday/Tuesday. They’ll also play on Christmas and Sunday (two lighter slates), so Wallace makes for a good option in Week 10. Wallace’s numbers aren’t jumping off the page; however, he’s been a top-90 player over the past two weeks thanks to his defense, averaging more steals per game than most reserves in the league. Whether 9-cat or points leagues, his stocks make him a consistent 20-25 fantasy-point contributor with upside for more if there’s an injury or he gets over 25 minutes. Ajay Mitchell (25% rostered) is another option.
Naji Marshall – SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (22% rostered)
Marshall has a decent 25-fantasy point floor in points leagues, but with Cooper Flagg, Max Christie and Klay Thompson all questionable on Monday, their absence could increase his share on offense. He dropped 22 points with 9 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals against Philly on Saturday, but he’s scored at least 15 points in seven straight contests. He’s ranked 36th over the past month and with his efficiency and ability to stack numbers across categories, he’s an add in either points or 9-cat leagues.
Advertisement
🎧 Who’s in My Rotation: Deeper leagues
Bruce Brown – SG, Denver Nuggets (6% rostered)
The Nuggets play four games in Week 10, starting with a Monday/Tuesday back-to-back and I’d stream Brown in both 9-cat and points leagues. He’s coming off his first double-double since March 2024 and was a top-60 option in 9-cat leagues in Week 9. Over his last seven games, Brown is averaging a mix of counting stats, tallying 8.6 points, 5.0 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. In points leagues, the volume of games plus the opponents to start the week (Jazz and Mavs) should offer at least 27 minutes with 20-30 fantasy points. He’s widely available for deep leagues.
Advertisement
Bub Carrington – PG, Washington Wizards (19% rostered)
Carrington is thriving since his move into the starting lineup, averaging 17.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last five games. Efficiency will be a constant knock, but you don’t have to worry about that in points leagues. The Wizards play the Hornets, Raptors and Grizzlies this week, so three matchups against backcourts who won’t pose much of a defensive challenge.
Now that Bub’s getting the minutes, his combination of scoring and playmaking makes him an appealing option for Week 10. In 9-cat, I’d be adding him for counting stats, and hopefully you’ll have some higher-efficiency players to balance out his inevitable shooting woes. He’s ranked 61st in 9-cat over the past two weeks, primarily because of his ability to keep his turnovers down, posting 24 assists with just 9 turnovers.
Isaiah Stewart – PF/C, Detroit Pistons (20% rostered)
Beef Stew’s been trending up as Tobias Harris’ play is looking more and more suspect. Stewart’s been a solid source of blocks this year, averaging 1.9 swats per game. Despite his size, his ability to stretch the floor allows him to play valuable minutes at PF alongside Jalen Duren. So with Stewart’s defense and shotmaking, he can easily get a bump up to 25-30 minutes if Harris continues to struggle. Stewart’s role is stable and while I prefer him for 9-cat, the Pistons’ four-game schedule opens him up for points leagues as well. A Monday-Tuesday back-to-back versus Portland and Sacramento is a promising matchup for fantasy production.
Advertisement
Other pickups to consider:
-
Spencer Jones – SG/SF, Denver Nuggets (1%)
-
Ryan Nembhard – PG, Dallas Mavericks (13%)
-
Dominick Barlow – PF/C, Philadelphia 76ers (10%)
-
Ace Bailey – SG/SF, Utah Jazz (22%)
-
Noah Penda – SF, Orlando Magic (1%)
-
Brook Lopez – C, Los Angeles Clippers (11%)
