Fantasy Basketball Week 3 Waiver Wire: Top Picks & Tips 2025
Week 3 of the fantasy basketball season is here, and with it comes a fresh opportunity to improve your team through the waiver wire. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, searching for short-term value, or hoping to find a breakout star, staying active now can give you a crucial edge in the competition. This week, I’ll highlight players worth targeting across four different rostered percentage tiers: 50-60%, 30-49%, 15-29%, and 0-14%. I’ll also provide an overview of how many games each team will play in the upcoming week to help maximize streaming opportunities and extract as much value as possible from your lineup. Let’s dive into the Week 3 waiver wire — starting with the schedule.
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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 3)
Four Games:
BKN, BOS, DAL, DEN, DET, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, MEM, MIA, MIL, MIN, OKC, PHI, SAC, WAS
Three Games:
ATL, CHI, CLE, LAL, NOR, NYK, ORL, PHX, POR, SAS, TOR, UTH
Two Games:
CHA
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
D’Angelo Russell (PG, SG – DAL)
Despite coming off the bench, D’Angelo Russell leads the Dallas Mavericks with 19.5 points per game in 27.3 minutes. He’s also contributing four rebounds, six assists, and one steal per game while operating with a 31.8% usage rate, giving him plenty of control over the offense. Russell has taken over as the primary playmaker for the second unit, keeping the pace up and the scoring steady whenever the starters rotate out.
With Kyrie Irving (knee) not expected back until early 2026, Russell should continue to see consistent shot volume and strong production, making him a reliable fantasy option across all formats.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SG, SF – MIA)
After a disappointing sophomore season, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has taken a big step forward in his third year with the Miami Heat. He’s averaging 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and one steal per game in 29.2 minutes, showing growth across the board. While he’s only connecting on 25% of his three-point attempts, Jaquez has been extremely aggressive attacking the rim and leveraging his skill set. That approach has helped him shoot an efficient 62.3% from the field while also improving his free-throw shooting to 87.7%, a major jump from 75.4% last season. His combination of volume and efficiency makes him a strong waiver wire pickup this week.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Jabari Smith Jr. (PF, C – HOU)
Jabari Smith Jr. has started all four games for the Houston Rockets and is off to a strong start, averaging a career-high 15.8 points per game along with five rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in 35.8 minutes. He’s making an immediate impact on both ends despite playing alongside Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant. While he’s not seeing a huge usage rate, Smith is taking advantage of his opportunities and logging plenty of floor time. He may have the occasional standout game, but he’s a reliable option for managers seeking consistent production and a defined role from a big man.
Donte DiVincenzo (PG, SG – MIN)
With Anthony Edwards (hamstring) sidelined for at least another week, Donte DiVincenzo has emerged as a strong short-term pickup. Edwards has missed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ last three games, and DiVincenzo has stepped up, taking on a larger share of the offense and providing stability in the backcourt. DiVincenzo is averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 31.6 minutes per game while shooting 44% from three during that span, showing he can handle an expanded role without a drop in efficiency. Fantasy managers looking for a temporary boost in scoring, assists, or backcourt production should consider adding DiVincenzo while Edwards remains out, as he’s expected to continue seeing consistent minutes and usage.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG – ATL)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was highlighted last week due to the Atlanta Hawks’ frontcourt injuries, and while those players are now back, Trae Young (knee) is expected to miss at least the next four weeks. Alexander-Walker has stepped into Young’s starting role and immediately taken advantage of the opportunity, showing he can handle a larger workload. Alexander-Walker started in Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, recording 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 32 minutes. Alexander-Walker is off to an impressive start this season, averaging 17 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Playing a consistent 30+ minutes while Young remains sidelined, he has emerged as one of the top waiver wire pickups this week.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Collin Gillespie (PG – PHX)
With Dillon Brooks (groin) and Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined, Collin Gillespie has impressed coming off the bench for the Phoenix Suns. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 13.8 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in 30 minutes, showing he can contribute across multiple categories while controlling the pace for the second unit. While his minutes may dip once Brooks and Green return, Gillespie should still see 20+ minutes per game, given how well he’s played. He’s a strong short-term pickup for fantasy managers seeking scoring and playmaking. Gillespie is worth monitoring once the Suns’ rotation returns to full health to see if he can maintain this high level of production.
Wendell Carter Jr. (C – ORL)
It’s an extremely encouraging sign that Wendell Carter Jr. is averaging 28 minutes per game, even with the Orlando Magic at full health. He’s putting up 10.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the floor and an impressive 53.8% from three, showing he can contribute efficiently across multiple categories. Carter’s consistent production and solid floor time make him a strong option in deep leagues. Fantasy managers can consider adding him now, and given his role and efficiency, he’s someone worth holding onto for the remainder of the season.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Quenton Jackson (PG, SG – IND)
Quenton Jackson missed the first two games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, but his minutes have climbed since returning. He’s produced well over his last two outings, averaging 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 26.7 minutes. He drew the start in Saturday’s game against the Golden State Warriors and has shown he can handle a larger role. With Ben Sheppard struggling and Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) still working his way back, Jackson should continue to see steady minutes in the rotation. His ability to contribute across categories makes him a solid pickup, especially for managers needing guard depth.
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