March is here, and if you’re still in the mix for your fantasy basketball championship, you know every single roster spot counts. The waiver wire isn't just about plugging holes anymore; it's about finding those diamonds in the rough who can swing entire matchups. Forget the big names, we're digging deep for the guys under 50% rostered who are actually producing.
Here's who you should be targeting this week:
The Late-Season Risers
Brandin Podziemski (SF/SG, GSW) – 48% Rostered
Podziemski has been a revelation for the Warriors, especially with Klay Thompson's inconsistent play and the team still figuring out its identity. Over the last two weeks, he’s putting up 15.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 4.1 APG, with 1.3 steals. The rookie looks comfortable running the second unit offense and even closing games. His shot selection is solid, and he’s not afraid to mix it up for rebounds. Steve Kerr trusts him, which is half the battle with young players. If he keeps getting 30+ minutes, he's a must-add in any league.
Dereck Lively II (C, DAL) – 40% Rostered
Remember all the preseason hype around Lively? It's finally starting to manifest consistently. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are feeding him easy lobs, and his defensive impact is undeniable. In his last six games, Lively's averaging 10.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and a whopping 2.5 blocks. He's been healthy, which is key, and the Mavs desperately need his interior presence. He’s not going to give you assists, but for boards, blocks, and efficient scoring on high percentages, he's gold.
Keyonte George (PG/SG, UTA) – 35% Rostered
With Jordan Clarkson nursing a recurring ankle issue and Collin Sexton back to his streaky ways, George has stepped up as a primary ball-handler for the Jazz. His recent two-week line of 18.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 5.9 APG, along with 0.8 steals, is tough to ignore. The efficiency isn't always there, but the volume and opportunity are. He's taking 15 shots a game and has a usage rate pushing 25%. In points leagues, he’s a fantastic speculative add. Even in category leagues, the assists and points are valuable.
Malaki Branham (SG/SF, SAS) – 28% Rostered
The Spurs are still a mess, but someone has to score alongside Victor Wembanyama. Lately, that's been Branham. He's averaging 16.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.1 APG over the last two weeks, shooting a respectable 45% from the field and hitting two threes per game. Keldon Johnson has been in a slump, opening up more minutes and shots for Branham. His defensive stats are non-existent, but if you need pure scoring and threes, he's worth a look while he's hot. Don't expect much else.
Deep League Diamonds
Jalen Johnson (PF/SF, ATL) – 22% Rostered
This one feels like a broken record, but Johnson is STILL under-rostered. His per-minute production has always been elite, and now he's finally getting consistent minutes. Over his last seven games, he’s averaging 13.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks. That’s across-the-board production. The Hawks are in a tight playoff race, and Johnson is a key part of their rotation. He occasionally has a dud, but the upside is too big to leave on the wire.
Matisse Thybulle (SF, POR) – 15% Rostered
If you’re punting points and assists but desperately need defensive stats, Thybulle is your guy. His offensive game is still rough, but he's locked into minutes as a defensive specialist for the Blazers. His last two weeks: 6.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He won't win you a week on his own, but those stocks can absolutely swing close matchups. He's a specialist, plain and simple.
Isaiah Hartenstein (C, NYK) – 18% Rostered
Mitchell Robinson's health is always a question mark, and Hartenstein has proven he can step in and produce when given the opportunity. Even with Robinson healthy, Hartenstein is seeing around 20-25 minutes a night and making the most of it. Over the last two weeks, he's averaging 8.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks. He's an excellent rebounder and passer for a big man, and his block numbers are climbing. If Robinson goes down again, Hartenstein instantly becomes a top-10 fantasy center. Scoop him up before that happens.
Josh Green (SG/SF, DAL) – 10% Rostered
With Tim Hardaway Jr. in a shooting slump and the Mavericks needing more energy, Green has been getting starter-level minutes. He’s not a flashy player, but he contributes in multiple categories. His recent averages are 11.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.1 steals. He's shooting well from deep (40% on threes) and brings good defensive energy. If you're in a super deep league and need a bit of everything without hurting your percentages, Green is a solid backend roster filler who won't lose you a week.
Real talk: March is where championships are won and lost on the margins. Don't be afraid to cut a dead-weight player for one of these guys who are actually playing well right now. My bold prediction? Lively II finishes the season as a top-75 player in category leagues.