Welcome to the midweek report for my Week 12 fantasy basketball waiver picks- players who could realistically swing your matchup. This edition factors in the latest injury updates across the league and, just as importantly, the games still left on the schedule. As we move closer to the All-Star break (though there’s still time), volume and opportunity start to matter more than name value, and using this stretch correctly can help you steal close matchups, gain schedule edges, and uncover real gems on the waiver wire.
I used the league schedule grid and the latest injury updates as references, so all of these picks are based on real opportunity and game volume.
Ayo Dosunmu, Bulls
Dosunmu is quietly setting up as a very useful Week 12 pickup. With the Chicago backcourt dealing with injuries, he’s been getting reliable minutes and consistent responsibility. He’s playing four games this week, with three of them coming in the first four days, which already gives him streaming value. Over the past week, he’s averaged around six assists per game, over four rebounds, solid steals, and a strong field-goal percentage for a guard. The scoring and three-point volume aren’t elite, but the floor is steady, and that matters in close matchups. A safe add if you need guard stability.
Isaiah Collier, Jazz
Collier is another four-game option and a much more polarizing one. The upside is obvious: over eight assists per game this past week, nearly six rebounds, and double-digit scoring. He’s also shooting surprisingly well from the field, just over 50%. The downside is just as clear. Free throws below 68% on the season, and close to three turnovers per game. He even chipped in a steal and a block last week, which shows the activity level. If you can absorb the efficiency risk, Collier is a strong add for assists and volume.
Day’Ron Sharpe, Nets
Sharpe is only playing three games this week, but he’s worth a look if you’re thin at center. With Claxton sidelined, his playing time has increased, and the production has followed. Over the past two weeks, he’s been close to nine points, seven rebounds, and over a steal per game on good shooting percentages. The blocks haven’t shown up yet, but with more minutes, that could change quickly. Brooklyn also has every reason to keep developing young players, so the role feels stable for now.
Jake LaRavia, Lakers
LaRavia has quietly become one of those glue guys who help across the board. He’s been starting in place of Rui Hachimura and making the most of it. Over the past week, he’s averaged around 14 points, five rebounds, over two assists, nearly three steals, and even a block, all while hitting a three per game on good efficiency. He doesn’t dominate usage, but he fits well next to the Lakers’ stars and keeps earning minutes. That combination makes him a very clean pickup.
Tre Johnson, Wizards
Johnson is all about shooting and confidence. He hasn’t filled the box score early in the season, but lately he’s been letting it fly. Over the past stretch, he’s averaging more than three threes per game, around 16 points, and shooting an impressive 56% from the field while being perfect from the line. The production outside of scoring is limited, but if you’re chasing points and threes, he fits perfectly. With Washington trending toward development mode, the minutes and green light should stay.
Jeremiah Fears
Fears brings a different type of value. He plays with energy, pace, and zero fear, and that shows in the box score. On the season, he’s averaging over 14 points, around four rebounds, just over three assists, and more than a steal per game, and those numbers should trend up as the Pelicans lean further into their young core. He’s not the cleanest player efficiency-wise, but the opportunity is real, and that matters at this point of the season.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up my Week 12 waiver picks. Some of these players are category specialists, others are longer-term upside bets, but all of them can matter if you’re proactive. Most fantasy matchups are decided by one or two categories, and more often than not, those come down to waiver decisions.
Make the move that fits your team, stay aggressive, and go get that win this week.
If this helped, explore more strategy-focused insights on BestHoop:
5 Fantasy Basketball Strategies That Win Head-to-Head Matchups
Fantasy Basketball Trade Strategy: 7 Rules That Actually Improve Your Team
5 Ways to Dominate the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Basketball
When Should Fantasy Basketball Playoffs Start? The Setting That Saves Your League
