Welcome to Week 17. This is a unique one because it’s the All-Star break week, meaning the schedule is spread across two calendar weeks, but the total number of games ends up being pretty similar. Some players get real rest, others don’t, and that creates opportunity if you pay attention.
For many leagues, this is either the final week or the second-to-last week before the fantasy playoffs. That makes this matchup important for almost everyone, unless you’ve already locked your spot or completely fallen out of the race. At this stage, the focus shifts away from pure upside and more toward players with locked roles, reliable minutes, and category-specific impact.
For these Week 17 fantasy basketball waiver picks, I’m leaning on how Yahoo fantasy basketball actually plays in head-to-head formats, while also cross-checking trends on Basketball Reference. This is where small, smart waiver moves can decide playoff seeding.
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.
Pat Spencer, Warriors
Spencer has quietly been one of the most productive guards on the waiver wire over the past week. He’s averaged close to four threes, almost 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and a steal per game, all while shooting an absurd 55% from the field. That efficiency is rare for a guard, especially one this widely available.
With Steph Curry unlikely to return before Golden State’s final games heading into the All-Star break, Spencer’s role looks safe in the short term. If you need points, threes, and assists without killing your percentages, this is an easy add.
Dejounte Murray, Pelicans
This one is more about timing and patience. Murray hasn’t played yet this season, but recent reports indicate he’s been practicing, and a return in the coming weeks isn’t out of the question. If you have an open IL slot, this is exactly the type of stash that can pay off.Just as a reminder of the upside: last season he averaged around 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. You’re not adding him for this week, you’re adding him to potentially swing your fantasy basketball playoffs.
Nique Clifford, Kings
Clifford has been one of the biggest surprises of the past week. With Zach LaVine sidelined, the young wing has exploded, averaging three threes, 20 points, three rebounds, nearly four assists, plus over a steal and a block per game. And he’s doing it efficiently: 55% from the field and 88% from the line.
Even when LaVine returns, Clifford’s versatility should keep him involved. Sacramento doesn’t look like a team pushing all-in for wins, which usually means extended looks for young players who can contribute across the board. This is a very real breakout, not just empty minutes.
Brook Lopez, Clippers
Lopez landing on this list wasn’t something I expected earlier in the season, but here we are. With Zubac gone, Lopez is now in position to see a much larger role as the Clippers’ primary center. It’s not guaranteed he’ll get full starter minutes every night, but the opportunity is clearly there.
Even in limited run this season, he’s maintained his strengths: shot blocking, spacing the floor, and veteran positioning. Over the past week, he’s been close to two threes per game with around a block and a half. If the minutes tick up, the rebounds should follow. For a center-eligible add this late in the season, that’s valuable.
Ayo Dosunmu, Timberwolves
Dosunmu quietly finds himself in a great situation after being moved to Minnesota. He’s in line for stable minutes, either as a starter or a key bench piece, and his recent production backs it up. Over the past month, he’s averaged 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, over two threes, and a steal per game on strong efficiency, 52% from the field and 85% from the line. He won’t dominate usage, but he fills categories and keeps your lineup steady.
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
As we get closer to the fantasy playoffs, this is where discipline matters. Don’t chase names. Chase minutes, roles, and categories. Waiver moves right now don’t just affect this week, they shape your playoff path.
If you haven’t already, I also wrote a piece on getting ready for the fantasy playoffs, and on best playoffs timing, worth checking out as this stretch ramps up.
Good luck locking in your playoff positioning.
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
