NBA Fantasy Waiver Wire: Top Players to Add for Week 4

Waiver Wire Dynamics: Strategic Adds for Week 4

The NBA injury report has become the primary driver of fantasy basketball roster construction as Week 4 arrives. According to reporting from NBA.com and cdn-uat.nba.com, a wave of multi-week absences for high-profile stars has forced managers to pivot toward high-usage bench players and rookies thrust into expanded roles. With the landscape shifting rapidly, the following targets offer immediate utility across various scoring formats.

Frontcourt Depth and Defensive Specialists

The Oklahoma City Thunder are navigating a significant injury crisis, having lost starters Jalen Williams to a leg injury and Cason Wallace to a shoulder ailment, both of whom may miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Chet Holmgren also remains sidelined with a knee issue. In response, the Thunder are leaning on 12th overall pick Aday Mara to bolster the frontcourt. While Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams remain in the rotation, Mara has logged an average of 23 minutes over his last five appearances. During that window, he provided 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting 60.0% from the field. For managers in 9-category leagues, Mara is a priority add, primarily for his defensive impact in the paint.

In Los Angeles, the Clippers have shifted their rotation at center. Brook Lopez has supplanted Isaiah Jackson, who struggled to maintain the starting role. Over his first eight games, Lopez has shot 56.0% from the field—a notable improvement over his 42.8% mark last season—while averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.4 three-pointers. At 38 years old, his efficiency is the key to his fantasy value. If he sustains a workload of approximately 25 minutes per night, he remains a viable asset for teams seeking a combination of perimeter spacing and rim protection.

Backcourt Opportunities and High-Volume Scorers

Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets remains a tactical option for deeper leagues, despite a fluctuating role. Following a season where he was forced into heavy minutes due to Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL, Sheppard is adjusting to a bench role this year. While his three-point accuracy has dipped to 31.8%, he continues to produce 10.7 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. With the Rockets managing VanVleet’s schedule during back-to-back sets, Sheppard’s path to minutes remains consistent enough to warrant a roster spot.

NBA Fantasy: Waiver wire adds ahead of week 4 — Photo: cdn-uat.nba.com

In New Orleans, Saddiq Bey has established himself as a reliable source of offense. After a breakout season last year, Bey is averaging 16.4 points and 1.8 three-pointers in 27 minutes per game. The Pelicans have capitalized on his scoring efficiency during their recent four-game winning streak, where Bey recorded at least 22 points in two separate outings. He is an ideal target for high-score formats that prioritize bench production.

Points League Considerations

De’Andre Hunter has provided stability for the Sacramento Kings, starting and averaging 31 minutes per game. While his efficiency in 9-category leagues is hampered by a 43.4% field goal percentage and 64.0% free throw shooting, his volume makes him a strong candidate for points leagues. He has already posted two games of 24 points or more, benefiting from the attention paid to teammates Darius Acuff Jr. and Zach LaVine.

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The Milwaukee Bucks, currently sitting at 1-7, are in a state of transition. Rookie Brayden Burries has moved into the starting lineup, replacing Ryan Rollins. While his shooting efficiency has been a concern—hitting just 41.1% from the field and 22.2% from deep—his upside is tied to the potential for a roster overhaul in Milwaukee. With veterans like Tyler Herro, Myles Turner, and Kyle Kuzma appearing in trade rumors, Burries could see his playing time increase significantly as the season progresses. Stashing him now is a speculative play on future usage.

Disclaimer: The analytical insights and data provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.

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