Pacers’ Jarace Walker Among Six NBA Players to Target in Fantasy Basketball
Recent YORK, NY – February 26, 2026 – With the NBA season entering March and teams increasingly focused on resting players and navigating injuries, fantasy basketball managers are scrambling for reinforcements. Several players are emerging as valuable waiver wire targets, including Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker.
A recent analysis highlights Walker, who is currently rostered in 34% of Yahoo leagues, as a priority add. He’s averaging 29 minutes over his last 14 games, producing 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers per night. Whereas his season field goal percentage sits at 39.6%, he’s shooting 44.9% during this recent stretch of increased playing time.
Other players identified as potential pickups include Maxime Raynaud of the Sacramento Kings, Kyle Filipowski of the Utah Jazz, GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies, Marvin Bagley III of the Dallas Mavericks, and Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers, all of whom are seeing increased opportunities due to team circumstances. The article emphasizes that injuries and teams prioritizing lottery positioning are creating openings for these players to contribute significantly.
NBA Fantasy Sleeper Alert: Six Players Ready to Explode Down the Stretch
As the NBA season barrels toward March, teams are increasingly prioritizing rest and managing injuries, creating a volatile landscape for fantasy basketball managers. Finding reliable reinforcements is crucial, and several under-rostered players are poised to deliver significant value. Several players are emerging as potential difference-makers, offering a blend of opportunity and production.
Kings’ Raynaud Filling the Void
Sacramento Kings’ rookie Maxime Raynaud is quickly becoming a fantasy asset. The Kings are navigating a challenging stretch with key players sidelined, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and De’Andre Hunter all unavailable for the remainder of the season. Dylan Cardwell’s ankle injury further exacerbates the frontcourt issues, potentially sidelining him until mid-March.
Raynaud has capitalized on the increased minutes, averaging 29 minutes over the last 11 games. He’s delivering impressive numbers, with 12.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per night, coupled with efficient shooting percentages of 59.2% from the field and 85.7% from the free-throw line. He’s a nightly double-double threat, making him a valuable addition to any fantasy roster.
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook rookies in late-season pushes. Increased opportunity often leads to unexpected production.
Jazz’s Filipowski Rising with Opportunity
The Utah Jazz, despite their playoff aspirations, are also embracing a developmental mindset. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s season-ending knee injury, combined with Jusuf Nurkić’s absence following nose surgery, has opened the door for Kyle Filipowski. Lauri Markkanen’s recent hip and ankle injuries further complicate the Jazz’s frontcourt situation.
Filipowski is mirroring his valuable contributions from last season, averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.9 three-pointers across his last 10 games. With a clear path to significant minutes, he should be rostered in at least half of all leagues.
Pacers’ Walker Stepping Up
Indiana Pacers are strategically managing their roster as they assess their lottery odds. Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard have received periodic rest, although Ivica Zubac is still awaiting his debut after being acquired from the Clippers. The Pacers may choose to limit Zubac’s playing time for the remainder of the season.
Jarace Walker has thrived with extended playing time, averaging 29 minutes over his last 14 games. This has translated to 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers per night. Despite a season shooting percentage of 39.6%, he’s improved to 44.9% over his recent stretch, making him a priority add for fantasy managers.
Did you know? Walker logged 18 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals across 34 minutes during a recent game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Grizzlies’ Jackson Emerging as a Scoring Threat
The Memphis Grizzlies are facing significant frontcourt challenges following trades and injuries. Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke are unlikely to return this season, and Santi Aldama has appeared in only two games over the last month. This scarcity of options has propelled GG Jackson into a more prominent role.
Jackson has averaged 26 minutes over the last 11 games, producing 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers. His impressive efficiency, shooting 58.1% from the field and 47.8% from deep, makes him a compelling waiver wire target.
Mavericks’ Bagley III Finding His Niche
The Dallas Mavericks’ center rotation has been in flux with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford all available at the start of the season. Lively’s foot surgery and Davis’s trade to the Wizards have reshaped the landscape, leaving Gafford as the primary option, though he frequently appears on the injury report.
Marvin Bagley III has averaged 23 minutes per game since joining the Mavericks, contributing 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. Gafford’s injury proneness creates opportunities for Bagley, making him a worthwhile addition in most leagues.
Trail Blazers’ Henderson Ready to Shine
Injuries have plagued the Portland Trail Blazers. Deni Avdija has been battling a back injury, and Shaedon Sharpe is expected to be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks after suffering a calf injury. These absences create a void in the Trail Blazers’ scoring attack.
Scoot Henderson has made a successful season debut, no longer restricted by a minute limit. He logged 29 minutes against the Timberwolves, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists. With increased playing time and shot attempts, Henderson has the potential to become a fantasy standout.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these players widely available in all leagues? No, roster percentages vary. However, all players listed are rostered in less than 50% of leagues as of February 26, 2026.
- What position should I play these players at in fantasy? Refer to your league’s specific settings, but generally, Raynaud, Filipowski, and Walker are best utilized as forwards, while Jackson and Bagley III can be used as centers or power forwards. Henderson is a guard.
- How long will these players remain valuable? Their value is tied to the continued absences of key players on their respective teams. Monitor injury reports closely.
Don’t miss out on these potential fantasy gems! Add these players to your roster and watch them contribute down the stretch.
What are your thoughts? Share your fantasy basketball insights and player recommendations in the comments below!