OVERVIEWLauri Markkanen’s wrist fracture and multi-week absence headlines this fantasy basketball waiver wire episode, with analysis on how his injury changes the landscape for fantasy managers. I walk through must-roster, droppable, and trending players, clarifying which recent surges and slumps matter, and which are noise, especially in light of recent injuries, rotations, and minutes. Expect specific, practical waiver wire advice that helps you navigate the next few weeks in both category and points leagues. KEY TAKEAWAYSLauri Markkanen’s wrist fracture will keep him out at least a month; the Utah Jazz have no incentive to tank since they don’t own their draft pick, so don’t expect a shutdown.Managers don’t need to scramble for speculative Jazz adds like Isaiah Collier, Svi Mykhailiuk, Brice Sensabaugh, or Josh Green; the roster/trend from previous Markkanen absences tells us the real impact is minimal streaming value and possibly a boost for Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson.Among must-roster players under 80% rostered on Yahoo: Anthony Black (while Orlando remains shorthanded), Ace Bailey, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Jeremiah Fears all belong on 12-team rosters right now.Jalen Smith and Jonathan Kuminga are worth adding, but watch for changes; Kuminga especially is in play while Anthony Edwards is out, but Smith’s long-term outlook could change once the Pacers shift rotations.Players like Kyle Kuzma, Precious Achiuwa, Derrick Jones Jr., Ja'Kobe Walter, and Aday Mara are droppable in standard leagues if you need better options or streaming flexibility, but hold Mara if you need blocks specifically.Recent transaction trends on Yahoo and Basketball Monster show managers overreacting to single-game surges (like Isaiah Collier and Malik Thomas); don’t blindly follow the herd—check context, minutes, and team health.Jakob Poeltl looks like a pickup thanks to his post-injury resurgence and lack of big man competition; Kyle Kuzma and Klay Thompson are schedule-dependent streams, not long-term holds in standard leagues.Deep-league and watchlist targets include Bennett Sturtz, Charlie Bassie, Maxime Reynaud, and Nate Ament—mostly in formats with deeper benches, games caps, or dynasty interest.0:00 Introduction1:01 Lauri Markkanen injury impact4:17 Must-roster waiver wire players7:10 Droppable players and roster-clearing strategy11:48 Transaction and waiver wire trends24:02 “Josh’s Hotties”: Hot pickups and trending players27:44 Watchlist and deep-league stashes31:11 Closing thoughts and expected stats update Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYSpice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon. KALSHIToday's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Visit Josh Lloyd Fantasy for more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
