Last Updated on January 9, 2026 1:33 pm by Mike Passador | Published: January 9, 2026

We reach yet another Friday full of NBA action. As the standings keep taking shape in each fantasy basketball league, hope for some teams is already gone, while others rejoice at the top. Either way, we’ll keep bringing the best pickups, info and streamers for your team to keep hands on the wheel in the battle for a playoff spot. Let’s get it.

Top Pickups

This is the “general must-add” section regardless of the slate. If these players are being overlooked and remain chilling on the waiver wire, consider adding them to your squad.

Max Christie (22%)

Elevating his game in the past two weeks, the Michigan State product gave us more of the same on Thursday night, after scoring 16 points with four boards, four dimes and three triples in the tight loss against the Utah Jazz. Christie has averaged 16.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.7 three pointers on 46.3% 3PT efficiency in the past seven games, and most importantly, he’s seeing starter minutes with an average of 32.1 minutes over that time. He’s becoming a key member of the Mavs lineup and it’s time to wake up and pick him up before it’s too late for your fantasy team.

Sam Merrill (15%)

Want full access to our Daily Fantasy Basketball Cheat Sheet with Pickups, Slate Notes & Streamers? You’ll need to have an Ethos 360, All-Sport or NBA FantasyPass membership. Click here to learn more and sign up! Premium Access Required  

Join the SportsEthos team! Fill out an application by clicking here!