Last Updated on February 8, 2026 2:24 am by Keston Paul | Published: February 8, 2026

Everyone keeps talking about a superb owl. What’s so superb about the owl?

Okay, let’s get down to serious business now.

Click here for The Fantasy Basketball All-Star Week Ahead to help you make plans for the next 14 days of action.

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.

No roster percentages today, sorry.

Will Riley

I think Riley has multiple paths to value. The WIzards have been sitting their starters in close games and Riley has benefited off the bench. If they get blown out, the starters might actually play more, but it still likely won’t be the usual level. When the starters sit out games, Riley also benefits. That’s three ways for him to get extra minutes or touches in any given game.

I blurbed this on Thursday and he just had another big game on Saturday:

Will Riley was responsible for another victory vs. the Pistons on Thursday, tallying 20 points (9-of-14 FG), two treys, five boards, five dimes and a steal across 28 minutes.

Over the past four games, Riley is averaging 17.0 points (.455 FG%, .636 FT%), 2.8 triples, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 27.4 MPG. That is good for top-95 9-cat value per game with his 1.3 turnovers per contest. Riley is worth monitoring as the Wizards pivot to full tank mode and they may want to assess what their No. 21 pick in the 2025 draft can do. If he is “too good,” they may have to pull his minutes as well, but he does need the developmental reps. At the very least, Riley should not be left on waiver wires in 14-team leagues or deeper.

Will ‘the tank killer’ Riley.

Justin Champagnie

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!