Last Updated on January 15, 2026 3:45 am by Mike Passador | Published: January 15, 2026

We’re heading into a nine-game slate starting at 2 PM ET all the way from Berlin, Germany, which means lineups need to be set early to avoid those dreaded “oh no” moments. The fantasy world is buzzing with Anthony Davis’ latest rollercoaster news and the never-ending swirl of Ja Morant trade rumors, but today it’s about actionable intel that can actually move the needle. This slate is packed, with minutes shifting, roles evolving and players ready to break out in spots that could make or break your day.

Franz Wagner should be back on the court and that alone changes the calculus for multiple fantasy rosters. There are must-add pickups creeping into relevance, streamers who could see significant bumps and under-the-radar storylines worth tracking before the games tip. Understanding who will get touches, who could see expanded minutes, and who might peak in production is crucial, because on a slate this loaded, a few smart moves can separate a solid week from a great one.

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.

Kyle Filipowski (14%)

Kyle Filipowski has been inconsistent this season, but last night offered flashes of the upside that makes him hard to ignore. The combination of his potential and current situation is too good to pass up. With the Jazz likely to continue to embrace tanking, sit veterans and give younger players more run, Filipowski is in a prime spot to see extended minutes and showcase what he can do.

Looking back at the end of last season, in the final four weeks over 14 games and just under 28 minutes per game, Filipowski was a Top 100 player in 8-cat formats. He averaged 14 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.4 three-pointers per game, even while shooting only 68.8% from the line on 2.3 attempts. In the last two weeks of the season, over seven games, he finished as a Top 75 player, showing he can contribute across multiple categories.

Getting this type of production off the waiver wire is extremely valuable and can be a game changer. The opportunity is there and it’s a clear add-and-hold situation for fantasy managers who want to capitalize on both his talent and the Jazz’s current strategy.

Aaron Nesmith (32%)

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