Waver Wire Picks: Standouts and Busts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powers the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory, while fantasy managers scramble over the latest breakout, Reed Sheppard. With injuries rocking the NBA landscape—LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey’s ankle woes raising fresh concerns—are key rosters destined for shakeups? Josh Lloyd highlights wild swings in player value, from Jalen Duren’s unexpected rise to the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant’s shooting slump. Can managers rely on young guns like Amen Thompson and Ajay Mitchell or are they headed for regression?

Across the league, blowouts and surprising coaching decisions take center stage. The Sacramento Kings puzzle fans by benching Russell Westbrook and starting Precious Achiuwa—does this signal a new direction or more chaos? Is your lineup ready for the next wave of NBA surprises?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

DoorDash
Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop.
DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply.
No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details.
DoorDash — In your bag all season long.

BILT
Turn your rent into rewards and start earning points around your neighborhood by going to https://joinbilt.com/lockedonnba.

DripDrop
Stock up now before the heat hits hard — and keep your body and mind performing at their best with DripDrop.
Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order.
Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNBA.
 

Wayfair
Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals.
Head to Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday sale for up to 70% off.

Mint Mobile
Ready to say yes to sayingno?Make the switch at https://MintMobile.com/LOCKEDONNBA
 

Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo). Limited-time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details.

Robinhood
You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.
 

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBAfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.comto 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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.