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EspañolThe Playlist: Week 19 fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups and lineup advice
Welcome back to The Playlist: my weekly column that lets you know who to add off the waiver wire and get in your lineup for the upcoming week in fantasy basketball.
Every league is different — sometimes a 75% rostered player hits waivers, whether by mistake or because they've hit an intolerable slump. If they fit your build, get 'em. But for this column, we're focusing on players under 50% rostered who are widely available and ready to help in Week 19 or beyond.
Reminder: The default Yahoo Fantasy basketball trade deadline ends Thursday, March 5. It’s the final week to trade, so get those offers out there before it's too late!
🎧 Who's in My Rotation: High Score
Ace Bailey - FC, Utah Jazz (35%)
Bailey is trending up after his most productive month as a pro. His minutes are up over 32 per game and he’s improved his rebounding and stock output despite shooting his lowest true-shooting percentage since October.
Still, efficiency doesn’t matter in High Score and as long as his usage rate (21% in February), volume and opportunity continue to rise, Bailey will be a good add for Week 19. The rookie has scored at least 35 fantasy points in three of his last four games and has a favorable four-game week to take advantage of.
Neemias Queta - FC, Boston Celtics (38%)
If Queta was dropped in your High Score league after the Nikola Vučević trade, Week 19 is the best time to stream him. Over the last five games, Queta is averaging 14-10-2 with 2 blocks per game in under 25 minutes per game. That’s efficient per-minute production and in a week where the Celtics play three of their four games against weaker frontcourts such as the Bucks, Hornets and Mavericks, he could play a bigger role than usual.
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Boston also hits the lighter slates for those games, so there shouldn’t be an issue getting Queta into your starting lineup at least a few times. He’s coming off a monster 60-point fantasy performance on Sunday, so ride the wave.
Jeremiah Fears - G, New Orleans Pelicans (19%)
It’s a wrap for Jordan Poole, and in a four-game week, Dejounte Murray is unlikely to play in the Pelicans' Thursday-Friday back-to-back. He closed out Week 18, scoring 45 fantasy points in his last two outings. Surprisingly, the rookie Fears has played at least 30 minutes in only six games in 2026.
Despite the low number, Fears is averaging 39.9 fantasy points per game when he plays starter-level minutes. Between injuries and getting him valuable experience (even on a losing team), there's streaming appeal in points leagues like High Score, where his high turnover rate won't apply.
Nique Clifford - G/FC, Sacramento Kings (17%)
The schedule isn’t great, but Clifford is a must-roster player in all formats. He’s exceeded 44 fantasy points in three of his last four contests and has been a steady contributor for steals, boards and assists since Zach LaVine was ruled out for the season. He’s starting, and the role looks secure, as he’s one of a couple of rookies (him and Max Raynaud) who will continue to see more touches as we get later into the season.
If his shot starts to fall as it did on Sunday night, he could be one of the silly season league winners — along with teammates Precious Achiuwa and Max Raynaud.
🎧 Who's in My Rotation: Deeper points and 9-cat leagues
Derrick Jones Jr. - SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers (9%)
The Clippers have arguably one of the best Week 19 schedules, hitting the lighter slates with a few fantasy-friendly opponents like the Warriors, Pacers and Grizzlies. John Collins and Kris Dunn left Sunday night with injuries. So, DJJ might get a boost in opportunity on the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday.
Jones has been operating as a top-150 player over the past month due to his scoring, 3s and stocks. He won’t wow you, but getting counting stats from a player who is generally efficient and doesn’t turn the ball over a lot can be quite useful as a streaming option at this period of the season.
Micah Potter - C, Indiana Pacers (13%)
Potter looks like the better add over Jay Huff lately. Potter’s dropped consecutive outings of 23 and 19 points — the first being a career-high — and over his last five games, he's averaging 16.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.8 triples and 1.8 combined stocks.
He’s been extremely efficient, too — which is perfect for 9-cat formats. Don’t wait to add him because Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin and Jay Huff should get more rest days over the coming weeks.
Cam Spencer - PG/SG, Memphis Grizzlies (13%)
With Ja Morant out and the Grizzlies' backcourt constantly in flux, Spencer has been the one constant. He just went off for 25 points on Friday, going 4-of-9 from 3 in 25 minutes against Dallas.
The minutes have stayed north of 20 regardless of whether he starts, and with Memphis playing a Tuesday-Wednesday back-to-back in Week 19, Ty Jerome and Scottie Pippen Jr. could easily sit one leg — and Spencer will be the one absorbing the load. Oh, and keep an eye on Walter Clayton Jr. as a contingency for the same back-to-back. He just dished out a career-best 14 assists on Sunday.
Pelle Larsson - SG/SF, Miami Heat (9%)
Since sliding into the starting five in mid-January, Larsson is averaging 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 0.9 steals over 18 starts. He just went for 20-4-4 in 35 minutes against Houston on Saturday, and over his last four outings, he's averaging 34 minutes per game with 1.5 stocks.
With Norman Powell week-to-week due to a groin injury and Tyler Herro working his way back from a toe injury, Larsson will continue to start and play meaningful minutes for fantasy managers. He’s a good add for points or 9-cat leagues playing against Brooklyn twice, Charlotte and ending the week against the Pistons.
Will Riley - SF/PF, Washington Wizards (9%)
Riley is a sneaky add this week. Through 10 games in February, he's averaging 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 47% from the field and 37.5% from 3 — good enough for fourth among all rookies in February scoring behind only Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe. Despite coming off the bench, he just went for 19 points in 34 minutes on Saturday against Toronto.
The whole Washington rotational situation is a mess. However, the Wizards are playing three games in four nights to begin the week, leaving Kyshawn George likely to sit out at least one game. That’ll get Riley to play at least 34 minutes as he has in his past two games.
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Cleveland is also signing Howard to a new three-year, $63 million extension
Can't Wait For Saturday Big Ten's best appear loaded with returning talent
Mar. 2—***
Doesn't take a genius — or a sportswriter — to figure out why the Big Ten has won the last three College Football Playoff titles: talent, both on the field and in the coaching box.
The good news for Tony Petitti's league is that despite key loses across the conference, the Big Ten is is in good shape for 2026. Enough to win a fourth consecutive title? I'm going with yes.
The hardest hit by departures, Indiana, is the best equipped to contend again. Sure, the Hoosiers lost Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, but Curt Cignetti landed a talented quarterback from TCU, Josh Hoover. Hoover's job will be easier thanks to the return of All-American offensive tackle Carter Smith. The Big Ten's best offensive lineman will be joined by two other returning starters up front.
In my opinion, Indiana is one of eight Big Ten teams worthy of spots in the preseason Top 25. And they all have returnees worth bragging about.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore listened to sound advice and returned for another season. He will be one of the first players off the board in the 2027 NFL draft,
With Moore, the Ducks will be a force on offense. And the defense looks loaded.
You will hear multiple Ohio State players called early in the first round of the NFL draft. No sweat. Ryan Day brings back defensive end Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., who could have gone too. The guess here is he doubles his 6 1/2 sacks from 2025.
Southern California's fortunes will ride on the arm of quarterback Jayden Maiava, who started his career at UNLV. He will miss star receiver Makai Lemon.
After Indiana's Carter, the next best lineman in the Big Ten is Iowa Kade Pieper, who played guard in 2025 but is expected to take over for star center Logan Jones.
Michigan has a new coach, Kyle Whittingham, and the same quarterback Bryce Underwood. He will make huge strides under the new coaching staff.
It looked like Washington would lose start quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Possibly to LSU. But Williams is back and the Huskies are in position to contend for the CFP.
Penn State is basically bringing in a new team under first-year coach Matt Campbell. But Iowa State East did manage to retain six starters from the previous regime.
Jurrien Timber admits Arsenal must resolve ‘anxiety’ issues in Premier League title race
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has admitted the club must address the anxiety problems threatening their Premier League title bid, despite securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
The win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday restored their five-point advantage over Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in hand.
Playing the final 20 minutes against 10 men after Pedro Neto’s dismissal, Arsenal rode their luck, with David Raya making a crucial stoppage-time save and Liam Delap having a late equaliser disallowed for offside.
Timber, who scored the decisive goal, acknowledged the team's struggles with composure.
"You feel it, especially at the end. We stopped playing, which was unnecessary, especially when we had a man up," he stated.
"It’s something we need to work on, and talk about as well. It has happened a couple of times this season already. We got through it before but there have been couple of times we didn’t.
“It is part of the game, the energy within the players, the crowd, the anxiety. It’s something we need to address and talk about, but we handled it well today."
With nine league matches remaining, Arsenal travel to Brighton on Wednesday, aiming to move a step closer to ending their 22-year title wait, while also competing in the Carabao Cup final, Champions League and FA Cup.
Reflecting on the demanding schedule, Timber added: "From the beginning of the season every performance and every three points count.
“At the same time, I heard it is just nine games to go, but it feels like we are still so far off because we are playing in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
“There are so many games to play, and if we look too far ahead it becomes a bit too much. So for now, we recover and look at Brighton."
Hickey adds to Scotland injury woes for March friendlies
Brentford right-back Aaron Hickey will miss Scotland's World Cup warm-up friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast as injuries continue to plague several key players in Steve Clarke's squad.
The Premier League club have revealed they hope the 23-year-old, who was withdrawn at half-time against Brighton and Hove Albion on 21 February with a hamstring problem, "will return after the March international break".
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have yet to reveal a return date for winger Ben Gannon-Doak, who has missed the majority of the league season with a hamstring injury the 20-year-old picked up in the 4-2 win over Denmark in November.
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Having already lost Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland until April with a hamstring injury, Heart of Midlothian head coach Derek McInnes has also all-but ruled Craig Gordon out of Japan's visit to Hampden on 28 March and the match against Ivory Coast at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium three days later.
The 43-year-old goalkeeper has already missed the Scottish Premiership leaders' latest six matches with a shoulder injury.
John McGinn is also doubtful, although the Aston Villa midfielder said last week that he is two or three weeks away from a return from a knee injury picked up on 18 January that required surgery and had the 31-year-old initially fearing for his place at this summer's World Cup finals.
Fellow midfielder Scott McTominay picked up an injury in Napoli's win over Genoa on 7 February and, although he said last week he had an outside chance of playing against Hellas Verona, was absent for a fourth consecutive match.
However, Billy Gilmour made his second substitute appearance since picking up a groin injury in November as the midfielder helped Napoli win 2-1.
Romelu Lukaku held off the attentions of Scotland striker Kieron Bowie, making his fourth start for the hosts, to score the late winner - the first time they have won this season with McTominay absent.
McTominay could make his club squad on Friday at home to Torino, for whom fellow 29-year-old Che Adams might also return after a two-game absence with a calf strain.
The striker had been passed fit for Sunday's 2-0 win over Lazio but did not make the match-day squad.
Meanwhile, Derby County right-back Max Johnston is expected to return in mid-March after four months out with a hamstring injury but might not be match fit in time for the Scotland friendlies.
However, defender Ross McCrorie returned to the Bristol City side that lost to Watford at the weekend after three games out with concussion.
Centre-half Grant Hanley is expected to return to action this week after missing five games for Hibernian.
Rangers midfielder Connor Barron, who has been out with a knee injury since early January, is expected back this month.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn has at least made the Nottingham Forest bench since recovering from November's knee ligament injury, but his lack of game time is another worry for Clarke.