2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 15: Josh Hart A Top Priority Following Julius Randle Injury

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and a lot of rosters could potentially be changing, which would open up – and potentially close up – opportunities for a lot of guys. For Week 15 for the Fantasy Basketball season, it’s time to take a look at the top waiver wire adds and streaming options.
Fantasy Basketball Top Waiver Wire Adds
Josh Hart, New York Knicks (43% Yahoo!)
In Saturday’s win, Julius Randle suffered a separated shoulder and the team is awaiting the severity of it via an MRI. Hart’s already a solid rotation piece for the Knicks as he’s played 26 or more minutes in five straight games, but he played 32 in the Heat game that Randle left. He’s likely going to be the one starting in Randle’s place unless the Knicks make a move, but Hart is a player that can deliver in multiple categories. He’s a nightly double-double threat if he’s playing 30-plus minutes and starting.
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (39% Yahoo!)
I know it hasn’t been easy to trust Pacers’ wings, but Nesmith has really settled into a great role for Indiana alongside Pascal Siakam. Nesmith’s topped 26 minutes in five straight gamesa nd has really started elevating his scoring, notching 13-plus points in three straight. He’s grabbed at least three rebounds in all five outings and he’s been one of the league’s best three-point shooters, shooting it at a 46% clip while making two threes per game.
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies (24% Yahoo!)
When you look at the Grizzlies, they’re absolutely decimated by injuries and are seemingly not interested in extended Xavier Tillman right now. That’s lead them using Jaren Jackson Jr. at center and Aldama starting aside him at power forward. Aldama is a really good fantasy player when he’s extended, that’s just been his primary issue at times; carving out a role. He’s made eight starts this year and has averaged 27.9 minutes, 13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest. He should continue getting an extended look with how depleted they are.
Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings (54% Yahoo!)
I understand he’s heavily rostered, but it’s been a steady rise lately given how well he’s begun playing. After being basically removed from the rotation, he’s had a fire lit from under him now posting 35 or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. He’s a good rebounding guard, has been contributing two or more assists and has at least one steal or block in six straight. We know good of a shooter he’s been his entire career and he’s getting back on track in January shooting a season-high 49% from the floor and 39.7% from three, which is up from 40.4% and 31.6 in December.
Fantasy Basketball Streaming Options
Jarred Vanderbilt, Los Angeles Lakers (17% Yahoo!)
Until we know how the Lakers’ roster is going to shake out post NBA trade deadline, it’s hard to put Vanderbilt any higher than the streaming category, but he has played himself into a substantial role for the time being. He’s played 25 or more minutes in three straight games and in each of them he’s notched at least 30 fantasy points. He’s scoring and rebounding, sure, but he’s really made his mark on the defensive end contributing two or more steals in four straight games.
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls (21% Yahoo!)
We’ve seen the Bulls entrust Dosunmu more and more of late, mainly since the Zach LaVine injury and now Patrick Williams is dealing with a foot ailment that’s going to keep landing him on the injury report. Dosunmu has three games upcoming this week and as the trade deadline continues to creep closer, it’s hard to imagine LaVine playing again beforehand. He’s played at least 28 minutes in four straight and five of his last six while scoring double-figures in six consecutive.
Player News
Trae Young (Achilles) is available for Tuesday’s game against the Magic.
As expected, Young has been upgraded from probable to available for Tuesday’s 7/8 Play-In tournament matchup. He’ll occupy his usual role within the Hawks’ starting lineup. The winner of Tuesday’s game will face Boston in the first round, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday. The loser will host the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between Miami and Chicago on Friday for the eighth seed in the East.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports the Suns are expected to offer Devin Booker a contract extension this summer.
Phoenix’s disappointing 2024-25 season ended with a loss to Sacramento on Sunday, and head coach Mike Budenholzer was fired the following day. Booker may be the only “safe” player on the roster in what should be a busy summer for the franchise. He’s eligible to sign an extension worth $ 149.8 million over two seasons, and according to Windhorst, the Suns intend to offer their star guard that deal. With Phoenix not having control of its first-round pick for the rest of the decade, they’ll likely have to part with Kevin Durant or Bradley Beal (or both) to change the roster’s makeup significantly.
On Tuesday, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Jericho Sims (thumb) should be available for the team’s first-round series against the Pacers.
Sims suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb in mid-March, with the team giving him a four-week timeline after undergoing surgery. The reserve center participated in most of Tuesday’s practice, sparking optimism that he will be available. However, with Brook Lopez due to play most of the minutes and Bobby Portis back from his 25-game suspension, there won’t be many minutes available to Sims.
Dalen Terry (calf) is probable for Wednesday’s game against the Heat.
Terry has been one of the Bulls’ key bench players in recent weeks and has a good chance to be one of the first players off the pine on Wednesday. However, he’s unlikely to have significant impact in such an important game.
Pelle Larsson (ankle) and Nikola Jovic (hand) are questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls.
Larsson is looking to return from a three-game layoff while Jovic hasn’t played since February. The Heat could need to rely on Haywood Highsmith, Kyle Anderson, and Jaime Jaquez off the bench if Larsson and Jovic are ruled out.
Josh Giddey (wrist) says he plans on playing in Wednesday’s game against the Heat.
Giddey plans on returning from a two-game layoff against the Heat for Wednesday’s play-in game.