With most fantasy basketball leagues entering playoff territory in March, several lightly rostered players are emerging as potential difference-makers, according to ESPN’s waiver-wire outlook for the week of March 2, 2026.
Backcourt targets
Dejounte Murray, SG/PG, New Orleans Pelicans (44.5% rostered)
The former All-Star returned from last season’s Achilles tear and has averaged 24.3 minutes in his first three games. Despite a 25-minute cap and a precautionary sit-out for the front end of a back-to-back, Murray is already contributing across categories and is expected to retain a starting role.
Javon Small, PG, Memphis Grizzlies (6.8%)
Small averaged roughly 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 25 minutes over six outings off the bench before injuries elevated him to the starting lineup, where his workload has remained steady.
Brandon Williams, PG, Dallas Mavericks (8.6%)
Whether starting or operating as sixth man, Williams has delivered 16.0 points, 6.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds in about 25 minutes per game during the past three weeks.
Brandin Podziemski, SG/PG, Golden State Warriors (45.5%)
With Stephen Curry sidelined, Podziemski continues to log 30-plus minutes, providing mid-teens scoring, strong rebounding, assists, three-pointers and steals.
Wings to watch
Naji Marshall, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (42.0%)
Marshall averaged 23.2 points over six games before a finger contusion forced him to miss Sunday’s contest. The Mavericks’ injury-depleted roster keeps him positioned as a primary scorer once healthy.
Julian Champagnie, SF, San Antonio Spurs (12.5%)
Champagnie has intensified his perimeter production, hitting 14 threes across three games last week while continuing to come off the bench.
Frontcourt help
Moussa Diabate, PF/C, Charlotte Hornets (32.7%)
After serving a four-game suspension, Diabate immediately recorded back-to-back double-doubles.
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Sacramento Kings (21.2%)
Now entrenched as Sacramento’s starting power forward, Achiuwa has posted double-digit rebounds in four of five outings, including two performances of at least 22 points and 12 boards.
Micah Potter, C, Indiana Pacers (4.1%)
Potter is averaging roughly 16 points, 6 rebounds and nearly three three-pointers per game as a sixth man since the contest preceding the All-Star break.
Wendell Carter Jr., C, Orlando Magic (23.1%)
Carter, a season-long starter, elevated his output last week to 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Managers looking for last-minute reinforcements ahead of the fantasy postseason may find significant value in these under-rostered options.
Source: ESPN
