Fantasy basketball pickups: Anthony Black and Cedric Coward headline late-December waiver adds
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The final week of the 2025 calendar year finds several under-rostered NBA players delivering numbers that warrant immediate fantasy consideration.
Point guards
Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder (43.2% rostered) — After clearing the concussion protocol, the rookie logged 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 24.7 minutes per game over his three appearances preceding the injury and returned to action Sunday.
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic (41.9%) — The No. 6 pick in the 2023 draft is on a tear, averaging 24.2 points across his past six contests and erupting for a career-best 38 on Saturday.
Shooting guards
Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat (3.3%) — Inserted into the starting lineup while Tyler Herro nurses a toe injury, Larsson has filled the box score with 18.5 points, 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds in two starts.
Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets (6.3%) — Elevated to the first unit after Cameron Johnson’s setback, Hardaway has averaged better than 20 points and roughly five threes over his last four games.
Small forwards
Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies (36.2%) — Despite missing one game with a heel issue, Coward is averaging about 15 points and seven rebounds for December.
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards (12.0%) — Back from ankle and oblique injuries, Coulibaly has resumed providing scoring, rebounding and his trademark 3-and-D contributions in two outings.
Power forwards
Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets (12.4%) — Filling in for the injured Ryan Kalkbrenner, the second-year forward has posted consecutive double-doubles and strung together three straight games with at least 13 boards.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors (16.5%) — While Jakob Poeltl remains out, Mamukelashvili has produced whenever his minutes climb; he has scored double figures in every game with 21 or more minutes this season.
Centers
Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Clippers (17.6%) — Starting in place of the injured Ivica Zubac, the veteran followed a five-point opener with a 31-point outburst and remains a threat from deep when afforded starter minutes.
Jusuf Nurkic, Utah Jazz (20.3%) — Although regularly managed for injuries, Nurkic continues to supply double-double production, averaging 13.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists over his last six games.
Source: ESPN
