Rebounding is an important source of fantasy basketball points, especially in category leagues where winning the battle on the boards can make a difference. With several players delivering strong performances recently, there are waiver wire options worth considering in Yahoo Fantasy leagues. Here are five players rostered in fewer than 50% of leagues who have been making an impact in rebounding over the past week.
Key Highlights:
- Daniel Gafford (50%) is averaging 8.3 rebounds per game over his last three outings and has benefited from Dallas' frontcourt injuries.
- Jalen Smith (47%) has recorded 10.0 rebounds per game over his last three games while filling in for the injured Nic Claxton.
- Aday Mara (42%) is averaging 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game over his last three games, making him a useful option in deeper leagues.
- Andre Drummond (11%) and Jarace Walker (11%) offer additional rebounding value, averaging 8.7 and 6.8 rebounds per game respectively over their recent appearances.
Daniel Gafford – C, Dallas Mavericks
50% rostered | 8.3 RPG over last 3 games
Daniel Gafford has become a more appealing fantasy option now that he is no longer sharing the centre position with Dereck Lively II. Previously, managers were advised to pick up whichever player remained healthy if either big man suffered an injury. With the current situation, Gafford is the preferred option in Dallas' frontcourt.
Lively (foot) and Santi Aldama (knee) have yet to make their season debuts, leaving Gafford as a reliable presence among the team's available big men. He has averaged 19 points and seven rebounds over his last two games, making him a useful pickup while Dallas continues to deal with frontcourt injuries.
Jalen Smith – PF/C, Chicago Bulls
47% rostered | 10.0 RPG over last 3 games
Jalen Smith continues to deliver on the boards while filling in for the injured Nic Claxton. He averaged 10.0 rebounds across his last three games over the past week, making him an attractive option for fantasy managers looking to strengthen their rebounding numbers.
Although Smith has been dealing with a finger injury, he has not missed any games. The Bulls' fast-paced style also creates additional opportunities for fantasy production, as the team currently ranks among the NBA's top 10 in pace. As long as Claxton remains sidelined, Smith is a player worth keeping on fantasy rosters.
Aday Mara – C, Oklahoma City Thunder
42% rostered | 7.0 RPG over last 3 games
Despite being a rookie, Aday Mara has already established himself as a backup centre for a championship contender. The 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is averaging 18.1 minutes per game and has shown promise as a rebounder and shot-blocker.
Mara is averaging 5.6 rebounds per game this season, with that figure increasing to 7.0 over his last three appearances. The 7-foot-3 centre is also recording 1.7 blocks per game during the same period, adding further value to his fantasy production. While his scoring numbers remain modest, Mara is a worthwhile option in deeper leagues for managers seeking rebounds and defensive contributions.
Andre Drummond – C, New York Knicks
11% rostered | 8.7 RPG over last 3 games
Andre Drummond has built a reputation throughout his NBA career as a dependable rebounder, even when his scoring output is limited. The veteran centre has continued to provide value for the New York Knicks, averaging 8.7 rebounds over the past week and 7.6 for the season.
The Knicks have relied on Drummond more than initially expected, particularly in recent games. He recorded 12 points and 14 rebounds in 24 minutes during the season opener, although he has yet to replicate that performance.
Drummond has averaged 13.7 minutes over his last four games. While several guards may feature ahead of him in the bench rotation, he remains the first frontcourt option outside the starting five, giving him opportunities to contribute when called upon.
Jarace Walker – SF/PF, Indiana Pacers
11% rostered | 6.8 RPG over last 4 games
Jarace Walker has continued to receive meaningful playing time for the Indiana Pacers despite Tyrese Haliburton's absence with a hamstring injury. Although Haliburton returned at the start of the season before being sidelined again, Walker's minutes have remained relatively consistent.
His latest performance against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday saw him log a career-high 45 minutes. Walker is averaging 24.6 minutes per game this season, along with 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds.
The fourth-year forward's ability to operate both inside and outside the paint makes him a versatile fantasy option. At just 11% rostered in Yahoo leagues, he could be a useful addition for managers looking for additional rebounding production.
