As we enter the third week of the new NBA season, injuries are becoming more prevalent, yet several healthy players are unexpectedly excelling. The risers and fallers segment highlights players from both extremes, assisting fantasy managers in evaluating potential trades or adjustments within their leagues.
Risers
Russell Westbrook, PG, Sacramento Kings (72% rostered in ESPN leagues)
Westbrook has emerged as a key player for the Kings, delivering a massive triple-double (his 204th) on Wednesday, notching 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over the Warriors. He also set the record for most rebounds by a guard, surpassing Jason Kidd. His previous game saw him score 26 points with 12 boards and six assists, taking advantage of injuries to Zach LaVine (back) and Domantas Sabonis (ribs). His role may reduce slightly when the Kings regain full health, but it appears Westbrook will receive significant playing time in Sacramento for the near future.
Jusuf Nurkic, C, Utah Jazz (19% rostered)
With Walker Kessler sidelined for the season due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery, Nurkic has stepped into the starting center role and recorded six points, 17 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block on Wednesday against the Pistons. He also registered a double-double with 11 points, 11 boards, four assists, and a block in his previous outing and is expected to improve in the upcoming period. Although his assists may decrease, he will remain a strong source of points, rebounds, and blocks. Power forward Kyle Filipowski (7% rostered) is likely to benefit as well from Kessler’s absence, potentially becoming a significant contributor as the season progresses.
Quentin Grimes, SG, Philadelphia 76ers (50%)
Grimes has tallied at least 22 points in four of his last seven games, including an efficient 9-of-15 shooting performance that led to 27 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a 3-pointer on Wednesday against Cleveland. He also recorded four steals and a block in his prior game, connecting on four triples with 22 points and a career-high 13 assists last Sunday against the Nets. Averaging 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 2.5 3-pointers this season, he offers valuable contributions across the board. His production may dip when Paul George returns, but his return date remains uncertain.
Ajay Mitchell, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder (37%)
Mitchell started in Portland on Wednesday, contributing 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 31 minutes. While he may not secure a starting spot consistently, he is getting solid minutes off the bench and producing well this season. Averaging nearly 27 minutes, he has recorded 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 3-pointers over eight games this season. Not a must-have, but his solid contributions could benefit fantasy teams. If he’s available in your league and you require guard assistance, he’s worth considering.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SG/SF, Miami Heat (59%)
Jaquez scored 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including a 3-pointer, while adding three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 26 minutes against Denver on Wednesday, establishing himself as a key player for the Heat in their opening games. He has tallied 21, 28, and 31 points in three of those eight games, and has been an excellent contributor in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. A decrease in productivity may occur once Tyler Herro returns, but unlike last season, Erik Spoelstra seems inclined to continue relying on Jaquez this year.
Kel’el Ware, C, Heat (40%)
Bam Adebayo‘s left foot injury resulted in him only playing eight minutes on Wednesday. Ware has had an up-and-down performance this season, but it’s largely due to factors beyond his control. He recorded 13 points, 13 rebounds, four steals, a block, and two 3-pointers in 27 minutes against Dallas, following 18 and 12-minute performances in the prior two games. Despite fluctuating playing time, his averages stand at 10.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 1.3 3-pointers in just 20 minutes per game. He possesses a fantasy-friendly stat line, particularly if Spoelstra grants him around 25 minutes per game. Should Adebayo miss time, Ware could significantly enhance his performance.
Terance Mann, SG/SF, Brooklyn Nets (10%)
Mann has recently become a quietly significant fantasy player, despite his low ownership level in ESPN leagues. He scored 15 points, dished out six assists, grabbed two steals, and made a 3-pointer on Wednesday against the Pacers, reaching double digits in four of his last five games and logging at least 30 minutes in three of those. With Cam Thomas dealing with a hamstring injury, Mann is likely to continue seeing extended playing time. This season, he is averaging a career-high 11.9 points along with 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 3-pointers over 28 minutes per game. Though the Nets are struggling, Mann seems secure in his starting role. If Thomas remains unavailable, Mann could take his game to the next level.
Fallers
Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs (100% rostered)
Wembanyama has faced challenges in his last two games, making only 9-of-28 attempts while averaging 14.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.5 blocks, and 0.5 3-pointers. Despite these underwhelming performances, he’s still averaging 25.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 4.1 blocks, and 0.9 3-pointers over his initial games. Expect a recovery against the Rockets on Friday; this is an ideal time to consider acquiring Wembanyama if you’ve been contemplating a trade, as his fantasy value is unlikely to drop further, and should he maintain his health, he could single-handedly lead you to a fantasy championship.
Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Orlando Magic (90%)
Bane has been underwhelming for his new squad, with a downward trend as the season unfolds. He has not reached double digits in three consecutive games, accumulating only 23 points for an average of 7.7 points. Currently, he is averaging just 13.9 PPG while shooting a disappointing 41.4%, leading to frustration among his fantasy managers. Still adjusting to his role alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, this is an opportune moment to pursue Bane, as his fantasy value may not dip further. The potential for him to regain his shooting form and produce significant numbers moving forward is high.
CJ McCollum, PG/SG, Washington Wizards (64%)
The Wizards have suffered four consecutive blowout losses, and McCollum has seen only 22 or fewer minutes in three straight games, tallying just 8 points in his last two games with a poor shooting rate of three for his last 19 attempts. This season, he has notably excelled only once—scoring 24 points with six rebounds, five assists, and four 3-pointers against Charlotte on October 26—and there are growing concerns regarding his position in Washington for the remainder of the year. While recent low playing time may correlate to the nature of the games, the Wizards, currently 1-7 this season, may initiate a youth movement in what appears to be another challenging season. McCollum is expected to bounce back, but fantasy managers might find peace of mind if he were on another roster.
Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans (97%)
Williamson is expected to be sidelined for approximately 10 days due to a left hamstring injury, with the Pelicans finally recording their second win during his absence against the Mavericks on Wednesday. Leading up to the injury, he was performing relatively well, averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.0 steals, albeit with poor free throw accuracy (66.7%) and a lack of 3-pointers or shot blocks. Presently, his trade value is diminished due to the injury, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he continues to manage this issue moving forward. He has struggled significantly in New Orleans, and it might be wise to consider trading him after he returns and showcases a decent performance.
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, Pelicans (88%)
Murphy’s shooting has been an area of concern, currently at 38.3%, with a particularly poor 3-for-12 showing in Wednesday’s victory over Dallas. His scoring has dropped by more than six points compared to last season, although he is achieving career highs in rebounds, assists, and steals. The encouraging aspect is his health, suggesting he is a more capable player than his current form displays. Expect him to correct his shooting woes soon, making it an ideal time to target a trade for Murphy as he is set to improve.
Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers (96%)
Leonard had established himself as a beacon of health this season, showcasing top-10 fantasy value through his consistent play. However, concerns arose when he sat out Tuesday’s game against the Thunder due to a sprained ankle, initially perceived as mere load management during a back-to-back matchup. Subsequently, he was ruled out ahead of Thursday’s encounter with the Suns, leaving fantasy managers questioning the severity of his injury. Currently classified as day-to-day, Leonard has been one of the most valuable fantasy talents up to this point. Nonetheless, his injury history continues to loom as a potential concern, as he could quickly find himself facing injury setbacks after a strong start. Managers must decide whether to remain patient with Leonard, hoping for a minor issue, or to explore trading him for a healthier, more reliable option. Should you opt to trade, he could fetch a good return based on his performance so far, provided fellow managers aren’t deterred by his injury record.
