Fantasy Basketball Week 6: Risers and Fallers You Need to Know
It’s Week 6 of the fantasy basketball season, and the landscape is shifting fast. Some players are lighting up the stat sheets and making their managers look like geniuses, while others are struggling to find their rhythm. From breakout stars to fading veterans, this week’s risers and fallers are here to help you make the right moves in your league. Let’s dive in!
Risers
Jalen Williams, OKC SF/PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder (98.0% rostered in ESPN leagues)
Jalen Williams is on an absolute tear, and it’s impossible to ignore. He’s made back-to-back appearances on the Risers list, which is rare, but his performance demands it. With Chet Holmgren sidelined, Williams has stepped up in a big way. Over the last two weeks, he’s been a fantasy dream, averaging 23.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals, 1.5 blocks, 1.8 triples, and just 2.1 turnovers on 57% shooting. Those are elite numbers. While some might consider trading him at peak value, there’s no reason to believe he can’t sustain this level of play. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Franz Wagner, SF/PF, Orlando Magic (96.0%)
Franz Wagner has found his groove and is playing at an All-Star level for the Magic. With Paolo Banchero out, Wagner has been a top-10 player over the past two weeks. He’s averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.9 steals, 2.4 3-pointers, and just 1.3 turnovers on 47% shooting. While the 6.3 assists may not be sustainable, his overall production is stellar. If you’re thinking about trading him, now might be the time, as his value is sky-high.
Tyler Herro, PG/SG, Miami Heat (91.0%)
Tyler Herro has quietly been a top-20 player over the last two weeks. He’s putting up 26.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 4.8 3-pointers on 47% shooting. While his 3.0 turnovers per game are a bit high, the rest of his numbers are fantastic. With Jimmy Butler in and out of the lineup, Herro’s role remains secure. If you don’t already have him, now’s the time to make a move, especially with a four-game week coming up.
Tari Eason, SF/PF, Houston Rockets (51.0%)
Tari Eason might not be flashy, but he’s been incredibly productive. Over the past two weeks, he’s averaged 12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 3-pointers. His defensive stats make him a must-roster player, and it seems like only a matter of time before he challenges Dillon Brooks for a starting role. Don’t let him sit on the waiver wire.
Dalton Knecht, SG/SF, Los Angeles Lakers (40.7%)
Dalton Knecht is the hottest name in fantasy basketball right now. He’s the most-added player in ESPN leagues this week, and for good reason. On Tuesday, he exploded for 37 points, nine 3-pointers, and five rebounds against the Jazz. Over the last two weeks, he’s averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 triples on 59% shooting. With LeBron James and the Lakers fully behind him, Knecht looks like a long-term asset.
Jake LaRavia, PF, Memphis Grizzlies (8.8%)
Jake LaRavia is quietly becoming one of the best fantasy stories of the season. Over his last seven games, he’s averaged 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 52% from the field and 94% from the line. Even with Desmond Bane back, LaRavia continues to produce. If he’s available in your league, grab him now.
Fallers
Brandon Boston Jr., SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans (19.5%)
Despite a golden opportunity in New Orleans, Brandon Boston Jr. has struggled with his shot, hitting just 38% from the field over the last two weeks. His averages of 13.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists are decent, but his inefficiency has hurt his value. With his teammates set to return soon, Boston’s minutes and touches will likely decrease. If his shot doesn’t improve in the next week, it might be time to move on.
Dennis Schroder, PG, Brooklyn Nets (81.2%)
Dennis Schroder started the season strong but has cooled off significantly. Over the last two weeks, he’s averaged 15.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting just 38.5% from the field. The Nets play four games next week, so there’s still hope he can turn things around, but fantasy managers need him to start hitting shots again.
Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, Boston Celtics (99.6%)
Jaylen Brown has been overshadowed by Jayson Tatum and Derrick White lately. Over the last two weeks, he’s averaged 23.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, but his lack of steals and poor free throw shooting (73%) have hurt his fantasy value. Unfortunately, Brown’s real-life impact doesn’t always translate to fantasy success.
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons (76.6%)
Jalen Duren has the potential to be a fantasy star, but he’s been inconsistent. Over his last five games, he’s averaged 11 points and 12 rebounds but hasn’t contributed much else. His free throw shooting has been abysmal at 44%, a far cry from the 79% he shot last season. Fantasy managers will need to be patient and hope he can turn things around.
Klay Thompson, SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks (76.7%)
Klay Thompson’s move to Dallas hasn’t gone as hoped. He’s averaging just 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over his last seven games while shooting 34% from the field. Once a fantasy staple, Thompson’s value has plummeted. It’s hard to see him turning things around, and he might be better suited for the waiver wire in most leagues.
Originally Written by: Eric Karabell
