Fantasy Basketball: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not This Week
Welcome to this week’s roundup of the biggest risers and fallers in fantasy basketball! As the season unfolds, player performances continue to shake up the rankings and impact fantasy rosters. Whether it’s a breakout star making waves or a struggling veteran losing ground, staying ahead of the trends is crucial for your fantasy success. In this weekly breakdown, we’ll highlight the top performers climbing the charts and those whose value is slipping, helping you make smarter lineup decisions.
Risers
Let’s dive into the players who are making a significant impact and climbing the fantasy basketball charts this week.
- Josh Giddey, PG/SG/SF, Chicago Bulls (90%)
Josh Giddey is having a phenomenal February, and his recent performance against the Knicks was nothing short of spectacular. With 27 points, 16 boards, and four 3-pointers in 34 minutes, Giddey is proving to be the Bulls’ shining star amidst their struggles. The Bulls have lost five straight games, and with players like Matas Buzelis, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White struggling, Giddey has been the one positive constant. His contributions in scoring (18.4 PPG), rebounds (7.0 RPG), assists (4.3 APG), steals (1.3 APG), blocks (1.0 BPG), and 3-pointers (2.60 3PM this month) are invaluable.
- Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF, LA Clippers (87%)
Kawhi Leonard is back in action and making a significant impact for the sixth-seeded Clippers. Despite injury concerns, Leonard has been a trooper, scoring 25 points with full stat lines in his past two games. With Norman Powell out due to a knee injury, Leonard’s role has expanded, and he’s been particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting almost 41% of his 3-point attempts in February. Even when Powell returns, Leonard’s contributions will remain crucial.
- Brook Lopez, C, Milwaukee Bucks (76% rostered in ESPN leagues)
Brook Lopez is set to see increased usage with Bobby Portis suspended for 25 games. Lopez’s ability to score, hit 3-pointers, and block shots gives him top-25 potential for the fifth-seeded Bucks. With Damian Lillard (hamstring) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) occasionally out, Lopez becomes a top offensive option. The departure of Khris Middleton to Washington further solidifies his role.
- Max Christie, SG, Dallas Mavericks (31%)
Max Christie is stepping up for the Mavericks after the trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Christie has been consistent, scoring between 15 and 23 points in all six of his games with the Mavericks. His contributions in 3-pointers, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks make him a valuable asset. Playing 34 MPG and shooting well from both the field (50%) and free throw line (81%) in February, Christie is a player to watch.
- Jeremy Sochan, PF, San Antonio Spurs (27%)
With Victor Wembanyama out for the season, Jeremy Sochan is poised to take on a more significant role for the Spurs. Sochan’s versatility allows him to play all five positions, and while his numbers may not be eye-popping, he does a little bit of everything. With Wemby’s season-ending injury, Sochan is expected to make a big leap.
Fallers
Now, let’s take a look at the players whose fantasy value is on the decline.
- LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets (100%)
LaMelo Ball’s season is in jeopardy as he sat out against the Nuggets for right ankle injury management. With only three appearances in February, the clock is ticking for him to be shut down for the season. The Hornets have just 14 wins, and Ball’s future with the team is uncertain. Fantasy managers should consider trading him before the calendar hits March, as his odds of being shut down will skyrocket.
- Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans (97%)
Like Ball, Zion Williamson is also at risk of being shut down. The Pelicans have just 13 wins and are in last place in the Western Conference. With the team in the hunt for the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, they don’t need to win games. Zion won’t play in back-to-back games, and with four more sets of them, he’s going to miss at least four more games. Fantasy managers should consider moving him before it’s too late.
- Paul George, SF/PF, Philadelphia 76ers (93%)
Paul George is a big injury risk, and the Sixers are struggling, currently sitting outside of the playoffs as the 11th seed in the East. George has had a rough February, scoring between two and 14 points in five straight games before showing signs of life against the Celtics. He’s averaged just 11.3 points while shooting 42% in his six games this month. If the Sixers give up on the playoffs, George will be a top shutdown candidate.
- Naz Reid, PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves (81%)
Naz Reid has been great in Minnesota, scoring between 22 and 30 points in five of his past seven games. However, Julius Randle is nearing a return from his groin injury, which will impact Reid’s opportunities. Fantasy managers should shop Reid while his value is still at its peak, as his production will decrease once Randle is healthy again.
- Aaron Gordon, PF, Denver Nuggets (52%)
Russell Westbrook is back from a hamstring strain, and while he wasn’t great on Thursday, he played 26 minutes after being sidelined for three weeks. Westbrook’s return will limit Aaron Gordon’s opportunities. Gordon scored more than 13 points in only three January games when Westbrook was healthy. Fantasy managers should be cautious as Westbrook’s presence will impact Gordon’s fantasy value.
Originally Written by: Steve Alexander
