Risers And Falls Include LaMelo Ball, Jaylon Tyson

More big stars have gone down with injuries lately, including Jimmy Butler, who was lost for the season Monday with a torn ACL. Some players have seen their stock rise as a result of those injuries, while others have become difficult to roster based on their recent production. Here are the top fantasy basketball risers and fallers to keep in mind for your waiver wire claims, lineup decisions, and roster strategy.

Fantasy Basketball Risers

Naji Marshall, F, Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have dealt with multiple players out with injuries lately. The most notable of which is Anthony Davis (finger), who could be sidelined into March. Marshall has taken on a more prominent role with the Mavericks missing so many players, starting each of the last eight games. During that span, he averaged 18.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 three-pointers. He is still available in 35% of Yahoo leagues, making him a top target to grab off the waiver wire.

Jaylon Tyson, F, Cleveland Cavaliers

Tyson has bounced in and out of the starting lineup during his second season in the NBA. As a starter, he has averaged 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers over 24 games. Darius Garland (toe) is out for at least the next week, so Tyson has a clear path to added minutes again.

Jalen Smith, C, Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have been using more double-big lineups lately. With Zach Collins (toe) likely out through the All-Star break, that has meant more playing time for Smith. The result has been Smith averaging 11.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers over the last 11 games. Smith, who is rostered in just 25% of Yahoo leagues, could provide fantasy managers in need of a center with a boost.

Fantasy Basketball Fallers

LaMelo Ball, G, Charlotte Hornets

Ball had averaged at least 32 minutes in each of the previous four seasons. This season, he has logged only 28 minutes a night. He has even come off the bench in two recent games. The result has been averages of 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.7 three-pointers over his last 10 games. While that’s still valuable in fantasy, it’s not what managers who likely used a high draft pick on Ball had expected. It’s tough to try and trade him right now with his value possibly at a low point, but it might not be a bad idea to float him out there and see what kind of trade offers come in.

Ryan Rollins, G, Milwaukee Bucks

When Kevin Porter Jr. went down with an injury in the first game of the season, Rollins filled in for him admirably. Across his first 21 games, Rollins averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers. However, now that Porter is back and the rest of the Bucks’ roster is mostly healthy, Rollins has seen his production dwindle. Across his last seven games, he has only averaged 10.1 points and 1.1 three-pointers. Don’t drop him yet as he is just one injury away from a leading role again, but fantasy managers will need to temper expectations for him for the time being.

Maxime Raynaud, C, Sacramento Kings

Raynaud is a second-round rookie who filled in admirably when Domantas Sabonis went down with a knee injury. Over 19 starts, he averaged 12.6 points and 8.4 rebounds across 29 minutes a game. Despite the Kings easing Sabonis back into action the last two games, Raynaud did not log more than 23 minutes in either contest. As Sabonis sees his minutes restriction reside, Raynaud could spend even less time on the floor. It’s time to drop him in fantasy.

Takeaway

Marshall, Tyson, and Smith are all on the rise in fantasy basketball. Ball, Rollins, and Raynaud are all heading in the opposite direction, although Raynaud is the only player to drop from that trio. Staying ahead of these trends is key to having a successful season — also, check out our 4 Players To Trade Away article as we try to help you win your fantasy basketball league.