UPDATE: Just moments ago, NBA fantasy managers received critical insights as key players are surging and falling early in the season. With the first weeks of the NBA season underway, it’s time to make urgent moves in your fantasy leagues.
Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers is currently a must-have, rising to prominence as LeBron James deals with a sciatica issue. Reaves has showcased explosive performances, scoring a total of 51 points in the last three games, including a standout 41-point effort against the Portland Trail Blazers and a near triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His stock is soaring, and if you’re considering trading him, now is the time to act.
In a related surge, Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls is also making headlines. The Bulls remain undefeated at 4-0, with Buzelis posting an impressive 27 points, two steals, and four 3-pointers in their recent victory over the Sacramento Kings. Rostered in 53% of leagues, he’s becoming a must-add player for fantasy managers looking to capitalize on his rising production.
Meanwhile, Ajay Mitchell of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a steady presence, scoring between 14 and 26 points in each of his last five games. Though his role may shift with the return of Jalen Williams, Mitchell remains a valuable asset for managers seeking consistent performance.
On the flip side, fantasy managers should be cautious with Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. Young suffered a right knee sprain in Wednesday’s game, and while initial reports suggest he may avoid serious injury, his ongoing struggles with shooting — just 5-of-26 from three this season — make him a buy-low target. His fantasy value is at an all-time low, making this the perfect moment to negotiate a trade.
In addition, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics is seeing increased pressure with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Although averaging 26.8 points per game, his lack of steals and assists could impact his overall fantasy value. Targeting him now could pay off as he adjusts to a heavier workload.
Other noteworthy players on the rise include Ryan Rollins of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has stepped into a starting role, averaging 19.5 points and 6.0 assists over his last two games. With Kevin Porter Jr.’s ankle injury creating uncertainty, Rollins is becoming one of the hottest pickups across fantasy leagues.
Conversely, Josh Hart of the New York Knicks is struggling, with just 11 points through three games. Fantasy managers may want to consider moving on from Hart if his performance doesn’t improve in the coming week.
As the NBA season progresses, keep a close eye on these developments. The landscape of fantasy basketball is shifting rapidly, and making timely adjustments could significantly impact your success.
Stay tuned for more updates and ensure your fantasy lineup is optimized for the weeks ahead.