NBA In-Season Tournament: Player Performance Analysis
As the NBA prepares for its In-Season Tournament, there is a noticeable decrease in game activity this week. This quieter schedule provides an excellent opportunity to analyze players whose performance is fluctuating significantly. Particularly noteworthy this week is Maxime “Mad Max” Raynaud, who has stepped up as a reliable backup center for the Sacramento Kings. With Domantas Sabonis sidelined, Raynaud has solidified his place among the starters.
Players on the Rise
- Derrick White, PG/SG, Boston Celtics
While it’s early in December, Derrick White has captured attention with his impressive performance in the first four games of the month, averaging 24.5 points per game with exceptional shooting percentages of 51.4% from the field, 40.8% from three-point range, and 80.0% from the free-throw line. His commitment to shooting threes, with an average of 12.3 attempts per game, has dramatically enhanced his fantasy value. This uptrend in both scoring and support stats, such as rebounds and assists, suggests that White is effectively embracing his pivotal role for the Celtics as they rely on him more heavily. - Kevin Porter Jr., PG/SG, Milwaukee Bucks
After overcoming an early injury, Kevin Porter Jr. has returned to form and is now the leading contributor for the Bucks. Over his last five games, he has posted impressive averages of 24.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 steals while shooting 55.6% overall. His ability to score consistently, including several 30-point games, has relieved any concerns about his integration back into the roster alongside Ryan Rollins. - Dylan Harper, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs
Following a brief adjustment period due to a calf injury, Dylan Harper appears to be regaining his confidence and form. In his last five outings, he has scored at least 15 points in four games and has also dished out five assists in four straight contests. A standout performance included a career-high 22 points against the Pelicans, topped off with a game-winning layup, suggesting that Harper’s trajectory is on an upswing as he gains experience.
Players on the Decline
- Myles Turner, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Unfortunately for Myles Turner, his transition to the Bucks has not gone as smoothly as hoped. He has struggled significantly, failing to grab more than three rebounds since late November, and averaging just over 12 points during this stretch. With limited playing time—just below 24 minutes per game—his early-season optimism has dimmed as the Bucks continue to find their footing, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. - De’Andre Hunter, SF/PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
De’Andre Hunter finds himself in a rough patch, highlighted by his inability to reach double figures in scoring twice over the last five games. With a maximum of just 13 points and a consistent but minimal contribution of three rebounds per game, Hunter’s recent outputs have not met fantasy expectations, leaving his prospects uncertain unless he can break this slump. - Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Houston Rockets
After a standout 10-game stretch, Reed Sheppard’s fortunes have shifted since Kevin Durant’s return to the Rockets’ lineup. Once averaging 17.1 points and becoming the primary scorer, Sheppard’s contributions have diminished, dropping to just 9.0 points per game as he finds himself sharing the court less frequently with Durant. Whether he can regain his earlier form remains to be seen, particularly as his playing time has been reduced in recent matches.
With players like White shining brightly and others like Turner struggling, this period of fewer games offers a critical window for fantasy managers to reevaluate their rosters.
