NBA Regular Season Update
As the NBA regular season marks its fifth week, fans and fantasy league players alike are assessing player performances just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. This week, we delve into the dynamics of who’s gaining traction and who’s on the decline just before the festive season arrives.
Upcoming Matchups
On Tuesday, don’t miss the crucial matchups featuring the Orlando Magic facing the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers going up against the Lakers, streamed live on NBC and Peacock.
Fantasy Basketball Top 200
With December fast approaching, it’s time to check out the updated Fantasy Basketball Top 200 as players like Kawhi Leonard are on the mend and questions loom over Lauri Markkanen’s reliability.
Players on the Rise
Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves has notably transformed his gameplay over the last few weeks. Currently averaging 17.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 three-pointers since mid-November, Reid’s offensive capability continues to impress, even as he navigates a solid frontcourt situation. Though his time on the court is constrained, he certainly presents an appealing option for fantasy team depth due to his scoring versatility.
Another player benefiting from increased responsibilities is Andre Drummond from the Philadelphia 76ers. With Joel Embiid facing challenges staying healthy, Drummond has demonstrated his prowess, highlighted by an impressive 24-rebound game recently against the Miami Heat. His current averages of 10.6 points and 12.7 rebounds are on the rise, particularly during his seven starts this season, where he’s managed to boost those figures to 12.0 points and 14.0 rebounds. Remarkably, Drummond remains unrostered in many Yahoo! Fantasy leagues, presenting a golden opportunity for those in need of a robust rebounder.
On the rise, Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls is also making headlines. This season, he’s shown substantial growth, hitting a personal best with a recent high of 28 points in a game. His recent performance includes three outings with over 20 points in just five games. If he can diversify his play beyond scoring, he may escalate his fantasy value even further.
Players on the Decline
Conversely, it’s essential to keep an eye on a few players whose fortunes appear to be dimming. Isaiah Hartenstein of the Oklahoma City Thunder has seen a dip in his post-peak performance after a remarkable outing earlier this month, averaging 11.0 points and 9.9 rebounds in the following eight games — solid yet underwhelming from a fantasy perspective.
Similarly, Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies has faced difficulties, with declining scoring and stagnated rebounding despite the absence of other top players on his team. Ever since his Defensive Player of the Year recognition, expectations have been high, but he has fallen short this season, only occasionally hitting the 20-point mark and struggling to secure rebounds.
Lastly, Joel Embiid’s absence from the Sixers has raised concerns, especially as he has missed seven consecutive games. With a career-low average of under 20 points per game and a significant drop in rebounds, there are questions surrounding his readiness once he returns. Fantasy managers with Embiid may want to secure Drummond as a backup as the Sixers continue their solid performance without him.
Looking Ahead
As week six approaches, all eyes remain peeled for key players like Kawhi Leonard, eager to see how his return from injury will impact the Clippers and fantasy teams everywhere.
