Yahoo’s High Score 100 Fantasy Basketball Format
Yahoo’s recently introduced fantasy basketball format, known as High Score 100, allows players to monitor the top performers based on year-to-date efficiency and current performance trends. Each week, updates are provided to highlight players ascending the rankings and those who are slipping. This article dives into the most significant gains and losses over the first 10 weeks of this fantasy basketball season, with the comprehensive High Score 100 rankings listed at the conclusion. Weekly updates will be posted every Tuesday throughout the season, making it an ideal time for players to either join or initiate a league in this innovative setup.
Injury Update: Nikola Jokić
In the latest news, the fantasy basketball community can collectively breathe easier — Nikola Jokić, superstar of the Denver Nuggets, suffered a hyperextension of his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month. This unfortunate incident comes right after his standout performance on Christmas Day, where he scored 108 points, marking the highest fantasy total this season against Minnesota. Although the injury occurred after the deadline for Week 10 rankings, Jokić remains included in this week’s update. For those scrambling to mitigate his absence, Jonas Valančiūnas emerges as a primary target due to his expected increased minutes and opportunities in the frontcourt while Jokić recovers.
Players Making Headlines
Notable Risers
- Collin Gillespie – G, Phoenix Suns: Rising significantly from 140th to 91st in the rankings, Gillespie has caught everyone off guard. Since gaining a starting position in late November, he has excelled with averages of 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game across 13 outings. Frequently adding value as a guard, his consistent performance has made him a must-add option in all league formats. As Jalen Green remains out, Gillespie’s fantasy stock has surged, recently reflecting top-40 value.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. – FC, Memphis Grizzlies: After experiencing a downturn just weeks ago, JJJ has found his footing with a resurgence that sees him averaging 46.2 fantasy points over the last two weeks. He has scored over 50 fantasy points in consecutive games, showing active defensive play and improved rebounding. With averages of 22.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, his stock is on the rise back to where he was expected to perform at the beginning of the season.
- Kawhi Leonard – G/FC, LA Clippers: In a remarkable turn, Kawhi erupted for a career-high 55 points in a victory against the Detroit Pistons, also contributing with 11 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. Averaging 41.3 points through Week 10, Leonard is showcasing a more aggressive offensive role, leading to his current place as the second-best player in terms of per-game performance across the past fortnight.
Significant Fallers
- Quentin Grimes – G/FC, Philadelphia 76ers: Continuing his downward trend for a second week, Grimes has seen his scoring plummet to an average of just 10.1 points while shooting 35% this December. With the health of the 76ers’ stars, his opportunities in a reserve role are limited, warranting consideration for fantasy managers looking to move on.
- Myles Turner – FC, Milwaukee Bucks: Although Turner broke his slump with a 43-point fantasy game, his overall performance remains lackluster, illustrated by three games not surpassing 27 fantasy points. With Giannis returning to the lineup, Turner’s value could improve, but his current shooting struggles may hinder any gains.
- Deandre Ayton – FC, Los Angeles Lakers: His struggles continue, dropping to 110th overall. Ayton’s inconsistency makes him a challenging player to rely on, yielding low-end double-doubles that fall flat in the High Score format. While he has shown improvement in recent games without teammate Austin Reaves, his overall outlook remains concerning and he could likely be replaced by a more productive player off the waiver wire.
As this season develops, players will be eager to track the evolving High Score 100 rankings, which reflect both performance and trends as the weeks progress.
