As the NBA season progresses, identifying players who are either rising in value or experiencing a decline is crucial for fantasy league managers. This week, several players, including notable names from the Memphis Grizzlies and emerging talents like Dylan Harper and Cam Spencer, have garnered attention for their performances. Meanwhile, a few veterans, such as Darius Garland and Nikola Vucevic, are facing challenges that may impact their fantasy value.
Rising Stars
Stephen Curry, guard for the Golden State Warriors, remains a dominant force in fantasy basketball. After scoring an impressive 48 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 14, Curry has shown remarkable consistency, averaging 43.5 points over his last two games. Despite a recent off night where he scored 15 points, he continues to contribute significantly across multiple categories, making him a must-start player as the Warriors gear up to face the Phoenix Suns.
Another player making waves is Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. After struggling earlier in the season, Jackson has erupted for 28 and 31 points in his last two games. He has averaged 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a remarkable 4.0 blocks during this stretch. With a favorable matchup against the Washington Wizards on December 16, fantasy managers should consider him a valuable asset moving forward.
Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel from the Charlotte Hornets is also on a hot streak. Scoring at least 28 points in three consecutive games, Knueppel’s recent performance against the Atlanta Hawks, where he recorded 28 points and six 3-pointers, highlights his growing impact. His ability to contribute in multiple statistical categories makes him a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year Award.
Emerging talents such as Dylan Harper from the San Antonio Spurs have also caught the eye of fantasy managers. After a slow start, Harper has recently found his shooting touch, averaging 22.5 points and 4.0 three-pointers over his last two games. His performance against the New York Knicks, where he scored 21 points, marks a significant turnaround that could signal a promising second half of the season.
The Indiana Pacers’ Jay Huff has also emerged as a valuable fantasy player, particularly for his shot-blocking abilities. Averaging 3.6 blocks over his last five games, Huff has become a top-15 fantasy performer, making him a reliable option for managers seeking defensive stats.
Meanwhile, Cam Spencer of the Memphis Grizzlies continues to impress, scoring at least 20 points in three of his last five games. His shooting efficiency of 68% in December and his ability to contribute assists and three-pointers make him a player to watch as he solidifies his role in the Grizzlies’ rotation.
Players Facing Challenges
On the other side of the spectrum, Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers is experiencing a downturn in his performance. Shooting only 35% this December, Garland has struggled to maintain his scoring average, failing to hit 50% in any game this season. With his scoring down by five points from last year, managers should be cautious about relying on him until he finds his rhythm.
Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic has faced a similar fate, scoring 16 or fewer points in five consecutive games before rebounding slightly with a 20-point performance. With ongoing trade rumors surrounding him and a crowded rotation, Vucevic’s fantasy value remains uncertain.
Another player to monitor is Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Atlanta Hawks. With the return of star guard Trae Young, Alexander-Walker’s minutes could decrease, impacting his production. Although he scored 28 points in a recent game, his value may fluctuate as the season progresses.
Lastly, Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, who started the season strong, is currently experiencing a slump. After averaging 21.5 points and 12.6 rebounds in November, Duren has seen a significant drop in production, averaging just 14.3 points this December. Despite the Pistons’ success, Duren’s recent struggles may concern fantasy managers.
As the NBA season approaches the Christmas schedule, staying informed about player performances is essential for making strategic roster decisions. Both rising stars and struggling veterans can significantly impact fantasy league standings, making it crucial to identify value where it exists.
