The fantasy basketball season is barely underway, but savvy managers are already scouring the box scores and injury reports for any edge they can gain over the competition. After an action-packed opening week, several players are skyrocketing up draft boards while others are seeing their once-promising values plummet. Here’s what you need to know about the early risers, fallers, and injury impacts rocking the fantasy hoops world.
Risers Making Waves
Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks
While Clint Capela got the start for Atlanta, it was the Onyeka Okongwu show on opening night. The young center exploded for a career-high 28 points on uber-efficient 11-of-12 shooting, chipping in 8 rebounds and 3 blocks for good measure. Though he won’t shoot 91.7% every game, this eye-popping performance could lead the Hawks to reconsider Capela’s starting role. Fantasy-wise, Okongwu looks like a must-add for managers in need of a high-upside big man.
Dyson Daniels, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks
After a relatively quiet preseason tempered expectations, Daniels announced his presence in the Hawks’ opener with a stellar all-around line: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, and a block in 35 minutes. The steals, in particular, appear legit after he averaged 1.4 per game as a rookie. Free throw shooting remains a weakness, but Daniels shouldn’t get to the line enough to torpedo your percentages. He looks like an across-the-board contributor worthy of a pickup in most formats.
Santi Aldama, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies
With Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined by a hamstring injury, Aldama stepped into the starting power forward role and delivered the goods. The second-year pro paced the Grizzlies with 27 points, drilling 5-of-9 from deep and playing stout defense. Memphis has Jackson on a week-to-week timetable, positioning Aldama as a high-floor temporary plug-in. The lack of defensive stats is mildly disappointing, but as long as he’s starting, Aldama needs to be rostered.
Values Falling Fast
Dejounte Murray, PG/SG, New Orleans Pelicans
The fantasy world let out a collective gasp when Murray exited the Pelicans’ opener with a fractured left hand. The early word is he’ll miss 4-to-6 weeks, potentially keeping the star guard out until Christmas. It’s a devastating blow for managers who spent an early-round pick on Murray’s elite across-the-board production. Though you can’t cut a potentially league-winning talent, stashing Murray on IR for two months is a tough pill to swallow.
Immanuel Quickley, PG/SG, Toronto Raptors
Quickley’s promising fantasy outlook took a worrying hit when he left Wednesday’s tilt early with a “very sore” pelvic contusion. The Raptors are likely to take a cautious approach with their young floor general, throwing his short-term status up in the air. Managers able to put Quickley on IR should wait for updates before reacting, but those lacking that luxury may be forced to move on for a healthier option.
John Collins, PF, Utah Jazz
After ceding the starting power forward job to rookie surprise Taylor Hendricks, Collins limped to 11 points and 5 boards in just 18 minutes off the Jazz bench on opening night. That paled in comparison to Hendricks’ 12/5/2/1/3 line in 29 minutes. It’s obviously too early to sound the alarm, but Collins backers can’t be thrilled about the looming timeshare. The veteran still deserves a long leash, but deep-league managers in particular need to monitor this fluid situation carefully.
Waiver Wire Watch
In addition to the aforementioned Okongwu, Daniels, and Aldama, several players have emerged as priority pickups thanks to opening week developments:
- Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans: Put up 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 23 minutes with Zion Williamson sidelined. Could have deep-league value if Williamson misses more time.
- Jordan Hawkins, SG, New Orleans Pelicans: Played 28 bench minutes after Murray’s injury, chipping in 13 points, 7 boards, and 3 triples. Deep-league managers should keep tabs on his role while Murray’s out.
- Tre Mann, SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets: Exploded for 24/6/1/0/1 in 29 minutes after Brandon Miller (hip) exited early. Could have temporary value if Miller misses time, especially in deeper formats.
As always, the fantasy landscape is shifting by the day. From emerging youngsters to injury shakeups, staying on top of the latest developments is essential to keeping your squad in title contention. Be sure to monitor the waiver wire daily and pounce on high-upside free agents before your competition. Fortune favors the bold in fantasy hoops – and a proactive approach to roster management can make all the difference.
