Welcome back to Rotation Watch, Rotoballers! In this weekly article, we're all about finding those fantasy basketball game-changers. We'll keep a close eye on players who are getting more action on the court because, as savvy fantasy managers, we want our roster stacked with those who are racking up those stats.
In the world of fantasy hoops, it's all about staying ahead of the game. We'll help you spot those hidden gems on the brink of becoming fantasy studs, dissect up-and-coming talents, and break down how they fit into their team's game plans, giving you the edge in your fantasy basketball journey.
Fantasy basketball is all about predicting player performance, and it starts with understanding team rotations. As the season unfolds, things can change fast, whether due to injuries, trades, or a player's breakout performance. With Rotation Watch, you'll have the info you need to adjust your roster on the fly and outsmart your competition in the dynamic world of fantasy hoops. As always, if you have any questions or want to chat more about the NBA, you can find me on X/Twitter @dtepdc.
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Jaden Ivey - PG/SG, Detroit Pistons
Yahoo: 58% rostered
Season Average: 23.41 MPG | PRA:12.7/2.9/3.2
Last Seven Games: 32.30 MPG | PRA:20.0/4.5/5.0
After getting off to a terribly slow start this season, Ivey has been making strides. He’s scored in double figures in five of his last six outings and played 28 minutes or more in five straight. Ivey appears to be gaining Monty Williams’ trust, at least to the point where he remains in the starting lineup next to Cade Cunningham.
Ivey’s shot nearly 56% from the field over the last two weeks, but the 3-point shot remains an issue. Improving in that area would only strengthen Ivey’s place within Williams’ rotation.
Patrick Williams - PF, Chicago Bulls
Yahoo: 31% rostered
Season Average: 23.30 MPG | PRA:7.5/3.9/1.2
Last Seven Games: 30.30 MPG | PRA:14.0/5.8/1.3
Williams has started to improve his game after a terrible start to the season. He has scored double digits in four consecutive games, playing for at least 28 minutes in three of those games.
The Bulls team is currently in a bad state, making it difficult to predict their fantasy value. Although it's unlikely that Williams will keep up his current level of production, he might be worth taking a chance on to see if his performance continues to improve.
Nicolas Batum - SF/PF, Philadelphia 76ers
Yahoo: 13% rostered
Season Average: 24.3 MPG | PRA: 6.2/3.9/1.8
Last Seven Games: 28.19 MPG | PRA:10.0/5.7/2.3
Batum may not be a primary offensive player for the 76ers, but he has been capitalizing on his opportunities since being promoted to a starting role. The veteran sharpshooter can help fantasy teams as a waiver pickup who could be particularly useful in category-based leagues. Batum has started in several of the last seven games and has managed to maintain an impressive 52% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker - SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Yahoo: 4% rostered
Season Average: 22.24 MPG | PRA: 5.9/2.0/2.5
Last Seven Games: 27.45 MPG | PRA:6.3/2.5/2.5
The New Orleans Pelicans had to replace Jaden McDaniels, who is currently out with an ankle injury, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker was given the opportunity to step up and fill his shoes for a few games.
If you're looking for a player to stream until McDaniels is cleared to return, Alexander-Walker might be a good option. Although he didn't see a significant increase in usage, he played well on both offense and defense and managed to avoid committing any turnovers.
Jordan Goodwin - PG, Phoenix Suns
Yahoo: 4% rostered
Season Average: 16.24 MPG | PRA: 6.3/3.5/2.1
Last Seven Games: 16:40 MPG | PRA:9.3/4.0/2.3
Goodwin has been playing exceptionally well for the Suns lately, scoring 14 points in each of his last two games coming off the bench. Although he is not expected to be promoted to the starting lineup anytime soon, he could be a valuable addition to your team if he continues to get regular playing time.
It's worth noting that Goodwin has scored in double digits in almost all of his appearances where he's played for 20 minutes or more.
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