As the NBA season progresses, some players are emerging as significant contributors in fantasy basketball. Among these standouts is Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, who is on the verge of achieving superstar status. His recent performances highlight how quickly a player’s trajectory can change in the league.
Jalen Johnson: A Rising Superstar
Jalen Johnson has been a revelation this season. On November 14, he delivered an extraordinary performance against the Utah Jazz, scoring 31 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, alongside 14 assists, 7 steals, and 4 three-pointers. His ability to achieve such a stat line is unprecedented in NBA history, signaling his potential as a key player moving forward.
In the previous game, he also excelled, registering 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. With this, he has recorded double-doubles in three consecutive games. Johnson’s past issues with injuries are a concern, but his current form suggests he could become a first-round fantasy pick next season if he maintains his health.
Other Notable Risers in Fantasy Basketball
- Deni Avdija, PF/SF – The Portland Trail Blazers forward is enjoying a breakout month, averaging 30.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across his November games. His hot streak shows no signs of slowing, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
- Grayson Allen, PG/SG – Allen of the Phoenix Suns was posting an impressive average of 21.7 points per game in November before suffering a quad injury. If he recovers swiftly, he still holds tremendous value for fantasy teams.
- Brandon Williams, PG – Currently with the Dallas Mavericks, Williams has stepped up as the starting point guard, consistently scoring in double digits. He has averaged 18 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in recent outings.
- Ace Bailey, SF/PF – After a rocky start, Bailey has hit his stride, scoring a career-high 21 points recently, and is showing signs of increased production.
- Daniss Jenkins, PG – Playing for the Detroit Pistons, Jenkins has turned heads with his recent performances, averaging significant points and assists in his last two games.
Injury Concerns and Fantasy Management
While many players thrive, others are struggling to maintain their value due to injuries. For example, Desmond Bane of the Orlando Magic has had an inconsistent season, despite recently hitting a game-winning three-pointer.
Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics and Dennis Schroder of the Sacramento Kings are two other notable players experiencing fluctuations in their performance. Monitoring these players could yield opportunities for savvy fantasy managers looking to trade or adjust their rosters.
Conclusion
The NBA season is proving unpredictable, with players like Jalen Johnson taking their game to new heights. Fantasy managers must remain vigilant to capitalize on the rising stars while navigating the challenges posed by injuries. As the season unfolds, both established and emerging talents will shape the fantasy landscape.
