NBA Players to Watch: Rising Stars and Slumping Veterans
As the NBA season progresses, identifying players on the rise or experiencing declines is essential for fantasy basketball managers. Each week, we evaluate the league to highlight whom to add, trade, or drop. This week, several players, including Dylan Harper and Cam Spencer, are demonstrating significant potential, while others such as Darius Garland and Nikola Vucevic are struggling to produce.
Rising Stars Making an Impact
Stephen Curry, point guard for the Golden State Warriors, continues to dazzle fans and fantasy managers alike. After a remarkable performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 14, where he scored 48 points, he followed up with 39 points on December 12. Over these two games, Curry averaged 43.5 points and hit 9.0 three-pointers on 56% shooting. Although he had a quieter night with 15 points on Thursday, he still contributed nine rebounds and seven assists. Expect Curry to rebound strongly in his next match against the Phoenix Suns.
Another player on the rise is Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. After a slow start to the season, Jackson has recently regained form, scoring 28 and 31 points in his last two games. He is averaging 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 4.0 blocks during this stretch. With an upcoming matchup against the Washington Wizards, Jackson looks poised to maintain his momentum.
Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets is also making headlines. Knueppel scored 28 points and hit six three-pointers in his last game against the Atlanta Hawks. He has now recorded at least 28 points in three consecutive games, showcasing his growing role in the Hornets’ offense.
Among the newer faces capturing attention is Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs. After a quiet start, Harper exploded for 21 points against the New York Knicks and followed up with 24 points against the Wizards. His recent average of 22.5 points and 4.0 three-pointers per game on 59% shooting indicates he could be a key player moving forward.
Another noteworthy mention is Cam Spencer, also from the Grizzlies, who has been shooting an impressive 68% in December. Spencer has scored at least 20 points in three of his last five games, averaging 19.4 points and 5.8 assists during this stretch.
Players Facing Challenges
On the downside, Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers is struggling. Garland is experiencing a shooting slump, hitting just 35% of his attempts in December and averaging fewer than 15 points in his last five games. His performance has been disappointing, especially considering he has yet to reach 50% shooting in any game this season.
Similarly, Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls has faced challenges, scoring fewer than 16 points in five consecutive games before a slight bounce back with 20 points against the Cavaliers. With ongoing trade rumors swirling around him, his fantasy value remains uncertain.
As the season unfolds, Ajay Mitchell of the Oklahoma City Thunder has seen his role diminish following the return of teammate Jalen Williams. Mitchell’s production has dropped significantly, making him less reliable as a fantasy option.
Finally, Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, who had a stellar November, is currently experiencing a slump, averaging only 14.3 points and 9.1 rebounds in December. Despite his recent struggles, there is hope he can regain his earlier form.
In conclusion, as the NBA season approaches the Christmas period, monitoring player performance is crucial for fantasy basketball success. The rise of players like Curry and Harper speaks to their potential impact, while struggles from veterans like Garland and Vucevic may prompt managers to reconsider their strategies.
