Fantasy Basketball Risers and Fallers: Eight Players to Watch Now

Fantasy basketball managers across leagues are weighing moves on eight players showing sharp rises or drops in value this January 2026 season. These shifts come from trades, injuries, and breakout performances, affecting rosters as the NBA season hits its midpoint.

Background

The NBA season reached January 15, 2026, with teams adjusting lineups due to trades and injuries. Fantasy players track per-game stats like points, rebounds, assists, and efficiency to build winning teams. Recent changes, such as Trae Young's trade to the Washington Wizards from the Atlanta Hawks, opened doors for new stars. Young players from the 2025 draft and college standouts for 2026 are also drawing attention. Managers check waiver wires and trade blocks daily to stay ahead. This week, experts point to specific names gaining steam or fading fast.

In dynasty leagues, long-term value matters most. Rookies and second-year players often surge when given bigger roles. Veterans like DeMar DeRozan prove they can still deliver at high levels. Injuries to stars like Domantas Sabonis create chances for backups. These factors shape weekly decisions for millions of fantasy participants.

Key Details

Top Risers to Add or Hold

Jalen Johnson stands out with the Atlanta Hawks. After Young's trade, Johnson locked in as the team's main piece. He averages near triple-doubles, posting elite points, rebounds, and assists per game. His usage rate jumped, making him a must-start in all formats.

Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz earns breakout player talk. Next to Lauri Markkanen, George hits top-30 fantasy value. He scores close to 24 points per game on better shots and drives. Managers should add him if available; his rise shows no signs of slowing.

Anthony Black heats up for the Orlando Magic. As the sixth man, he stepped up during teammate absences. Over two months, Black delivers top-80 value, nearing top-40 lately. He climbed over 60 spots in recent rankings. Keep him or grab from waivers.

DeMar DeRozan surprises with the Sacramento Kings. At his age, he posts top-40 per-game stats quietly. His scoring and efficiency make him a strong buy for contenders at low cost.

Maxime Raynaud fills in well for Sacramento too. With Sabonis sidelined, Raynaud starts and logs heavy minutes at top-150 value. If he holds the role post-trade, his stock climbs higher.

College Prospects for Dynasty Leagues

Duke's Cameron Boozer tops 2026 draft lists at No. 1 overall. His stats dominate, placing him 18th in dynasty rankings ahead of NBA stars like Scottie Barnes.

Kansas' Darryn Peterson sits at No. 2 despite a hamstring injury. He shows elite scoring potential, ranking 19th overall.

BYU's AJ Dybantsa rounds out the top three at No. 3, 26th overall. His wing play projects as top-25 fantasy value.

Houston's Kingston Flemings emerges as the class' top point guard with burst and shooting. Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. scores at high levels despite shooting concerns.

"Jalen Johnson has been demolishing this year. He’s delivering elite per-game value and flirting with triple-double averages." – Zach Reifschneider, fantasy analyst

These players fill key roster spots. Risers like Johnson and George boost categories across the board. Dynasty owners eye college names for future trades.

What This Means

For standard leagues, prioritize adding George and Black from waivers. They offer immediate help in points and assists. Johnson's trade-boosted role cements him as a hold or trade target. DeRozan provides steady value for playoff pushes without high ownership.

Raynaud's situation hinges on Sabonis. If traded, Raynaud stays relevant; otherwise, monitor minutes. College prospects like Boozer matter more in dynasty formats, where trades for picks build depth.

Injuries continue shifting roles. Orlando's frontcourt issues aid Black. Utah's system fits George's growth. Sacramento's setup lets veterans like DeRozan thrive.

Managers balance short-term wins with long-term bets. Waiver pickups like these can swing close leagues. Trade deadlines loom, so packaging fallers for risers makes sense.

RotoWire notes rising bench players from injuries, echoing these trends. Waiver wires stay active with names like Anfernee Simons exploding off benches elsewhere. Top overall ranks hold steady with Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading, but mid-tier moves decide matchups.

Dynasty players stockpile 2026 talents. Boozer's dominance and Peterson's upside signal franchise changers. Dybantsa and Flemings add guard depth.

Rosters evolve weekly. These eight players highlight the season's volatility. Keeping pace means constant checks on stats and news. Fantasy success rewards those spotting shifts early.