Exactly one month into the 2025-26 NBA campaign, injuries and unexpected performances are reshaping fantasy basketball lineups. Analyst Steve Alexander highlighted this week’s biggest movers in his column published Nov. 14.
Risers
Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks (96 % rostered)
Johnson authored a historic outing against Utah on Thursday, producing 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, seven steals and four three-pointers—numbers never before recorded in a single NBA game. The 22-year-old has three straight double-doubles and, if healthy, is trending toward first-round fantasy status next season.
Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers (92 %)
In five November contests, Avdija is averaging 30.2 points, 6.6 boards, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks and 3.0 threes. The fourth-year forward remains a staple of Portland’s offense with no signs of slowing.
Grayson Allen, PG/SG, Phoenix Suns (71 %)
Allen left Thursday’s game early with a quad injury after scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, but he entered the night delivering 21.7 points, 5.2 threes, 2.2 steals and 51 % accuracy in November. He has reached double figures in all 13 games this season and hit 42 points on Monday.
Brandon Williams, PG, Dallas Mavericks (10 %)
Thrust into the starting role after the Luka Doncic–Anthony Davis trade and GM Nico Harrison’s dismissal, Williams has scored in double digits five straight times. Over his last two games he is posting 18.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.0 steals while playing 33 minutes a night.
Ace Bailey, SF/PF, Utah Jazz (33 %)
Bailey erupted for a career-best 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting versus Atlanta. He has hit double figures in four consecutive games and totaled 41 points over his past two outings.
Daniss Jenkins, PG, Detroit Pistons (2 %)
Jenkins has exploded for 24 and 18 points in back-to-back games, averaging 6.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 3.0 steals and 2.0 triples despite backing up Cade Cunningham.
Vit Krejci, PG, Atlanta Hawks (3 %)
With Trae Young sidelined by a sprained MCL, Krejci has drilled 19 three-pointers in four games and scored at least 17 points in three of them. He logged 20 points, three assists and three steals Thursday.
Fallers
Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Orlando Magic (92 %)
Bane’s season has been shaky, though he did post 22 points in each of his past two games alongside 4.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists. He has gone three straight games without a steal or block, and Paolo Banchero’s groin issue could open additional shots.
Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics (80 %)
After back-to-back five-point clunkers, Pritchard rebounded with 24 points, six boards, nine assists and five threes Wednesday. He owns only two steals in seven November games but continues to log heavy minutes.
Dennis Schroder, PG, Sacramento Kings (42 %)
Schroder’s early November run (24, 18, 18 points) stalled once Russell Westbrook arrived. He has scored 2, 3, 0 and 9 points in his last four outings, shooting 4-for-27 overall.
Russell Westbrook, PG, Sacramento Kings (80 %)
Westbrook is 9-for-30 from the field across three games (6, 14, 10 points). November averages of 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists are tempered by a three-guard timeshare with Schroder and Keon Ellis.
Toumani Camara, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers (49 %)
Camara is shooting just 41 % but contributes 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 2.6 threes in November while playing nearly 37 minutes over his last five contests.
Jake LaRavia, PF, Los Angeles Lakers (22 %)
LaRavia has scored eight or fewer points in three of his past four games. With LeBron James nearing a return from a G-League rehab assignment, LaRavia’s role is expected to shrink.
Collin Gillespie, PG, Phoenix Suns (20 %)
Gillespie managed 10 points, four rebounds and two threes in Thursday’s blowout of Indiana but has reached double figures only once in his last six appearances. November lines sit at 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
The shifting fortunes of these players offer managers a roadmap for waiver claims and trade discussions as the season’s second month unfolds.
Source: ESPN
