Achiuwa and Sheppard headline fantasy risers as Vucevic and DeRozan slip late in season
achiuwa-sheppard-rise-vucevic-derozan-fall-fantasy-basketball-2026
With the NBA regular season entering its final weeks, several high-profile names are moving in opposite directions for fantasy managers. Precious Achiuwa, Reed Sheppard and Jonathan Kuminga have surged into must-roster territory, while Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan and Miles Bridges have seen their fantasy value erode.
Risers
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Sacramento Kings (30.0 % rostered)
Achiuwa has been Sacramento’s lone bright spot, averaging 17.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 59 % shooting and steady defensive numbers over his past eight games. With Domantas Sabonis shut down and Maxime Raynaud drawing the headlines, Achiuwa has delivered first-round fantasy production since February and should be rostered in every league.
Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Houston Rockets (72.9 %)
Since the All-Star break, Sheppard is posting 18.6 points and 4.3 made three-pointers across eight contests while contributing across every category. Houston sits fourth in the Western Conference, and the rookie has cemented himself as the third member of the Rockets’ core alongside Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson. He belongs on all rosters.
Jonathan Kuminga, PF, Atlanta Hawks (55.0 %)
Traded from Golden State, Kuminga is averaging 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in three appearances with Atlanta. A hip injury to Jalen Johnson opened extra minutes, and Kuminga’s only recent setback is a knee issue that cost him one game. If healthy, he remains a recommended add in every format.
Fallers
Nikola Vucevic, C, Boston Celtics (96.5 %)
Vucevic’s move to Boston has yielded just 22.5 minutes, 10.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 43 % shooting while Neemias Queta holds the starting role. Jayson Tatum’s impending return further squeezes touches, making the 35-year-old a borderline luxury stash. Alternatives such as Maxime Raynaud, Achiuwa, Moussa Diabaté or Donovan Clingan may offer greater upside.
DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF, Sacramento Kings (95.4 %)
DeRozan is logging 27 minutes but only 14.4 points on 43 % shooting over his last eight outings, with limited contributions elsewhere. Playing for the league’s worst team, he faces possible rest days as “silly season” approaches. Managers seeking a fuller stat line may consider moving on.
Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Charlotte Hornets (91.5 %)
Charlotte has climbed to ninth in the East behind LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller, leaving Bridges with reduced touches. Over his past five games he is at 11.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 39 % from the field and 64 % from the line. His 1.4 steals help, but he is no longer a lock to hold if a hotter waiver option appears.
The regular season’s closing stretch often reshapes fantasy rosters, and managers may need to act quickly on these trends to secure playoff success.
Source: ESPN
