ESPN fantasy basketball columnist Steve Alexander released his latest “Risers and Fallers” list on Dec. 5, highlighting players managers should target, shop or drop as the NBA calendar flips to December.
Risers: players to consider adding or trading for
Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Orlando Magic (95 % rostered)
After a sluggish start with Orlando, Bane has averaged 29.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 three-pointers in his past three outings. He has scored 37 points in two of those contests and could maintain strong value even when Paolo Banchero (groin) returns.
Keegan Murray, SF/PF, Sacramento Kings (74 %)
Back from a preseason thumb injury, Murray posted 18.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 steals, 1.3 blocks and 1.7 threes across six November games. Despite a 5-point effort on Wednesday, his defensive production keeps him firmly on the fantasy radar.
Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies (65 %)
Finally healthy following head and ankle issues, Edey opened December with 19 points, 15 rebounds, a steal and a block. Alexander believes the rookie center could finish the season as a top fantasy big man.
Kevin Porter Jr., PG/SG, Milwaukee Bucks (70 %)
Since returning on Nov. 29, Porter is averaging 28.0 points, 6.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 4.0 threes while shooting 61 %. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by a calf strain, Porter’s role may grow even larger.
Collin Gillespie, PG, Phoenix Suns (40 %)
Gillespie put up 13.3 points, 4.7 assists and 2.9 triples per game in November, then erupted for a season-high 28 points and eight three-pointers on Dec. 1. Injuries to Devin Booker (groin) and Grayson Allen have opened the door for extended minutes.
Jaylon Tyson, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers (14 %)
Undrafted in most leagues, Tyson averaged 12.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 threes in November. He set a season best with 27 points and 11 rebounds on Dec. 1 and followed with 14 points on Wednesday, making him one of Alexander’s favorite waiver-wire targets.
Jay Huff, C, Indiana Pacers (13 %)
Now starting for Indiana, the stretch-five leads the league at 2.3 blocks per game. A recent five-game run produced 12.4 points, 2.4 threes and 3.2 blocks, prompting Alexander to label him a timely buy-low candidate after Wednesday’s quiet outing.
Fallers: players to consider trading away
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks (100 %)
The two-time MVP will miss two to four weeks with a calf strain amid speculation about his future in Milwaukee. Alexander warns that poor free-throw shooting and potential team movement could hurt his fantasy value.
LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets (99 %)
Ball is shooting 38.4 % from the field and 29 % from three while averaging 3.4 turnovers. Durability remains a question—he has topped 60 games only once—and Alexander suggests cashing in after Wednesday’s 34-point performance.
LeBron James, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers (100 %)
Limited to five games by sciatic pain, the 40-year-old is averaging a career-low 15.2 points and 4.0 rebounds. Alexander advises moving the veteran as soon as he posts a solid line.
Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers (88 %)
A sore right knee has held Embiid to seven appearances in 20 games. His 19.4 points and 5.3 rebounds are career lows, leading Alexander to recommend unloading the former MVP.
Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans (91 %)
Out at least three weeks with a hip adductor strain, Williamson has already missed 13 of 23 games this season. Alexander notes his lack of three-point shooting and ongoing injuries as reasons to trade him.
Amen Thompson, SG/SF/PF, Houston Rockets (99 %)
Despite preseason hype, Thompson averages 17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 0.5 blocks. While his last two games show improvement, Alexander views the current moment as ideal for a buy-low bid rather than relying on immediate production.
Dyson Daniels, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks (94 %)
Daniels’ value hinges on steals (2.3 per game) while his scoring has dropped to 10.5 points. With Trae Young due back, Alexander suggests selling high if Daniels strings together a few big nights.
Zach LaVine, SG/SF, Sacramento Kings (89 %)
LaVine has reached 20 points once in his past six games and scored just two points on Wednesday. Unless a DeMar DeRozan trade materializes before the Feb. 5 deadline, Alexander expects a challenging season for the swingman.
The full column was published at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday and serves as a trading roadmap for fantasy managers heading into the heart of the NBA schedule.
Source: ESPN
