Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch: Towns Cools Off, Murphy Hits Peak Value
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ESPN fantasy analyst Steve Alexander released his weekly update on Jan. 16, 2026, spotlighting four players whose production is climbing and four whose numbers are fading as managers set lineups for the stretch run.
Risers
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans (94 % rostered)
Over his past six outings, Murphy has delivered 31.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 55 % from the floor and 85 % at the line. With New Orleans sitting at 10-33 and the forward’s injury history limiting him to 62 or fewer games in three of four full seasons, Alexander advises dealing Murphy now for a top-tier return—Cade Cunningham is cited as a prime target—before possible rest or setbacks reduce his value.
Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Brooklyn Nets (96 % rostered)
Porter ranks inside the top 20 over his last five contests, averaging 25.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals on 44 % shooting, plus a perfect 21-for-21 from the stripe in January. Because Brooklyn is 11-27 and expected to shop him before the Feb. 5 deadline, the columnist recommends trading the high-scoring forward before a new situation—where he is unlikely to be a No. 1 option—or his history of back trouble drags the numbers down.
Naji Marshall, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (29 % rostered)
Marshall has logged 31 minutes per game since December and has erupted for 23.0 points, 6.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals over his last two contests. With several Mavericks, including Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, P. J. Washington, Daniel Gafford and Anthony Davis, nursing injuries, Marshall’s steady health and role make him a recommended pickup.
Brice Sensabaugh, SF, Utah Jazz (8.2 % rostered)
Sensabaugh erupted for 43 points on 15-of-22 shooting—with five threes—against Chicago on Wednesday. Through eight January games he is averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.9 triples while shooting 51 % from the field and 88 % at the line. Increased involvement and potential trade-deadline changes in Utah make the rookie a widely available waiver-wire option.
Fallers
Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, New York Knicks (100 % rostered)
Towns is shooting 42 % in January and posting 16.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.5 blocks and 0.8 threes over six games. Although he has appeared in 37 of New York’s 40 contests, fatigue after logging 35 minutes per game last season may be a factor. The Knicks, second in the East, still need him, making now a potential buy-low window before his career 52 % accuracy returns.
Stephon Castle, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs (88 % rostered)
Castle’s January shooting has dipped to 36 % with 3.7 turnovers per game, but he is still contributing 15.0 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 32 minutes. Alexander suggests targeting Castle in trades while his manager is frustrated, banking on a rebound toward his season average of 46 % from the field.
CJ McCollum, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks (77 % rostered)
Acquired in the Trae Young deal, McCollum logged 25 points, two threes and three assists in 27 minutes off the bench during Tuesday’s 141-116 loss to the Lakers. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu all demanding touches, the guard is expected to see reduced usage, prompting a sell-high recommendation.
Bobby Portis, PF, Milwaukee Bucks (46 % rostered)
Portis averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 threes for the season but supplied just three blocks since Dec. 21. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return limits his ceiling, and Alexander notes better front-court waiver options may be available, especially for managers needing defensive stats.
The weekly rundown underscores the importance of timing trades and pickups as the fantasy basketball season approaches the All-Star break.
Source: ESPN
