ESPN fantasy contributor Steve Alexander identified four notable risers and four significant fallers in his weekly NBA fantasy basketball update published on January 23, 2026.
Risers
Naji Marshall, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks — 39.1% rostered
The Mavericks, looking for offense beyond rookie forward Cooper Flagg, have turned to Marshall. Before Thursday’s win over Golden State, the forward averaged 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 three-pointers on 55 percent shooting in January. He then matched his season high with 30 points on 10-for-12 shooting, adding seven boards and nine assists. With Anthony Davis expected to be traded, Daniel Gafford nursing ankle issues and Dallas chasing a play-in spot, Marshall is locked into roughly 31 minutes per game and is considered a must-add.
Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors — 35.4% rostered
Jimmy Butler III’s season-ending ACL tear has opened playing time in Golden State. Podziemski produced nine points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals Thursday, marking his sixth consecutive game with a steal and his third outing of at least 30 minutes in the past four contests. With Butler out, the rookie guard is expected to contribute across categories for the remainder of the season.
Kelly Oubre Jr., SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers — 42.4% rostered
Since returning from a knee injury on January 7, Oubre has averaged 21.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.7 three-pointers over his past three games. He tallied 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting in Thursday’s overtime win against Houston and logged 41 minutes. With Philadelphia holding the No. 5 seed in the East, Oubre projects to maintain a prominent role.
Jusuf Nurkic, C, Utah Jazz — 46.7% rostered
Nurkic recorded consecutive triple-doubles this week, the first Jazz player to do so since Pete Maravich in 1975. After posting 17 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 14 assists Thursday, the center is averaging 16.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in January. Utah could explore trade options before the February 5 deadline, but if he stays, Nurkic appears entrenched as the starter.
Fallers
Kel’el Ware, C, Miami Heat — 60.1% rostered
Ware missed Thursday’s game with a hamstring injury after logging fewer than 18 minutes in six straight contests. Early-season production alongside Bam Adebayo has disappeared, and his status for a weekend back-to-back remains doubtful. Managers are advised to place him in an injured slot or consider dropping him if roster flexibility is needed.
Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF, Utah Jazz — 96.1% rostered
The All-Star forward has missed six consecutive games due to illness. Though averaging a career-high 27.9 points with 7.2 rebounds and 2.9 three-pointers, Markkanen has topped 55 games in only three of eight seasons. With Utah five games out of a playoff berth, Alexander suggests trading Markkanen before a potential late-season shutdown or a role reduction if moved elsewhere.
Paul George, SF/PF, Philadelphia 76ers — 75.1% rostered
George has reached 20 points just once in his past 14 appearances, capped by a 23-point effort on January 7. The 35-year-old is competing for touches with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and the resurgent Oubre. Given his workload uncertainty and age, Alexander recommends dealing George while his name value remains high.
Draymond Green, PF/C, Golden State Warriors — 57.5% rostered
Despite additional minutes created by Butler’s absence, Green averaged 9.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks in January. Thursday’s four-point effort on 1-for-5 shooting underlined his limited scoring. Managers are encouraged to scan waivers for alternatives who provide more consistent production.
Alexander’s full analysis will be updated each Friday through the NBA trade deadline and into the fantasy playoffs.
Source: ESPN
